Aldenham vs Hendon Prep

[Tulls]

Hi there,

I need advice please. I have visited both of the above and would like some parental advice on the schools. I know they are both good schools and I like them both however I am absolutely torn.

Hendon prep - Small but lovely and 5 minutes away from my house and have space.

Aldenham - Also small but set in amazing grounds with a sports field etc, however without traffic it took me 20 mins (my appt was 10am). They were full before easter and now have 4 spaces available, is that a warning sign that people are leaving?

Would it be silly of me to risk over an hours journey both ways every day? Or am I better of putting my 6 year old in a school as close to home as possible?

Also any personal experience of either school ? I would greatly appreciate the feedback.

Many thanks
Tulin :))

[bluecarpet]

where do you live? might be able to give you an idea of the school run time to aldenham. can you do it in school rush hour tomorrow and see what it's like?

[Bigbiscuits]

I would go for the nearest school. Especially at this age. So you can have play dates etc.

What age is this for? Aldenham probably loose a few to Habs for year 1 and year 3. So that maybe why they have a few slots.

I am not a parent at either.

[Lindy2]

I have friends who are very happy with Aldenham. However, if you also like the school that is close to you I would choose the easy journey.

[Tulls]

Blue carpet, I live in Mill Hill east.. Thats a really good idea. I will do a school run at the correct time ;) thank you for the suggestion. Where do you live? Do your kids go to Aldenham?

Bigbiscuits, My husband says the easy journey too. I agree about the locality for play dates and a easier social life, thats definitely a plus. My son is currently in year 1 so that makes a bit more sense. They have prop moved over to Habs.

Lindy I can see why your friends are happy there, it is a wonderful school in a stunning setting.

[Sistersweet]

In my opinion Aldenham is everything a primary / prep school should be. It's a great all round education where the children get a fantastic grounding in a school where happiness and pastoral care is key. It's an incredibly happy school with a wide social economic and ethnic range of children who leave confident, happy, well educated and unstressed. It's not a hothouse and doesn't want to be, the children move on to the senior school or other local schools both state and private. It's academically mixed and gets the best out of each child.

I wouldn't worry unduly about there being spaces. Overall the school is full and turnover of pupils is low and has been for the last few years. There are always children who move for different reasons but it's not concerning. Some families are international, some move for work reasons, some for financial and some who are looking for a different kind of education.

[Tulls]

Thank you for your feedback sister sweet, very helpful :)

[bluecarpet]

Mill Hill East isn't that far, you should do it in 20-30 minutes even during the school run. My kids aren't there but I know people with kids in the senior school who are happy with it.

[Tulls]

Thank you blue carpet :) I think I am going to go for the local school.

Just for an easier social life for him and less sitting in the car which can be spent doing homework!!

x

[FanDabbyFloozy]

Have you looked at Grimsdell (Mill Hill) or Goodwyn's which must be even closer to you?

[Tulls]

I have but they are all full with waiting lists, in fact the only 2 with spaces are the 2 I have mentioned!!

[SapnaBb]

Hi
My daughter is currently in reception but has been at HP since nursery. Great school, teaching staff really good and nurturing. New Head is making some positive changes.
Its a small school but I am really happy with that; really good school community spirit.
Happy to have a further chat if you DM me..

[BbEee]

I have a child in Hendon Prep. The pre-prep has the most fantastic teachers, my little one is really happy there. I love the community, parents are really nice, doing coffee morning and dinners, parents tennis group is on Fridays.
The new head is making some very good changes. The nursery is rated outstanding in the latest report. Children are really making huge progress, at nursery there is dance French music art and tennis. It is a great school, really worth considering!

[Mamagoingbacktoschool]

Hi - I know this is now a really old thread, but I’m facing a similar decision on whether to move my child into Hendon prep from the local state. I’m curious to know how you’ve found your experience at the school to be? Thanks

[Jasmine89H]

Hi

did you end up sending you child to HP? I am in the process of choosing schools and would love some feedback.

many thanks

[Wish95]

Same!

[elephantom1]

Hi jumping on this thread @Mamagoingbacktoschool what did you choose? Did you go for HP, if so, what is it like?

Torn between Hendon Prep and Goodwyn - any thoughts? (both equi-distant for us)

[Mamagoingbacktoschool]

Hi, we went for St Martin’s on Goodwyn Avenue in the end, and are really happy we did. The facilities are non existent, and they don’t have much sports provision, so we have to somewhat supplement that ourselves. I think the pastoral care is excellent and the class size is tiny, so the level of academic support is brilliant

[ProfessorB]

Which one did you go at tge end?