Small and creative private schools (primary) that are also well-regraded?

[Loolioo]

I am looking for a small, creative private school somewhere that is either in London or a commutable distance (we could move and sort of want to) for my shy child.

I have come across a few that are called “small schools”, but they get terrible ofsteds (And am not sure if private schools need to be ofsted’ed? Anyone know?) and one - which I won’t name - had a really damning newspaper report about. I’m not sure about Steiner, I think that might be a touch too woo, but something maybe Steiner inspired?

I’d like to try and find a small, lovely school that doesn’t stick two fingers up to anyone who doesn’t go there, but nor does it “hot house” kids. Do you know of any?

Ahh! Just saw my typo in the title. Regarded not regraded!!

Have you looked at Montessori schools in your area?

I like the idea of Montessori - but thought it was only a preschool thing?

I will research! Any recommendations would be fab if you know any great ones.

The Acorn School in Morden Hall Park might fit the bill.

Ooh I will check that out!

@Loolioo I'm in Edinburgh so can't comment on ones in your neck of the woods but the one here is pre school and primary

King alfred school in hampstead? It's not that small but its VERY creative and has a very personal touch. Children turn out incredibly rounded and gave the advantage of taking normal exams. Theres a Montessori school also in hampstead for older children (not nursery age) but it foesnt gave as much emphasis on traditional learning. As much as I really believe in Montessori for younger children I think it's a bit too off centre for older children. Personally I think it becomes harder for them to adjust when they are older if they go to school in a really unusual environment.

Thanks, onebitten. Am having a good google! (And I kind of dream of moving to Edinburgh, but work keeps us here!)

Obsessed with it there after watching the video on its site, BlusteryLake!

Have heard mention of King Alfred’s before, GlamGiraffe, will give it a proper look. Didn’t know about the Montessori in Hampstead. That’s much posher london than we’re in, but very interested!

Acorn is in a lovely setting in a National Trust park. I don't have children there but I have heard they have quite a strict home-school agreement on no tech gadgets. The philosophy is very much about outdoor education. It is also Ofsted rated outstanding.

It looks great! Don’t know the area though. Might take a day trip to check Morden out!

Some of my DD's friends (she is now 13 but we have just moved back from abroad) go to Ibstock school and have been there since nursery - is just outside Richmond Park. We would definitely send her there if we leaves near there now. Small, fantastic grounds, as is shared with senior school they have impressive sports/drama/art/music/computing facilities but a very 'family' feel.

And very nice area to live in!