Views on primary/prep schools in Winchester area

[Hantsbound]

On our way to Hampshire with 2 children currently in year 4 and year 1. Am just starting to do the rounds in Winchester of state and independent. Any views? Am considering Twyford Prep, Princes Mead thus far.

Catchments around the most desirable state options are very tight. St Bede's in Winchester has recently added classroom space but still has a ridiculously small catchment. If you are looking at Twyford Prep you might also want to look at Stroud (the prep which feeds to KES in Southampton). Further from Winchester (near Andover) there is also Farleigh prep - it's billed as Catholic but none of the families I know who send their kids there are Catholic.

what about pilgrims? - its not just for choristers. Hursley and St Faiths were always the most sought after primaries in my day - no idea if thats still the case