Advice please W London private schools, would you choose Latymer Hammersmith or Kings College Wimbledon?

[curiouscat]

DS has been offered a place at both schools. We are struggling to choose between them. Does anyone have any direct experience/advice which might sway us either way? Both are equally easy to get to, good academically etc. Thank you in advance for any pointers.

[procrastinatingparent]

Don't know Latymer but taught for a term at Kings and would certainly send any academic boy there. I thought the staff room had a lovely atmosphere and the teachers were very professional. I also thought it was good that you didn't have to be a certain type of boy to be popular there - it was ok to be geeky or into sport or art or music.

Admittedly all this was 8 years ago so it may have changed - and I think it was under a different head.

Not sure any of that helps you much!

[curiouscat]

Thanks procrastinating, it's good to hear something positive

[singersgirl]

Is this for 11+? Haven't you missed your deadline? It was 6th March for Latymer.

KCS is better than Latymer academically, though at that level I'm sure it wouldn't make a difference to the outcome of an individual child. Latymer's head is very impressive and gives a good account of his school.

Latymer is very urban and felt fairly cramped to me; KCS is in a much more attractive setting. KCS has a reputation for being a very traditional boys' school whereas Latymer, with the move to co-ed, feels a bit more modern. But KCS is due to take girls in the 6th form, I think.

Your DS will have to take Common Entrance at KCS to enter the senior school if he's going in at 11, but this won't apply at Latymer.

I know people with children at both and all seem happy/thriving.

FWIW, we've just turned down Latymer for DS1 for a place at another traditional boys' prep (not KCS) that was closer to our home and not on King Street (I wasn't too keen on King Street).

[curiouscat]

Singers you've confirmed what I thought, Latymer feels more 'trendy' (and cramped) and KCS more traditional.

I'm leaning towards KCS at the mo, but we'll probably decide once have finally asked ds's opinion. We're fine on deadlines, Latymer would be entry at 11 this September, whereas KCS he can stay where he is for 2 years and join in 2011 assuming he passes common entrance that year. Thanks for your input

[susie100]

I have lots of friends who went there to school - very nice, non snobby, all quite different lads.

Friend teaches rugby there now and loves it, really nice boys. I think they now do IB only and not A levels so something to consider. Much nicer setting as well.