Merton Court School is a family-run co-educational independent day school which provides for children from 2-11 years of age. The principal is the proprietor. It is located in Sidcup in the south-east region of outer London and is set within 17 acres of grounds, which include woodland and a nature reserve. There are 316 children on roll. The school was first established in 1899 and recently celebrated its centenary. It was registered under recent legislation in 2003. The school prepares pupils for entry into both maintained and independent schools. The early years provision was last inspected by Ofsted in September 2006. The school aims ‘to create a strong family ethos and an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness in a caring environment…. where traditional values and a progressive environment meet to give every child the best possible start in life.’ Although the school has a Christian ethos children from different traditions are welcome.