Private schools in Woking

[namechangedfromscratch]

Hi, I have name changed for this. I am looking for opinions on Hoebridge/Greenfield/StAndrews/InternationalSchoolOfLondon as my closest private schools but happy to cast a wider net. I am looking for a place that would value social and emotional well-being, that would nurture creativity and curiosity for learning over academic results, especially for the youngest. I don't like sticker charts/jars/house points or any other external reward systems and prefer if homework is non-compulsory, again, at least for the youngest. I have already visited most of the schools in the vicinity and have my opinion based on these visits, but would appreciate some further (first hand?) input.

[namechangedfromscratch]

And thank you so much for sharing your views! I find the whole experience rather nerve racking, so really appreciate what you can share here.

[fairgroundsnack]

My DS is at St Andrews and we are very happy with it. There is no house point or similar system in the pre prep but there is once they move into year 3. We have found it very caring and focussed on the emotional and social wellbeing of the children. I don't know if it gets more results focussed as they get older. Greenfield is also known for being very caring although I don't have first hand experience. I think Hoe Bridge is very sporty and my impression is that it isn't as focussed on the artistic and social side. I have a friend with a son at ISL who is very happy with it - I think the majority of children there are bilingual or trilingual.

[namechangedfromscratch]

Thank you so much, fair. How do St Andrew discipline children for misbehaviour and things like not completing homework or class work on time? I am very concerned about my dd as she has no interest in anything academic yet, but she is 4.5 and is expected to start early academic learning already. We are home educating for now with a plan to join her cohort once she starts showing interest for that type of learning.

[fairgroundsnack]

I don't think they have any disciplinary consequences in the pre prep for not completing work. Misbehaving would just be being spoken to by the teacher, who would then speak to parents if there was a concern. They might lose a few minutes of playtime if appropriate. They are very keen to engage the children and I don't think they would look to discipline a child who wasn't interested in academic learning, they would want to get them interested.

[GU24Mum]

We looked at the three Woking schools other than the International School. Mine are not in Woking schools but in schools nearby. From my experience (and that of friends), the boys' schools (and ones which were boys' schools), the Pre-Preps can be very nurturing but it's far more serious and strict when they go into Prep. If you want a good view, I'd make sure you look at the Prep years as well as the Pre-Preps when you look round.

[venus78]

I am looking for the same as your initial question, so very interested as to which one you selected and how the experience was? Any information would be most helpful.

[Yura]

@venus78 our son is at greenfield, a friends kids are at st andrews. both are great school, but dufferent. we prefer Greenfield , but its much of a personal preference. pm me for details ;)