Habs Boys

[NewMum20014]

My husband and I are hoping to send our DS to Habs Boys pre-prep. As he was born in December 2014 I think this will be in September 2020. I just wondered if anyone on here had any ideas re.what to expect in terms of entry assessments and applicant/place ratios? In addition, as we are new to the area, can anyone recommend any good nurseries in the area that would take DS between 3-5? Many thanks!

[ThisOneAndThatOne]

Oh my. You are planning early!

Check out the website. I think you have to apply around 6 months before the assessment. So you have plenty of time.

Their intake is from a huge range of preps, pre-preps and primary schools. So you need to choose one that you will be happy sticking with should he not get a place.

[NewMum20014]

We are looking at lots of different options both state and private in case they are better suited to him, but have the info on those from friends, Habs is the one we don't know anyone from hence this thread . We are also struggling with recommendations for good care providers for ages 3-5 as we are new to the area. I'm trying to do as much research as I can before my maternity leave ends .

[ThisOneAndThatOne]

It's not clear from your op which area you are in.

Let us know where you have moved to and I am sure you will get some good suggestions.

[NewMum20014]

Not at all, thanks so much for your recommendations I will check them out!!

[NewMum20014]

We are in Northaw, Potters Bar, so looking at the Hertfordshire/ St. Albans area.

[ThisOneAndThatOne]

I don't know that area so I can't help.

But would reiterate that you should pick somewhere where you would be happy for him to stay.

You could ask Habs for suggestions as they will know where their intake has come from in the past.

[Juliebax79]

Interesting viewer of all the Habs threads on here. The school seems quite divisive in the eyes of parents.

I'm in a similar position now and have a boy who we are considering for a prep place in the area soon. I've heard habs described as nurturing , competitive and high performing. But I've heard it described as sharp elbowed (parents and children), the antithesis of nurturing and quite harsh. Can't deny the results at a level, but there's a long way to go to that stage and I don't want my ds damaged in the meantime.

I've also heard on the vine that this year they are losing a ton of boys to other secondaries at 11plus - both state and other private. Something like 20pc of the year is turning over and they lose a heap of really excellent boys in y3-5 as well because the parents aren't liking the environment.

So what sort of parents/boys does it work for and not?

[hertsmummy14]

Hi all. Im currently looking at Duncombe, Manor Lodge, Lochinver House and Heath Mount for my son, who will join at age 3 in 2017. Would anyone have any thoughts on any of these prep schools please, as any guidance would be much appreciated.

[mumteacher]

Those are all great options since Habs take from a selection of schools.

Also consider your options in view of the 5+ not working in your favour. You want your son to be in a school you are happy with until the next entry point which is 7 or 11+.

[hertsmummy14]

Thanks so much, Lochinver House and Heath Mount both prepare children to move on at 13 rather than 11 so a lot to consider!!