Hall Grove vs Lambrook

[legoninjago1]

Did anyone visit both and have to decide between the two? My impressions:
Lambrook is more polished, probably a fair few very wealthy families, good for girls and boys, great facilities, (perhaps a bit snooty?), has become a bit of an academic hothouse in recent years, beautiful grounds, sporty, proper boarding / flexi boarding provisions, good range of next schools with good results.
Hall Grove is a bit more of a local prep, a bit more down to earth, maybe a little more suited to boys, not snooty, more of a cross section of families, quirky, great music, academic but not pushy, good sport but not amazing, no meaningful boarding provision, happy and friendly, outdoorsey.

Would love any input to see if I'm in the ballpark!

Thanks

Hello ladies, I have discovered this 2019 thread and I am currently trying to decide between Hall Grove and Lambrook for my 4 year old son. This discussion has been really interesting and I wondered if any of you have had recent experience between either school? I am completely stuck between the two. Any further advice or insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Hi @MumOfBoys11 Yes I have 2 at Hall Grove now. HG is quite different from Lambrook and i much preferred it. It's such a happy friendly place. The staff are just lovely. All of them! Feel free to PM me.

@legoninjago1 what was it that swayed you in the end?
We weren't able to get a place at L (left it a bit late and it is oversubscribed)
Trying to choose between. HG and an all girls school (I know difficult to compare )

Hey @mrsbill It was just the whole feel of the place. I found Lambrook quite stiff and impersonal- BUT - I know others who love it.
Hall Grove is just a lovely place with lovely friendly staff and a really traditional ethos - and a big focus on the great outdoors. Pls do PM me if you want to.

People have been asking for Lambrook parents to comment, my DD was going there for a good few years until we changed school. Lambrook has fabulous facilities and you pay for them in the school fees! I would describe Lambrook as a business first and a school second. Everything is about getting money off you, we used to love the letters asking for us to give them money as Tax write offs! Over the past few years the school has improved its facilities with extensions and new tennis courts and the ground are lovely. I think if your child is top set or able to be in the 1st team for sports they will do well in Lambrook. If you need help or are average (nothing wrong with that!) then they get left behind. The moto ie having 'the Feathers to Fly' is probably a bit out of date. Lambrook have seen that if they improve the very small boarding provision that is the next thing to bring in the money so there is a push for that however most don't board at present. The teachers didn't blow me away, whilst pleasant they clearly had their favourites and school reports read very bland. Ie they have so many to write they read as if they could be any child. I feel the school is too big for a shy and quiet child.
I see lots of comments about Lambrook parents and I note someone said they are very much from the gold tap brigade! Yes, I agree that is 100% true. Cliques are very common and be prepared to be standing on your own outside the group if you don't fit the mould! Ie Not working, matching lycra outfits and a Tesla is a basic requirement :)! If you can be the class rep this will definitely get your child higher up the importance scale and probably even a lead part in a play! If you child isn't sharp elbowed and a high achiever then the ever growing size of Lambrook may be too much for your child and they may get lost amongst those that push to the front. Children all seem polite, well mannered and do go onto other great schools. These are my first hand views and I am sure others would say otherwise.

Hi Kate. I’m looking into Lambrook and would love to hear what you think? Thanks so much!

Would you happen to know how many classes there are in years 2 and 3 and the average size of classes in each year group? Many thanks