Opinions about Edge Grove school vs Hendon Prep

[NikiH1]

We have offers from Edge Grove school and Hendon Prep and trying to decide between them, would be great to get opinions on these schools

Not Edge Grove!!!

My DS Spent 6 mainly happy years at Hendon Prep leaving last Summer. the year 8 boys all did fantastically well gaining entrance and scholarships to a list of North/ North West London schools that any Prep would be proud of as well as very good CE results. That Year Group has remained very close and continue to meet up regularly sharing experiences about their new schools happily. Hendon doesn't have the best facilities for sport and my DS did miss out on the team experience that he might have gained from being elsewhere but in all he was happy there and it provided an excellent all round education for him.

Slickrick - why not Edge Grove? Just curious.
EG is wonderful in terms of setting, sports, facilities.
I'd look elsewhere if your hope is for a particularly academic school.

I don't know anything about Hendon Prep, but Edge Grove is lovely.

To me, it has a friendly, family feel. Lots of sport and extra-curricular activities but (under the new head) an increasing focus on academics too. Pastoral support is good, independence is encouraged, and the children are happy, enthusiastic and polite.

I have to say that the sport is brilliant at Edge Grove, and not just in the traditional sports. Some of the gifted children have reached a really high standard (ie UK rankings) but everyone has opportunities to represent their school in sport, not just the A team.

It's not only about the sport at Edge Grove but it does feel like quite an "outdoorsy" type of school iykwim. If you have an energetic child who doesn't mind getting a bit mucky (whether that's on the football pitch or poking around for spiders in a corner) then it would be perfect.

Not sure whether Slickrick's comments relate to a couple of years ago when there was a terrible headmaster at Edge Grove but the new guy seems great.

Good luck with your decision

Edge Grove is a great school, I have two happy children there. The new Head has had a big impact and in his second year you can really see the positive impact he has had. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Hi tallandfast, I am thinking about Edge Grove for my DD for year 3 entry in 2014. Is it a good school for girls? I've read on another thread that there were some bad comments about the school. Do you know what these were please? What is it like academically? Its website says it has children that have gone on to Harrow, Habs, St Albans and NLCS. Do they teach children for 11+? Thank you!

Hi all. Yes preparation for 11plus and 13 plus catered for. Seems to be academic day schools as well as boarding options. Lots on for girls. Netball tour abroad, loads of drama, new home ec and textiles as well as push on academics. Would def recommend as I have one of each there.

Busy Sounds very C19 to me... "Lots on for girls. Netball tour abroad, loads of drama, new home ec and textiles as well as push on academics."

Anything for 21st century girls like math, science, Lego robotics?

Yes all of those as well. They can take their pick. Mandarin, science club, gadgeteering, lego robotics, debating, street dance, taekwondo, chess, music tech, gardening club - loads going on for everyone. By the way the way my DS is particularly fond of the home Ec and textiles design where at the moment he's designing his own ipad cover. They seem to be embracing opportunities for all. It's amazing they can fit it in really.

I teach in a local independent secondary that accepts many children from both these schools.

From my experience the Hendon prep children are far more able academically, whereas many the Edge Grove children seem to really struggle.

I'm not sure if this is because the teaching at Hendon Prep is better than Edge Grove, or because Hendon Prep is academically more selective, but if your child has got into Hendon Prep, I would choose Hendon Prep.

Hi, I am also looking at hendon prep. Did you pick Hendon prep? I have also looked at Aldenham School and Mill Hill school.

So hard to decide which one to go for.

Hello Frogspoon,
I am considering choosing Edge Grove for my DD to start reception. I want a school that challenges students as well as with lots of sports and other activities. I know the school now has a stable head who has brought many changes. Is it still the case that the students are less academic and results are on the decline? Please give me your opinion as I am finding it incredibly difficult to make a choice for sept 2017. Thank you

Hi Busyworkingmumof2,
Are you still happy with Edge Grove and will you recommend it? Please honest opinions needed for us to make a decision.

Thank you

EG is not hugely selective. Behaviour is poorer than it was and academics are marginally better but still not on par with other excellent prep schools in the area.

Please don't consider Edge Grove. The have one particularly weak teacher in the earlier grades who is known to pick favourites. Head teacher very stressed and very focussed on academic results with little time or energy for other things. Teachers are under a lot of pressure. Not a happy place where bullying is rife but everyone looks away.

groove I've heard only amazing things about Edgegrove and it seems to be the school to choose at the moment. I'm interested to hear that things might not be completely rosy

The description of Edgegrove given by Groove couldn’t be further from the truth. Edgegrove is a fabulous school, I’m inclined to say the best in the area at the moment. It went through a difficult period in 2011 when the HM left, an interim HM came in for a year until a new HM was recruited. The HM is fantastic. Very Approachable and has improved a lot of things in the school. The facilities are great. Very, very strong art and music departments. It’s very sporty and has tons of extra curricular activities on offer.

Pastoral care is good. Of course in any school there will be individual situations that perhaps could have be handled better but they do the very best to care for each child. Principles such as Kindness, friendliness etc are strongly encouraged in the school with regular assemblies that include MH wellness e.g Mindfulness, etc. Teachers are always available to speak to or raise concerns with if need be. There is a head of pastoral care and an independent listener/counsellor for pupils.

It’s a very well rounded school where the children have a lot of fun supported with good academics but not overly pushy to the detriment of other things. It sends kids to a variety of very, very good schools e.g Merchant Taylor’s, Saint Albans, Millfield, Rugby etc. I wouldn’t say one weak teacher (whoever that is) = a bad school certainly not.

Krama I'm interested if you chose Edge Grove on the end and what your experience has been? Would really appreciate any reply as I'm a little torn! Thanks