Halstead Prep vs St.Andrews Woking

[NG1234]

I'm struggling to decide between Halstead Prep and St.Andrews for my DD. I'd really appreciate if anyone could share their experiences or provide a review on these two schools. Also, which are the other good independent prep schools in Woking? I know of Hoe Bridge, Greenfield but don't know much about them. Any help would be appreciated.Thanks!

[NG1234]

Just wanted to add, considering these schools for DD when she turns 3.

[GU24Mum]

If you just have girls, you may find St Andrew's fairly boy-heavy. I looked round for my DD. The girls tend to be sibings more than from girl-only families but that's not an issue of course for some people. Of the mixed schools I looked at, Greenfield felt truly mixed, HB and St As felt like boys' schools with girls in them. Where do you live? Have you looked at Rydes Hill?

[fairgroundsnack]

I have a DS at St A and a DD at Halstead. This isn't unusual so goes some way to show why St A remains a bit big heavy. Hoe Bridge isI think even more of a boys school which takes girls. Greenfield is more balanced if you want co-ed. in my opinion and experience Halstrad is an amazing and truly exceptional school for girls - the progress they make and individual attention they receive is fantastic.

[NG1234]

Thank you so much for your advice GU24Mum and fairgroundsnack.

We live in Bisley and I've been looking at schools based primarily in Woking. I haven't yet looked at Rydes Hill as Halstead, St A, HB and Greenfield seem more popular. At least, that's the impression I've got from my research online. I will have a look at their inspection report though.

Both DH and I really like Halstead as it felt like they focus on both academics and extra-curricular activities equally. We also prefer a school with smaller numbers. Having studied in both girls-school as well as mixed, my personal choice is to send DD to a girls-school. However, I've heard that the school is rather small in terms of space and I'm also unsure about their sports facilities. Hoping to visit a couple of the other schools such as St A & Greenfield before we decide though.

Fairgroundsnack, When did your DD join Halstead? Does she enjoy the school? What about after school care?

Thanks once again for your help!

[samjane283]

I might be too late and you might have already made your decision but I thought I would let you know that we chose Halstead for our DD and it's great! She loves it and is very happy. There is loads of sport, they are all in teams and it doesn't feel small at all. We have found all the teachers so helpful and encouraging and our daughter has settled so well. We are really pleased we decided on Halstead!

[NG1234]

Thanks so much for letting me know, samjane283! Having read your post, it reinforces my belief that we've taken the right decision in choosing Halstead for DD. DD is likely to start either at the end of this year or next as she's quite enjoying nursery at the moment.

What sport is your DD interested in at school? Any experience of the after-school care because that's something we'll definitely need.

[samjane283]

Glad to be of help! My daughter is a huge netball fan and also enjoys hockey. We use the after school care on a regular basis and the after school care team is wonderful. Girls are given a high tea in after school care too. There are also lots of after school clubs and you only pay for the ones that are run by teachers outside of the school. The range is very good.

[NG1234]

That's really helpful! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience - much appreciated!
Would it be ok if I PM you at some point?

[MS0]

Hi NG1234, was wondering if you have made the decision for your daughter and how you find it. Thanks,