Dean Close Prep School

[diamondsinthesand]

Does anyone have any experience of Dean Close Prep School? We like the Christian ethos but not sure about the boarding provision. Would be good to hear from current parents of yr 4-5 boarders. Is the music as good as it looks on the website?

[whaticallsuchfun]

After considering many schools in Chelt and Oxford, our DD started at DCPS last September as a flexi-boarder. We've been absolutely delighted - the boarding provision is just the right balance of home comforts, fun and structure. Music is second to none, amazing facilities and everyone encouraged to join in, whatever their musical talents - big part of school life. We found the Christian ethos underpins the whole attitude to teaching, inclusion and pastoral care but it's def not "in your face" if those aren't your beliefs. It seems a very balanced, happy school, good social mix with high standards where independence is encouraged but with plenty of support. Hope this helps!

[diamondsinthesand]

Thanks! Yes it does help, it means so much more when you hear from actual parents and we don't know any. We've seen lots of schools and this one seems to have high standards but without being too pushy about it - thats the impression I got, anyway. I was concerned about the boarding (looking at weekly/flexi) with the road outside - we really wanted lots of running around space. Another visit planned though :). Good to hear about the music!

[whaticallsuchfun]

Like you, we knew no-one at the school, but you're very quickly made to feel part of the community, even if you live some distance away. Interestingly, it was the first school we looked at and then (as is often the case) the one we always came back to. It's deceptive in that the 3 schools (pre-prep, prep and senior) are on 50 acres as the buildings face "away" from the main road and look inward onto beautiful playing fields - and plenty of running around space! Our DD left primary school with little interest in sport but has embraced everything on offer and "grown" into new surroundings. Music/drama-wise, they are building a fab new prep school hall/music/theatre/teaching space which will be ready by Oct 2013. They're extremely flexible with boarding days, as the recent snowy/bad weather has borne out. Very grounded school but with high expectations and, as you say, very encouraging, but not pushy - we've really felt that as a school, they "do what it says on the tin" - hope your next visit goes well! PM me if you've any other questions

[diamondsinthesand]

Have PM'd

[teacherwith2kids]

I believe that Colleger had a child at DC, and that neither of her children now attend the senior school. She is also v. knowledgeable about various schools. Might be worth searching for her and PMing her as she may have interesting views...

[Wifepot]

Hi we are considering Dean Close for a Y5 Y6 boarding boy. Are you still happy with the school? Do you know how many boarders would be left at weekend? The house that covers Y5/6 seems a little small with only one 'common room' and a kitchen/study room. Is this a good or bad thing for that age?

[JimBobplusasprog]

I haven't got a dc there at the moment but we looked at it with our ds because it offers choristerships and we are local. The facilities are excellent - the kids aren't denied anything, with an amphitheatre and a recording studio and a professional theatre and all sorts of AstroTurf and pitches. The sport is good and particularly hockey. Music is also good and the facilities and opportunities are wonderful.

The down side is that it is locally the place to send your kids if they fail the 11+. My neighbours had children at the prep and they moved them to another prep locally when thwy realised that the kids weren't keeping up with their peers at the state schools.

It is very happy and caring and quite evangelically Christian which may appeal.

[Wifepot]

Thanks, rings true to other things I've heard. Thank you.