hi, my child is now in the upper school. Year 3's day is from 8:30-4. You don't have to do any activities (which run fr 4-6pm) - they are all optional. Some children do loads, some pick 1 that interests them (lego, street dance, football) and many do none. Lower School (yr 3+4) will have Games once a week where they play against another school - on that day, they may finish later - usually back at EG by 5.
I do not know much about SEN (at EG), however that just may be my exposure. I have never heard of a child being culled.
The school day is longer but I feel in some ways it's more chilled. There is a morning break and a long lunch where the children can play. They are good about putting things like music, games (practice for the sport of the season), pe, art, drama, etc in the afternoon. It seems as if the children spend a bit of time getting in and out of said games kit :)
I feel there is a right balance academically. I know there are some old posts about Edge Grove but I find these unrecognisable to the school I know - the school has changed so much in the past few years under the new Head.
Krama, I chose this school for a few reasons - most just personal to me. I wanted a mixed school with smaller classes. I didn't want lessons on Saturday morning. I liked the grounds and space for children to run free. I wanted a well-rounded education - high academic standards but not to the detriment of music, arts and sports and just being a kid. I found the Head forward thinking and down to earth. The children looked happy. Having said all that - I believe my child would have been happy at any of the schools we looked at - go with your gut and I'm sure it will be the right decision.