Snaresbrook College Preparatory School, South Woodford

[Blossom8]

Hi, my child is on the waiting list for Snaresbrook College as well as Forest Pre-preparatory School. Does anyone know of Snaresbrook College and is it any good? I know they prepare the children for public school and grammar school examinations which is a positive thing but the school itself looks fairly small with limited facilities. Further, I have read some comments about bullying occurring but I would welcome any feedback from any parents that know of this school or have children there. Thanks.

[jammygit]

To be honest, I would avoid Snaresbrook prep because there is quite a deep and insidious hierarchy to the staff and this is unhealthy for the children who are often ignored. If you do your homework you will find that three children have left from year three since September under quite distressing circumstances ( nothing to do with sitting entrance exams for7+). The head is quite good at making parents feel she cares but you won't get much follow-up only denial of responsibility. It is not the happiest place for trusting children and it has a very closed door policy. You'll throw them off kilter if you turn up at the school unexpected.

[Blossom8]

Thanks Jammygit. Are you able to give any more information about the "distressing circumstances". I'm just so confused as their recent Inspectors report have rated them as an outstanding school with excellent teachers, a family caring environment and explemary behaviour by the children which is also agreed by the parents who completed their surveys. Their SATs results seems fairly good too. So I'm at a complete loss. I really don't know what good preparatory schools there are in the area. Thanks.

[Felicity9]

Blossom8, I totally disagree with Jammygit.

Having had children educated there for many years I can draw on a lot of personal experience and it is all positive. It is a well-run school where the teachers are both friendly and professional and my children?s development has been much aided by their excellent pastoral care. The head teacher is very approachable and genuinely caring.

The school may be small, but offers a varied curriculum, both academically and sporting. More importantly to me, it is a very happy place that my children love. Their development has in no way been impeded by lack of facilities, as they have everything on site for their academic development and normal P.E lessons, and have access to swimming pools and playing fields for more strenuous activities.

I have made many friends amongst the parents there and I can tell you that the overall opinion of the school is overwhelmingly positive and would highly recommend Snaresbrook College to anyone.

[Blossom8]

Thanks Felicity9 for your response. My daughter is fifth on the waiting list at Snaresbrook College. It's reassuring to read your positive review about the school as I have received and read mixed reviews. We have registered with Forest Pre-prep but the school fees are much more expensive and also we are looking into St Aubyn's too which is further away. Are your children still at Snaresbrook College? I like to engage where pupils have gone once they have reached 11. Is the school successful in getting their pupils to pass the 11+ or obtaining scholarships? Thanks

[lambie54]

My is at Snaresbrook College and has had an exceptionally good experience. The staff are professional, friendly and very approachable. There have been no bullying incidents to my knowledge. I believe that "Jammygit" has some sort of axe to grind because the comments are totally bewidering to me. Yes, it is a small school but that in no way detracts from the outstanding education the children recieve. The school have had children gaining scholarships and grammar places in recent years. This is an outstanding school and I am very pleased with the teachers and the Head.