Tunbridge Wells preps - Rose Hill anyone?

[arizonagirl]

Hi all,

Just been looking at Tunbridge Wells preps and came across Rose Hill. I gave them a ring and they have a waiting list of 30+ which surprised me in today's climate.

Does anyone have any experience of this school (wondering if it is worth going on waiting list) and does anyone know of any other good preps in the area?

Thanks everyone!

I don't have any experience of Rose Hill myself but it has a good reputation. Places in TW can be competitive as many parents view the less high achieving state schools with horror, especially if they were aiming for somewhere like Claremont (highly sought after state primary) but don't get a place.

Other preps to look at would be:

Holmewood House (has a reputation as a hothouse and competitive parenting)

The Mead School

Beechwood Sacred Heart

Kent College Pembury (girls only)

State primaries vary - Claremont is the most highly rated but you need to virtually live on the doorstep to get a place. Outside of Tunbridge Wells, St Thomas' Primary in Groombridge is OFSTED outstanding and Langton Green Primary also good reputation.

Have you looked at The schools at somerhill?Derwent Lodge for girls and Yardley Court for boys. Both excellent

Others are Hilden Grange (mixed) Hilden Oaks (boys in pre-prep only) and Fosse bank (mixed)

try and visit as many as possible as they all vary eg as shellingpeas says Holemewood house is very competitive, fosse bank and beechwood tend to take the quieter types

With the Hilden schools Hilden grange has the edge on Hilden Oaks.

It really depends on what type of dc you have as not all prep schools will suit all types.

If I had a dd I would opt for Kent College and for a ds Yardley Court but if you want mixed then Hilden grange would get my vote

I would definitely recommend Hilden Grange (Tonbridge) - great teaching and lots going on in music, sport, drama etc. Also very down to earth and unpretentious.