South Lee prep school

[aggie246]

Anyone have any experience of South Lee school in Bury St Edmunds??

Considering moving DD there. Heard there's been lots of positive changes over the past couple of years and like what we saw. just wondered if anyone else has a view?

[Alikat1971]

I don't have any experience of South Lee but it does seem to have a good reputation. We are considering moving out Daughter and Son there. Interested to hear any thoughts too please? We are also looking at Finborough as you can stay there till 16/18 if you wish. Have you considered Finbrough?

[aggie246]

Hi there, we know people who have children at Finborough. Yes that's also supposed to be a good school but it's too far for us. Bury is just about feasible

[Alikat1971]

Hi, thanks for replying. It's a big decision isn't it! South Lee is closer in miles but probably about the same travelling time for Finborough for us because of town traffic. South Lee definitely has a good academic reputation and after looking round I did like it. Have you visited South Lee?

[pepperpot69]

Both my DCs were at South Lee and we loved it. Really nurturing and caring and great academics. Still have friends with DC there, we only left due to re-location.

[Butkin]

DD was at South Lee from Nursery until she left last year. We've not got a bad word to say about the place and it was great for her - academically, sporting and pastorally. They really cosetted her whilst still pushing her on in every sphere.

The school is smallish and the class sizes are very manageable (about 10 - 12 per class) with great teachers and TAs. They teach to a high standard and when we moved on every school we looked round said they are very pleased to take SL students. We've found that she fitted right into her new school at a decent academic level.

It's very easy to get around the school and the fact they get excellent home cooked lunches every day is a bonus.

They have very good sports facilities for a school this size with the use of Victory Grounds and Nowton Park. They have also just opened the new indoor sports centre across the road which is a really good facility.

The one thing to note is that we left when the new headmaster started (internal appointment so somebody we knew well). You'd need to check with current parents to see how he's getting on but with the excellent team around him I imagine it was a seamless transition.

The one thing I would note that by the time the children get into Yr 7 the class sizes are quite small (lots leave after Yr 6 to board) so this is something to consider for your child.

We can easily answer any specific questions you may have.

[aggie246]

Thanks for replies; yes we've heard great things about the school.

I understand that it was a bit of a rocky time when the old Head left but it all seems calm again now

[H4dley]

We are moving East and were happy to have our DC accepted at Brookes - I hear it used to be called Cherry Trees - exciting, inclusive and definitely on the right track.