Gad's Hill School, Higham

[Sissylagos]

Hi there,

Does anyone here have any first hand experience of the school? It has been recommended by a few acquaintances but their children are boys and a good 12 years older than our daughter for whom we are seeking a good school to start her education (reception) next September.

Hope to hear from anyone with thoughts on the school.

Many thanks

[hardestdecisionever]

No experience of the primary school but we did apply for year 7 entry. Were very happy with the feel of the school and all the kids seemed really happy. Have heard mixed reviews of the head but he seemed nice when we spoke to him. However, if your budget allows I would choose Kings Rochester over and above Gads Hill.

[Sissylagos]

H.dec.ever,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me. I am struggling to find any reviews anywhere and as I am new to the area I really don't have the luxury of knowing families who may have experience of the school, to ask. My daughter is going for a taster day in a few weeks time, so hopefully that will help.

May I ask why you would choose Kings over Gads Hill? I did look at Kings' fees and unfortunately Kings asking is way above my means.

Thank you so much again,

[Sissylagos]

p.s. I just looked at the fee tables again and actually Gad's Hill is more expensive for year 1, 2 by 100 quid odd. Am I missing something?

[hardestdecisionever]

Hi

We preferred the feel and atmosphere of the school. The facilities we thought were better and Kings has better GCSE results than Gads Hill (I realise that is a long way in the future for you).

No you aren't missing anything, Kings fees are extremely reasonable for the prep school but there is a huge jump to the secondary school fees. We didn't choose Kings because the secondary fees are above our means and we didn't feel that we would be able to pull our child out especially if they were really enjoying school. Also, they almost use a 'middle' school system so it would be like pulling them out part way through the school and not at the natural end point of primary school.

[Sissylagos]

Hello,

I really appreciate your response. Yes, the ability to sustain the expense over the next 13 or so years (omg..) is a crucial determinant I would say, regrettably. I went to Kings Canterbury, and will say at the time, as I recall, there was this idea that the two schools sharing a reputation of excellence was erroneous with one being more deserving of praise than the other by quite some margin.

If you feel so inclined to answer and perhaps know, would you say Gad's Hill is still a preferred option over the local primaries in Medway?

[hardestdecisionever]

Yes i would choose Gads Hill over any local state primaries.

Have you looked at St Andrews prep in Rochester? A nice little prep with very good results for 11+. We felt that as St Andrews didnt have a secondary school attached they prepared better for 11+ and grammar school entry whereas Gads assume the students will stay for secondary and dont prepare for the 11+. Again a long time in the future for you.

[MistyMeena]

I have children at Gads and have no complaints at all - very happy. Kings is touted as more academic, Gads seems a bit more fun! Depends what you are looking for really.

[Sissylagos]

I did look at St. Andrews and didn't feel it was right. Perhaps Misty it is what you describe that appeals about Gad's that it does seem a bit more fun.

It feels such a huge decision because I'd hate for it to prove a bad decision and pull her out, but I guess nothing is irreversible. I feel encouraged by your post Misty and as I said previously, the taster day should help. In any case she is registered for a place and as it seems that the state primaries are awful (didn't know if that was really true) I guess it's better than any one of those and hopefully it will be a place that our daughter will feel very happy in.

[MamaNe]

Hello all,

I know this post is old but I wondered if you (sissylagos) went ahead with Gads. I am considering applying for my daughter but someone mentioned above that they don’t prepare the kids for 11+ grammar school entry.