Lambrook vs LVS

[JD03]

Hi,

Does anyone have views on Lambrook vs LVS? Looking for my DS to start in Yr 3. Your opinions and experiences much appreciated.

Hi, I have name changed to give my opinion, I hope that's okay.
I have a child at Lambrook currently. I couldn't be happier.
It is a fantastic school and has really helped my child blossom both academically and socially. The pastoral care is great. The teachers have been approachable and are very mindful of encouraging the child's confidence.
Sport facilities are great and they are building a new performance art centre.

I visited LVS and although I don't have first hand experience, I was not impressed at all. My very personal opinion is that it really doesn't compare to lambrook.
I would recommend that you visit both schools and don't refrain from asking questions.

Have you read some of the other threads about LVS on here? (google site:mumsnet.com lvs) They are less than flattering.

My DS is going to go to Lambrook in 2014.

It's a great place and only getting better from what I can see. DH and I are both senior teachers (me primary, him senior independent) so we have pretty strong opinions about what we want! The Head is very with it (as well as being friendly) and they seem to have had a drive to recruit really high quality staff recently. They are currently undergoing improvements to the facilities which I think will leave it one of the best equipped prep schools in the South East.

It seems to strike the right balance between a focus on each child fully achieving their potential and friendliness and the freedom to be a child. We were also particularly impressed with how supportive they seem to be of children who pursue out of school activities to a high level. This was a real contrast to Caldicott where it was all about 'in school' achievements.

We haven't visited LVS as it is a bit too far out for us but from it's reputation I can't imagine it matches up to Lambrook.

Have heard good things about Lambrook and I would consider it if it wasn't so expensive. One of the highest fees for a prep school I've seen out of London so I would expect it to be good

Lambrook, but more expensive.

Seems from the fee structure that they want people to board.

I like the ad hoc boarding arrangements at Lambrook. The idea of compulsory boarding (for DS at just turned 10) at Caldicott completely put me off. However, I think a few nights of boarding here and there over years 7&8 could really add to the experience and help DS decide if he wants to board at secondary.

It is eye wateringly expensive though. We couldn't consider it if we had more than one DC.

I have to say though, I wasn't bowled over by the nursery and DS is at pre-school somewhere else.

Not a worry to you though OP as you are looking for Y3!

Have worked at both and they are very different schools. Lambrook is very much a 'prep' school, and has the most amazing facilities (golf course on site always made me laugh). LVS is an all through school so doesn't get them ready for 11 or 13 exams, takes a more diverse range of students but has great, relaxed atmosphere. Don't know about fees as was never sending my own, but it does seem Lambrook has the prettiest and best equipped campus. Hope that helps !

Thanks everyone, must admit from seeing both schools, Lambrook stood out against LVS, but was hoping it wasn't quite so straight forward as LVS is alot cheaper!!!

I suppose you get what you pay for.....
We were originally not planning to do the pre / prep approach but move to private at secondary level (LVS as it was so close).

However, after seeing Lambrook I can really see how a child could flourish there, but if they did go there, I guess we wouldn't then send them to LVS at secondary so would opne up the whole secondary school debate!!

We also have 3 children, so fees will be extortinate when all 3 attend!!

Any others that I should consider maybe?

I know you'll think I'm mad but if you live close I can thoroughly recommend the local free schools !! I have had 3 go through already, and all at Oxbridge, and 2 more on their way through doing very nicely. And hadn't cost me a penny !!! However, know it can be a bit scary so Lambrook then Wellington seems to be a very popular local choice. Good luck.

Thanks mumsneedwine, yes, Lambrook then Wellington does seem popular, if you don't mind me asking, can you recommend state secondary schools, as this is our biggest concern, we are actually fairly happy with our primary school, but if DC's have to go private for secondary then think they need to go private for Prep aswel, apart from LVS, as they are non selective.

The best schools in the area are Charters (Sunningdale), Ranelagh (church one in Bracknell) & Edgbarrow (Crowthorne). Can only really speak for Charters as where mine have all been, and it's been great for both academic and extra curricular stuff. Kids good at English do Latin as well as Spanish and French. Triple science is available for most students and they get loads of extra stuff if bright. Also there is the beloved Tirabid, which the school jointly owns, and kids visit lots of times to go caving, gully scrambling and play sports tournaments against the Welsh. All kids are given the chance to reach their potential, whilst being made to be independent. Can you tell I love the place !!!!

Have you children been at Charters since Mrs Twelftree left, out of interest?

OP, if you are on the north side of Ascot, have you considered Bishopsgate prep school? IMO, it ticks all the boxes.

State secondary schools in the area really, really depend on where you live. There is no point in talking about Charters unless you are in the catchment area.

Yes, I have 1 there now, 1 who had both heads (well 3 as they are joint ones now), and 2 who just had Mrs T. School hasn't really changed much since she left - the 2 Mr Ps both worked for her a long time and have kept things pretty much the same. Go visit and see what you think - it's open day is tuesday I think, and talk in evening is at 7pm. No harm in having a nosey round ! Lots of people move into catchment in year 5 so you've lots of time to sort that out. Just asked my DD & she thinks there is 1 ex Lambrook, 2 from Hall Grove & a couple from Holme Grange in her tutor group, so lots do prep and then go on to Charters - kids couldn't care less. Go visit and see what you think. It's not Lambrook or Weelington to look at, but where is !!

Weelington !! That sounds a much more fun place than Wellington.

I think Hall Grove looks really nice and it's loads cheaper than Lambrook.

And Hall Grove has its own riding school on site. Marist is a possibility - not all like it but it gets v good results and lots of sport.

Isn't the Marist all girls? The OP has a DS.

I'm not sure about Bishopsgate, it's leavers' destinations seem a little underwhelming to me.

Very good point !! Well he'd have lots of fun at the Marist !!!! There's always Papplewick if don't mind boarding in year 6.

Marist is all girls, but I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

I've encountered Marist girls when I've taken ds to the local riding stables. The group I met were all really really unpleasant (I had repeated contact with them over several months). They ended up having a lesson by themselves as no one wanted to be in the same group as them.

Ds has just started at St George's and is very happy indeed. Teachers seem strict but caring and they do flexi boarding (which ds loves). Fees are less than Lambrook.

I'm not surprised, Bisjo.

Glad DS is enjoying SGWC. How is the new head?