Hallfield prep, Birmingham

[Mijkl]

I know this school has a very good reputation - anyone have any personal insights into it, either agree/disagree? Thanks :)

You might be better off posting on the Birmingham section of the 11plus forum - there will be a few people there who are familiar with Hallfield. You could also do a search for previous threads.

I think you're best going with your gut feeling if you're choosing one of the prep schools in Birmingham though. I don't think any of them have bad reputations.

Thanks, I'll try that.
Think you are right - I know the area and the schools to an extent and all have seemed fine. It's just such an enormous decision :( Wasn't expecting to find it this emotionally stressful, to be honest!

I don't think anyone will disagree that it has a good reputation.
What is your child like? What are they interested in? What are your aspirations for after year 6? What extra-curricular does your child do at present? What do they like doing?
More importantly, where do you live, and how do you commute?

He is only little so hard to say about extra curricular etc. Keen reader. Enjoys being active but not one of those kids who is obsessed with football etc. Quite a gentle quiet child most of the time. Bright but in a normal sort of way, not a genius or anything. After Y6 the ideal would be KES if affordable, or camp hill. Obviously it depends, he might want something else by that point. Commuting from south Brum (it will be hell).

Is it worth the commute? What’s your main reason for wanting a prep school? If it’s to get into a selective school, could you employ a tutor instead for an hour or two a week? Driving across Birmingham is awful (having driven from Northfield to Edgbaston this morning for an early flute lesson! She usually takes the train!)

We want small classes, teachers who actually have time to take an interest in individual children and to teach to the best of their ability, and a calm atmosphere which is strong on manners and behaviour. We are resigned to the commute... Just wondering which school, really.

Do you work? Would you consider home education? It’s one to one and it can work very well! I know a few home educated kids who’ve got into the grammars. Otherwise, I think you have to tour all the schools on a school day and go with the one you like best.

Well, there's Hallfield, Blue Coat, and West House- have you looked at them all? Have you looked round during a normal school day as well as open day?

Unless he's super, super-bright, be aware that you will need to do some preparation for 11+ if you want Camp Hill, even if you send him to prep school.
Hallfield, West House, Blue Coat will prepare for the KES exam, but the grammar school entrance is different. They will do some familiarisation for grammar exams, but camp hill boys' score is moving ever higher.

You're welcome to PM me mijkl if there's anything you'd like to ask off board