Best private prep schools in Richmond

[yingyang23]

Hi, We came to richmond few months back and fell in love with the area and now finally moving to richmond by the end of this year. Before our house move I wanted advise from all you lovely mummys on schools for my kids. I have a 3.5 year old girl and 1 year old boy. My lil girl is shy,soft and probably a little more sensetive than kids her age. She is also a very happy and fun loving girl and once she makes friends she is very comfortable forming good friendships but mainly with kids who are like her. We have been debating about state OR private school for her and probably considering her nature and big class sizes in state schools thought maybe its better to put her in a happy and nurturing private school which can help build her confidence as well. Also as i will pay for it need one which gives good results academically and help over all development. We are planning to move some place not too far from Richmond central. Can you please advise on good private prep schools in the area for her.

[AnonymouseInTheHouse]

Have a look at Unicorn which is opposite Kew Gardens.
My children are in a state primary, but I've got friends who have nothing but praise for Unicorn.

[yingyang23]

Thank you anonymouseInThe House for replying. I did call Unicorn but they have no place and waiting list and gender policy kind of ensure that i will not get any place there. Any other? Also whats your verdict on state school considering your kids go there. Which one do you think might be nice and well suited for my daughter.

[Gingerbreadbaker]

Broomfield House in Kew is a small school which has a reputation as being very friendly but also quite academic. Parents seem nice too - sociable and not too entitled.

[DonsDrapers]

I am not sure you will get much of a choice with the private schools. A lot have nursery classes that will have started already with 3 year olds, hence the difficulty in getting a place. I think you will just have to make a lot of phone calls. Most of the parents put names down when there children are babies. I have seen parents on school visits with bumps!

[yingyang23]

Thank you all for your comments. My daughter just got a place for 4+ in Kew green prep. What are your comments on that? Also I visited new land house. Really liked it but a little far from Richmond hill where we were planning to rent.

[yingyang23]

Any help on my last question?

[seriouslycantthinkofaname]

Kew Green Prep seems decent. Have several friends with kids there who are very happy. Don't know it from first hand experience.

[SchoolInfoPlease]

Have you looked at Kings House for boys and the Old Vicarage for girls?
Ideal for Richmond Hill and feed lots of good senior schools

[Gingerbreadbaker]

Kew Green Prep is not particularly academic which you may well be aware of, and unconcerned. You know your child. However, if you want your child to go to one of the top London senior schools, there are other primary/prep schools in the area which are better choices. It is always worth bearing in mind that Kew Green Prep have their own senior school which again may suit some parents who want a 4 - 16/18 school experience, but not all.

[twick13]

What about Jack and/Jill in Twickenham. Currently up to age7 but will be going up to age 11.

[yingyang23]

Thank you all the lovely ladies, based on all your comments I will probably drop Kew green prep I will probably drop it as it might not be what I want for DD.

We are now considering Old Vicrage for girls. I went for their open house and liked it so far. Any suggetions/comments/feedback on that? Really value what I hear from you all.

I loved Newland house but they don't have a space and from location wise its a little far for us.

[AbsintheAndChips]

I have a friend who moved her child from Kew Green to Darell and thought Darell was the better school. Just a thought for you. Maybe look at some of the state options?

[yingyang23]

Ok. Thanks. Yes some of the state schools look very good but catchment is really small so can't rely on it at all. Also feel because of class sizes it might not be right for DD. hence considering old vicrage now

[horsesforfun]

Hi there, Did you go with OV? We are looking...

[Sunshine0925]

I am feeling very confused by the process of selecting a school for my 4 year old. We live near Sheen Mount, do you think that is equal to the private primary's in the area or am I better to go private? At the moment we definitely want to go private for secondary school and I know 11+ can be tough. What do you think?

[Toddleress]

I do not know first hand but Sheen Mount has a great reputation in the borough, among the best. If I lived near this school, I would very seriously consider it. Good luck with your choice!

[Sunshine5050]

Definitely go for Sheen Mount, it’s like a private school. You can always move later on.

[Sunshine0925]

In what way do you think Sheen Mount is like a private school? I am put off by 30 in a class and 3 classes per year group, just very big. I don’t think my dd has any learning difficulties but she is slightly slower to learn new things so I am thinking she would benefit from more personalised learning? If Sheen Mount can provide this then we will save a small fortune, however I want to give her the best that I can

[allppp]

My daughter went to the Unicorn School. It was 'full of bullies' and teachers were awful.
Don't do it.

[allppp]

Our daughter went to Unicorn School. It is 'full of bullies' and teachers were unqualified. Big mistake.Don't do it.

[After8itsgrownuptime]

I have had 2 at Newland house. New head is fantastic and I would recommend it under his leadership - previous head sadly let it go down hill but the New head is really on if academically and pastorally

[Londonmamatoboys]

Hey @allppp is your experience with the unicorn school recent? We’re considering there or Broomfield for our son to start this September, we have places secured at both.

[gotitnow]

Hi! What did you decide in the end? We are moving to the area with 2 kids and am in research mode!

[Kidznkweenz]

Interested in the same!