Need a prep for two years for state primary DS, 10, in/nr London

[whichprepschool]

Hello,

Regular poster here, wondering if anyone can advise. DS is Yr6 at a state primary school and we want him to go to a boarding school at 13.

Therefore we need either a day prep near where we live in SW London or a decent boarding prep not too far away.

He's quite shy, bright, kind and funny. Loves reading, ok at sport. Popular but not a cool kid at all as he's quiet til he knows ppl.

I don't really know what I'm asking for but if anyone has a child at a school that might be nice, that would also help him prepare for the 13+ and not batter his confidence as he'll be joining later than most, I'd love to hear a recommendation or two.

I hope that makes sense and isn't too vague. Would love some advice as being in the state sector means I'm quite out of the loop about preps.

Thank you

If you are going to send him to board now I would chose somewhere with compulsory boarding in years 7 and 8 so everyone stays. Caldicott maybe.

If DPL isn't too far from you, it could be a good choice.

If he's year 6 now and you are looking for year 7 entry? I'm worried you may have missed application deadlines for schools.

Check out Newton’s in battersea.

DPL great.

Have sent you a PM

You don't mention any pre-tests OP. Should we assume you have that all in hand?

For this September? I think you may be too late as places are allocated in next couple of weeks.

Hersetta, you are wrong. 13+ preps like Newton lose a lot at 11+ and will almost always be able to make places available. They are often the plan B for the rare child who fails to get an 11+ place so needs to try again at 13 +.

Agree I don't think you'll struggle to find somewhere for years 7 and 8. Maybe ring around after half term when 11+ offers are made.

Thanks all. In haste but yes the pre-tests are in hand. We just need somewhere for a couple of years.

Will google those you recommend - thanks v much indeed.

Another vote for Newton Prep.

Newton Prep
Eaton House the Manor
Northcote Lodge

Senior schools know London Preps well. Whilst talking to them about pre-tests, it might be worth asking for recommendations for preps.

If then you ended up on a wait list, there is real advantage in being in a school that the senior school trusts to report accurately on progress, and to prep well for Common Entrance.

We're looking (much further into the future than you though) at Papplewick and Sunningdale. Friends highly recommend both and both, I believe, have a kind of inverse pyramid on class sizes which allows for intake at 11 of boys in exactly your position.

Newton Prep is a good choice, given what you say about your DS.

They actively support both 11+ and 13+ leavers, so do have places for Upoer School (years 7 and 8) after the 11+ers have left.

For boarding prep, try Windlesham.

Thanks all again, loads to think about and loads of good advice.

Lovely MN, thank you!

Aldro in Surrey is a lovely school which will take boys at year 7. They have a number of boys of board that live in London. If you decide to do the boarding route it is worth a look.

Hill House? Reasonable fees, several international families coming and going.

Depends where you are in SW London but Newland House and The Mall in Twickenham are options
Durston House in Ealing too

Where do you live?

We're in Hammersmith trinity

Fulham prep also has some some leave at 11+ making year 7/8 spaces and a fair number of their children go to boarding.