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Original poster

Advice on Dorset independent prep schools needed

23 replies

shil0846 · 24/04/2014 20:31

We are relocating to the Blandford area shortly and are looking to send our nearly 2 yr old DS to a nursery where he can follow on up the school. Priority is that he is somewhere nurturing and friendly with excellent pastoral care, but good academic standards are important too.

It seems that Castle Court, Yarrells, Dumpston, and Claysmore are the closest. There are already some helpful threads on these schools but they are now a couple of years out of date so I would really appreciate some up-to-date insights.

Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:

sailorsgal · 25/04/2014 07:24

I would look around all of them but I would probably think dumpton and castle court seem to be the preference of parents I know. I am only put off dumpton for ds as from year 4 they finish at 5.45 which for my child wouldn't suit.

Incapinka · 25/04/2014 07:26

There is also sandroyd...

CharlesRyder · 25/04/2014 07:40

Sherborne Prep?

I am also relocating to Dorset (Sherborne) in the summer (high five!). DS will be starting in Reception at Sherborne Prep in September. We haven't considered anywhere else because we get a fee remission at the Sherborne schools, but, so far, I have been really impressed. They are great at communicating and I like the very evident 'children first' ethos. The EYFS also has a glowing Ofsted.

If we had been staying where we were DS was going to go to a very high powered 'slick' prep in Berkshire and I am actually incredibly relieved he is going to go somewhere that is less of a machine.

sailorsgal · 25/04/2014 07:46

Sherborne would be a bit far I would think.
We are going to the open day at Sherborne prep tomorrow.
I am hoping for a fee remission too. joking!

CharlesRyder · 25/04/2014 07:59

I am also going to the open day sailorsgal! Bit of a trek from Berks but I'm bringing DS for a look round- it's going to be such a lot of change for him I want him to see the school as often as he can before he starts.

CharlesRyder · 25/04/2014 08:02

Are you looking for Reception sailorsgal?

sailorsgal · 25/04/2014 08:12

No it would be year 4. Ds very reluctant to move though.
Good to know about the communication though as ours is diabolical.

Shosha1 · 25/04/2014 08:20

Clays more is the closest ( and IMO) the best.
They do a open day ( not sure when but about this time)
They also do a pick up mini bus from Blandford when the children are actually at school.

( I come from Blandford and my old charges went to Claysmore Prep, )

sailorsgal · 25/04/2014 08:26

Clayesmore does look lovely but if you want a more academic school later on such as Canford I think Dumpton is a good choice. Hard to know at 2.

WynkenBlynkenandNod · 25/04/2014 09:55

If it helps I know someone who moved her child from Dumpton as they felt he wasn't getting anything much more than his friends at one the first schools for the money. Plus one person went to the Dumpton Kindergarton or whatever it is and has gone on through as very pleased with it.

I watched the staff from Dumpton with the little ones out on a trip to a local farm. They didn't bother shutting the gate to the play area and wouldn't have noticed if one of the children had got out and made their way to the unfenced pond fairly close. It was ages ago though, about 8 years.

The thread is about Independent Schools but if anyone out of the area is lurking with a Nursery age child, there is a lovely nursery on a farm not far from Dumpton that you'll never get to hear about as they have operated for 30 years plus by word of mouth. Am happy to PM anyone who wants details.

feelingold42 · 25/04/2014 11:38

I have some experience of Clayesmore, Dumpton and Castle court please private message me if you would like any information ...x

Original poster

shil0846 · 25/04/2014 12:48

Thanks everyone, we have had a bit of a nose from the outside and will take the proper school tours but it's great to get some inside info first. I think Sherborne would be too far, which is a real shame, but I don't want to be travelling more than 20 mins if possible.

Feelingold - thanks I'll PM you now. Xx

OP posts:

ChinUpChestOut · 25/04/2014 13:24

Have you considered Port Regis, just outside Shaftesbury in Motcombe village?

My DS went there as a boarder, and loved it. The pastoral care is very good, and I thought the teachers were excellent. Fantastic music, drama and sports - really, really good set up there. Also the art and DT facilities are very good, although this is all rather in the future for your LO. The nursery seems well attended, in a separate building to the rest of the school.

Do have a look if it works for you distance wise - it's the sort of school you could happily stay at for all of your prep with a lot of local children going, as well as a big boarding community.

Original poster

shil0846 · 25/04/2014 19:16

Thanks, we have looked at Port Regis and were very impressed however the drive would be over half an hour each way which has put us off. I was also concerned that the school campus seems quite spaced out and might be rather overwhelming for little ones.

OP posts:

ChinUpChestOut · 26/04/2014 10:16

They kept the nursery off to one area - I never saw the little ones up at the "big school" end where my DS was. I think they stay in their building and play near the rose garden area, and then progress to the adventure playground when they are a little bigger. It's all managed very well and all the children always seemed very happy and confident.

DS once said, as I was driving him back at the start of term "if heaven was a school, it would be Port Regis". That's how much he loved it.

But. If the drive is too far, then it's too far!!

Incapinka · 27/04/2014 02:50

PR is more like 20 mins from blandford. Unless you are out the other side?

xingowner · 18/09/2014 20:07

I have just found this thread and may be far too late but have you considered Knighton House, just outside Blandford in Durweston ? They have a nursery as part of the pre-prep with a v good reputation. Worth a look.

Dwtk · 16/03/2015 17:19

Hello
I hope no one minds but I am bumping this as I am having the same dilemma now in trying to decide between CCourt and Dumpton. Any advice/insights would be great - thank you ever so much

SugarPlumTree · 19/03/2015 02:42

I know someone who has just started her children at CC and they are apparently very happy. She was told bullying an issue at Dumpton. No idea how true this is.

Dwtk · 26/03/2015 00:18

Hi SugarPlumTree - thank you for the reply.
Glad to hear CC has been a good choice. I don't know anyone with personal experience of Dumpton but have heard similarly good reports about CC

needaholiday2015 · 28/03/2015 13:24

PM me if you would still like some information.....

Hockessin · 30/04/2015 08:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

daisydotandgertie · 30/04/2015 08:51

Clayesmore would be my first choice, especially for nursery, pre-prep and prep. It's a lovely school and ticks all the OPs boxes.

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