HELP: Radlett Prep or Orley Farm for DD

[flourish2016]

Hello, our DD is a very gifted child and we wish to send her to good independent schools in Harrow/Herts area - ideally NLCS or Habs for 11+

She is in position to choose from Aldenham/Orley Farm and Radlett Prep to start reception this year.

WOULD LOVE to hear your insights on either of these. What would you prefer in similar situation and more importantly WHY? Travelling and school runs are not an issue we want good rounded education and decent focus on preparations.

Many Thanks in advance!

our DD is a very gifted child

what's your basis for saying this? did you sit her for Habs/NLCS at 4?

Aldenham Senior (not totally sure about the Prep though) is not regarded highly academically though is otherwise lovely.

Radlett lots of people have issues with. Search mumsnet.

I think Orley Farm is popular, if it's the one I'm thinking of.

Yes, if gifted, has she sat for HABS or NLCS???

I also question the gifted tag at 4! Why not go straight to Habs or NLCS now rather than wait?

If academics are what floats your boat then Radlett Prep is the one from your list. Orley is good but less of a hothouse.

Know nothing about Orley. Radlett, academic hothouse, lowest fees of almost anywhere with uninspiring old fashioned undifferentiated teaching, massive amounts of homework but good 11+ results. Aldenham prep, increasingly academic and now does proper 11+ prep for other schools but much gentler than radlett and a great option for all rounders.

Why wait until 11+? My daughter went to NLCS at 7+ (the earliest they started then). Have a go younger and try again at 11 and 13 if needs be.
OFS is pretty good.

Thanks all.

No offence with the gifted tag. It is a tag I am sure all parents put on their precious little ones. Nothing more than that. Certainly did not mean academically as it is a long journey to tag at the start!

Anyways, would you think prep schools will allow to sit 7+ exams?

Would they not fear loss of fees/revenue?
Will they write a good recommendation if they will end up losing a child (who can be 11+ result statistic instead)?

Are you not aware Orley farm is boys only? No one I've ever heard of wanting to go to NLCS or Habs starts with Aldenham surely? It's a through school to 18 in itself and theyre totally different schools. Have you considered Edgegrove school? Much more in line with what you're looking for, Radlett prep is also good as is Manor Lodge.

Orley Farm is co-ed, not boys only.

Orley Farm has been Co-Ed for over 10yrs now!
I know that offers for Rec 2017 have not been sent out yet! So wait until you've had offers for her and then choose between what you have been offered. Also where do you think she will be happiest? If your ideal school ultimately is Habs or NLCS then I am surprised you didn't apply to them, seems strange. You are right Prep schools won't be happy if you take up a place and then 2yrs later move them. That also doesn't seem fair on your DD.