Fees at Hilden Oaks are very competitive compared to many independent schools, and intentionally so. We do not want cost to be a barrier to your child's education so we keep fees as low as possible whilst retaining the highest standards of teaching and care. We operate as a charitable trust and reinvest any surplus into the school’s facilities and education to keep improving the school.
Preparatory School Fees Schedule 2025-2026 (incl VAT) (download)
Nursery & Preschool All Year Round Fees Schedule 2025-2026 (download)
Nursery & Preschool Termly Fees Schedule 2025-2026 (download)
Early Years / Working Parents Funding at Hilden Oaks
Our Nursery and Preschool provides younger children the opportunity to start their Hilden Oaks journey before they reach compulsory school age. Hilden Oaks participates in Early Years Funding.
| Child's Age | Funding Criteria |
|---|---|
| 9 months–2yrs | The Working Parents Funding 15 hours/week term-time OR 12hours/week all year-round contracts. (means-tested, eligibility criteria apply) |
| 2yrs–3yrs | The Working Parents Funding 15 hours only term-time OR 12 hours onlyall year-round contracts. (means-tested, eligibility criteria apply) |
| 3yrs– (from term after term 3rd birthday until term child turns 5yrs old) |
The Universal Childcare Funding Available to ALL parents 15 hours only term-time OR 12 hours only all year-round contracts\ The Working Parents Funding also known as Extended Entitlement15 hours only term-time OR 12 hours only all year-round contracts. (means-tested, eligibility criteria apply) |
Working Parents Funding
In addition to the Universal Funding for all 3/4yr olds noted below, we have also opted in to the working entitlement funding (means-tested, eligibility criteria applies) across the following age bands: 9mo-2yrs, 2yrs-3rs and 3yrs – 4yrs for 15hrs a week term-time or 12 hrs a week for all year-round children. More information on eligibility can be found at Homepage | Childcare Choices
Universal Funding
Hilden Oaks is a registered early years free entitlement (EYFE) provider for 3 and 4-year-olds. All children (from the term following their 3rd birthday until the term of their 5th birthday) are eligible to receive a maximum of 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, regardless of parental income or 12 hours per week for 48 weeks for all year-round contracts. Parents are only able to claim for the number of full weeks in our academic year as designated by Kent County Council (KCC). Parents who do not use their full 15 hours may claim the difference through another registered provider. Please note that for children to be eligible for the EYFE funding discount through the Michaelmas term, they must be physically present from the start of the September term and is subject to availability of sessions until compulsory school age. Hilden Oaks reserves the right to withdraw from the scheme at any time and will endeavour to give one term’s notice of any change
Parents only wishing to access 15 hours Free Early Education will be offered 5 sessions from 11.00 am until 2.00 pm subject to availability, until compulsory school age. These places are not subject to the registration deposit mentioned below. The school reserves the right to withdraw from the scheme at any time and will endeavour to give one term’s notice of its intention.
Childcare/TFC Vouchers
These provide an easy way for working parents to save on the cost of childcare. We are happy to accept vouchers towards payment of Pre-School fees. Please contact the Registrar for further information.
Payment Terms
Payment of fees should be made at the beginning of each term by bank transfer.
A deposit of £500 is required when registering. Please contact the Registrar for further details.
Bursaries
Bursaries are awarded on occasion, to provide assistance with school fees, to parents of children with academic potential, who would not normally be able to benefit from being educated at an independent school.
There are a limited number of means-tested bursaries, of varying sizes, available, which are awarded only where pupils and parents meet the necessary criteria.
Several children at the school already benefit from these type of bursaries, so if you believe that a bursary would be applicable to your circumstances, please contact the Registrar, in confidence, for more information and to explore this opportunity further