Grounds & Buildings
Grounds
Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School occupies just over 35 acres of manicured parkland site. Our grounds are maintained to a very high standard offering our students the best possible sports facilities and grounds for their enjoyment.
In our grounds we have seven rugby pitches, ten football pitches (of various sizes to accommodate different age groups), three cricket pitches, five cricket nets, five rounders pitches, two astro mini hockey pitches, six astro tennis courts, six netball courts, a fully equipped gymnasium and a small dance hall. Last but not least is our 1500 metre woodland cross-country course known as 'The Oti'. We use the brand new 25 metre Dame Angela Rumbold indoor swimming pool at Mill Hill School for swimming lessons and clubs.
A large wooden adventure playground next to the Jubilee Hall and a variety of large established games are set up including a giant chessboard, for children to use during break and lunchtime. There is a children's gardening area where seasonal plants and flowers are planted and tended to by the children.
Through the grounds a sunken garden frames the rear entrance to the quadrangle. Here a large pond and fountain creates a very special centrepiece. Large manicured lawns flank the side of the school and many beautiful and historic specimen trees and shrubs are scattered throughout the grounds. Endless, unobstructed views across the Totteridge Valley can be seen to the rear of the school, giving the feeling of being in the middle of the countryside.
Buildings
James Paine, originally built 'Belmont' the main house, in the late 1760's. The design was strongly influenced by the work of Robert Adam, evidenced by the beautiful curved doors and circular atrium. This building has been recently sympathetically refurbished and now acts as the main entrance to the school. It houses the function rooms and main reception area, staff rooms and the Head and her staff's offices. Adjoining the main house is the Music Department followed by further Upper School classrooms leading to the newly refurbished Art Room. Upstairs is the ICT department and further classrooms and offices. The infirmary and nurse station is also in this building.
Walking through the doors into the quadrangle is what is known as the 'Cloister Block'. This was an area built in 1923 that formed much needed extra accommodation at that time. Now this houses science laboratories and boys' changing rooms.
The Jubilee Hall was finished in 2002 and was named to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee. It accommodates most of the lower school classrooms, the Dining Hall/Assembly Hall and the Head of Lower School's office. Attached to the Jubilee Hall is the Gymnasium.
The Chapel stands within the quadrangle. This was built in 1925 and came into full use during January 1926. To this day the Chapel forms the heart of the school. Here morning assemblies take place. The Chapel is also used for small drama productions, some music lessons and various seasonal choir recitals.
The Old Chapel is something of a mystery! There are various reports that it was built originally as a Gothic dairy. It was later a shelter for the Home guard on night duty during WW11 and also a Headmaster's garage. It is currently used as an office.
Further down in the playing field stands the Cricket Pavilion. Here summer refreshments are served during home matches. The original swimming pool pavilion is now used as the girls' changing rooms and the outdoor swimming pool is used as a car park. These are at the bottom of the drive, towards the playing fields.
All the old buildings that form part of Belmont, Mill Hill Preparatory School today have a wonderful history and story behind them. Much of the charm and character of these buildings has been restored, while retaining modern conveniences and the latest technology.
