Opinions on prep schools nr Winchester esp Princes Mead?

[Herewegoagain31]

Grateful for any advice - we moved from London to Winchester a few years ago. We now want to move outside Winchester to the east (Alresford/alton or Petersfield directions, confused at present) and want to put children in a prep school. Princes mead is the obvious choice but with no ability to look around because of Covid we cannot get a feel of it. So would be grateful for any opinions. Also are there any alternatives in that area? Twyford is a no, we’re not in that league sadly and don’t want DC’s asking to board or trying to keep up with classmates when we can’t afford it! We drove around Petersfield/Liphook at the weekend as there are lots of great preps near there but just didn’t like the area much and train not great for DH. We also have no idea what to do for senior school as there is a bizarre dearth of decent independent day mixed senior schools in this area. KES out of the question as we are not fans of the location, seems like Churchers in Petersfield the only option? Lord Wandsworth academic results not great. Again any advice on that would be welcome too! Thanks in advance

Or stay in Winchester and stick with the State schools?

The 'bizarre dearth' is perhaps a reflection on Winchester/Hants good quality state secondary schools & 6th form college options?

Is HCS too far away for you? Has prep & senior sections, mixed sex.

*Listening• our children are currently at a wonderful state primary here but we have always had the dream of moving somewhere rural and we just don’t want to be restricted by catchment areas of schools when we move, and we are lucky that we are in the position with sacrifices and both of our salaries etc that we can just afford fees. I don’t disagree though that staying in Winchester and state is not a bad option at all!

Teen thanks for the suggestion but yes unfortunately HCS (Think called Embley Park now?) is the other side of Winchester from where we’re looking.

I’ve done a lot more research today and I think it just is what it is with the mixed sex independent day secondaries - I’m not missing anything, there just aren’t many around! So either we have to move to a different area or work with what there is. Prep schools seems also there’s the Winchester ones then the next batch is near Liphook, some at Alton, not much in between

Herewego
It is very much the case that the state schools give private a real run for their money in the Winchester area.

I guess your other option is to assume ending up at Symonds
then choose which Secondary gives you the best vibe
and then the best primary among its feeders
and buy a house there
with the money you'll save on fees

I have friends with kids at Embley and some are not at all happy.
What was Stroud is now the feeder for KES
Out to the west in the north of the forest there are a few

also, do not forget Sherborne House in Chandlers Ford

The reason there aren't many private schools around is because the state schools in and around Winchester are all very good, so most people continue with their children in state schools.

Have you had a look at Ditcham Park? I know of many parents who are very happy with the school.

This is an old thread but would be interested to know where you chose and if you are happy @Herewegoagain31 ? We are moving to similar area hopefully.