Vinehall, Marlborough House, Claremont and DCPS

[mongoose99]

Does anyone have current experience of these Sussex/Kent prep schools they would be willing to share?

[CatkinToadflax]

I’m not sure which school DCPS is? I do have some knowledge of the other three schools though. What would you like to know?

[mongoose99]

Thanks so much for replying, @CatkinToadflax
DCPS is Dulwich College Prep School, in Cranbrook.
We’ve seen all the schools. We really like Vinehall but are concerned that numbers have dropped over the last couple of years, from about 250 to 200 and don’t want to risk choosing it if its future is in doubt!

[CatkinToadflax]

Ah ok - after posting my reply to you I suddenly thought perhaps it was Dulwich Prep. I know nothing about it really although I believe it has a good reputation.

I have visited Vinehall as a parent from a different school (sports matches) but don’t know anyone with a child who goes there. It is a lot more expensive than Claremont for (as far as I am aware) not really any gain in terms of facilities. I know Claremont pretty well - the pre prep is a lovely, happy, supportive place, but the prep is quite strict and isn’t brilliant at pastoral care. I have a couple of friends with children at Marlborough House and they are very very happy there. The facilities seem to be in a different league to Vinehall and Claremont and justify the greater fees compared with Claremont. You might want to look at St Ronan’s as well - I gather that they have great facilities and very happy children there too (at least according to a friend whose DC goes there).

[mongoose99]

Thanks so much, @CatkinToadflax. Pastoral care is one of the most important aspects for us and we’ve heard from several sources now that it isn’t so great at Claremont. We were put off St Ronans by the conversation we had when we rang to arrange a visit and so crossed it off our list!

[IrishMumInLondon2020]

My sister’s children go to Vinehall and she rates if extremely highly. It just sounds so lovely. If I lived closer I would have explored it for my DC.

[mongoose99]

Thanks so much @IrishMumInLondon2020 . It does seem lovely, with the friendly, family atmosphere we’re looking for.

[Ohwiseone]

Both my children attended Claremont prep. My son went all the way through to sixth form but I moved my daughter at end of year 8. I know the pre prep now has a brand new purpose built department which does look fantastic. I had no issues with pastoral care for either of my two but my daughter felt the need to move on and away from some of the girls in her year. I know a number of families who have over the years slowly moved away from Vinehall, a handful of people I know left when the school had that awful advert in the press. My brothers 2 children have gone through (well one is in year 5 still) at Marlborough House. They love it there and my brother is v impressed, although I do think it is the most expensive out of all the options you've listed

[Henlie]

Not sure where you’re located Op, but can recommend Beechwood Prep School, located just off the A21, on the approach to Tunbridge Wells. Really strong pastoral care, plus offers the same in terms of facilities as the other schools you mention - set in 25 acres. Worth a look at.

[mongoose99]

Thanks @sussexinvader . I suppose there are 2 ways (at least!) of looking at the transaction. I guess only time will tell and we’ll just have to take the plunge-or not!

[mongoose99]

Thanks @Ohwiseone that’s really helpful. We’ve more or less discounted Claremont now as we’re unsure it’s the right environment for our 2. MH, Vinehall and DCPS all come out more or less even in terms of fees so it is a straight choice on all the other factors!

[mongoose99]

Beechwood would definitely be doable but we drive past it regularly and tbh it’s size and appearance have rather put me off (superficial much?!) as we’re looking for something small and friendly ideally. I will have a look at the website now though-maybe I have been a bit unfair!

[mongoose99]

Sorry, meant to say thank you @Henlie!

[traumatisednoodle]

Not sure where you are but Hurstpier point is lovely ( may be too far into Sussex for you) we looked at Claremont prep (twice) thought it was "ok" but no amazing. The pre-prep and senior school both look good, it seems ro just fall down in the middle. DS did a taster day in yr 6 and didn't like it at all.

[Henlie]

@mongoose99 - the prep school is actually quite small and very friendly. One class per year, capped at 18 students. Well worth a look at and chat with the Head of Prep 😊.

[mongoose99]

Thanks @Henlie - that is really good to know. Will be ringing them this pm.

[mongoose99]

Thanks @traumatisednoodle - have heard lovely things about hurst but it’s just too far for us sadly.

[LushHeaven]

Have you considered Battle Abbey prep (the prep is actually Bexhill/Hastings borders rather than Battle. DS went to reception there. Pastoral care hard to beat. It is small, traditional but sporty and academic - good all rounder.

[LesLavandes]

St Ronan's is the best school by far!!!

[LesLavandes]

Ask me anything. Pastoral care there is amazing. I had a child there for 9 years and we were so sad to leave

[mongoose99]

Thanks @LushHeaven but that one is too far from us to consider.

[mongoose99]

Thanks @LesLavandes but it was made pretty clear to us during an initial enquiry over the phone that it wasn’t going to be suitable for one of our children, at least, so we crossed it off!

[steelseries]

@sussexinvader just wondering, do you know why numbers are declining?

OP my niece went to Vinehall and my sister couldn't have been happier with her time there. Pastoral care was excellent and the facilities/grounds make for a wonderful learning environment.

I didn't know about the acquisition by Repton School but think that's a positive thing as it provides some surety for for future. So many small prep schools are closing, those who aren't part of a larger group will really struggle

[LesLavandes]

Maybe it has changed since my boy was there but it was amazing for him.

[MuchTooTired]

Claremont were horrible about my kids when I called to enquire about their nursery, so much only contact with it was awful. Plus, the traffic on the a21 at the end of the day is bad!

I’ve only heard lovely things about vinehall. Don’t know about the others though I’m afraid!