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Original poster

Wickham Court prep

15 replies

Cisco2 · 31/10/2020 14:20

Hi, does anyone know Wickham Court prep in Bromley? This is on my list of prep schools for my daughter (2 and a half years old) keen to hear any feedback or experiences of this school.
Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
PettsWoodParadise · 01/11/2020 07:21

It is a very very small school. I know a couple a children there and they are happy. It is so small they teach in mixed year groups. It isn’t pushy or academic which will appeal to some. The two I know there both have learning issues and couldn’t gat places at other schools and one was edged out of a state school and wasn’t too of their list of schools and it was about the only school that had places but now there they are very content and doing well. Do bear in mind friendship issues from such a small school and look at what the state schools might do better.

Original poster
Cisco2 · 01/11/2020 07:46

Thank you that’s really good to know

OP posts:
0wlmummy · 12/11/2020 09:43

I viewed this school during the summer and really liked it but I haven’t applied yet as I’m still not sure if it’s right for us. I’d be interested to hear any other comments on the school.

@PettsWoodParadise that’s good to know that you know children that are happy there. My DD is very bright but shy and I have found the other schools in the area a little too pushy in the early years. I am in Petts Wood too, do you know of any other schools that I should look at?

PettsWoodParadise · 12/11/2020 09:52

I would wonder if it was the right school for a bright child. A quiet child may need a larger friendship set too. Farringtons is ok for primary but the bright children will leave. Eltham college is co-Ed and would be my first choice from Petts Wood. It used to be boys only so wasn’t in my radar when DD was little. I think it starts Y3 so children often start at eg Farringtons and move on. Farringtons have an amazing pre-reception. I had a DD who started at Farringtons then went to BH and she didn’t thrive at BH but I know others who have. Babbington is also popular.

0wlmummy · 12/11/2020 10:54

Thank you @PettsWoodParadise

I have Eltham College on my radar and hope to apply for year 3 entry Smile

I thought I might wait and see which state school we get for reception 2021 but we fall just outside the admission area of all our local schools so I’m a bit nervous what might happen.. I also haven’t been able to view any of the state schools due to Covid.

I viewed Farringtons, I liked it but we are not a Christian family and so I wondered if we would not be a good fit for school?

PettsWoodParadise · 12/11/2020 10:58

Whilst they do have the chapel they have a an all faiths and no faiths policy at Farringtons and and Christian element it isn’t in your face. When DD was there there were Hindus and atheists and all seemed happy.

Original poster
Cisco2 · 12/11/2020 11:36

Thanks for all your comments it is so helpful especially since it’s we are unable to view schools during this covid period.

Does anyone know much about St Davids or Braeside?

OP posts:
0wlmummy · 12/11/2020 16:19

@PettsWoodParadise good to know thank you.

@Cisco2 I haven’t been to see St David’s but I did view Breaside. I didn’t think Breaside would be suitable for my DD but I have a friend with a DD in pre reception there who loves it.

Original poster
Cisco2 · 12/11/2020 16:23

@0wlmummy thanks!

OP posts:
ParentZ · 27/06/2021 01:33

Hi,
My contribution to this thread may be a bit late but it might be useful for parents wanting advice for future reference.
Wickham Court Prep (Bromley) has been the total waste of money for the time our child went to this school.
The only thing that appeals to most parents is the building but my advice would be - dont go by the looks.
They cant match the resources which a good or outstanding state school can offer.
I would not recommend this school to anyone who is looking for good private education for their child.

Parentlsp · 11/11/2021 01:38

Hi,

Again apologies as this contribution is late but want to leave advice for future parents.
Wickham Court Prep and the senior school now Bromley Independent Grammar but in the same grounds are a complete waste of time and money!
It doesn't matter what your child's ability is this school will not help them to achieve their full potential. Avoid at all costs!!!!!
I sent 2 of my children there and one was bullied for several months by another child which went completely unnoticed by the teacher in a class of 14? No tolerance bullying policy is just for show not adhered to as it is continuing with other children. The same child did not learn anything for the entire year that we paid for. The second child regularly complained about under cooked lunches (often not eating at all during the day) several children have had food poisoning again gone un noticed?
They use admin staff to teach children when qualified teachers are not in or off sick!
Lack of resources for SEN children most are set up.to fail. I can't believe there are not more posts on this as all the parents are always upset several children have been withdrawn by parents for failing to keep up with national standards in the last year.
When you visit this school you are drawn in by how beautiful the grounds are the building is an actual castle there is no heating as this is too costly and I'm told not hot water either! The small class sizes appeal as you automatically think your child will get a better quality education - how wrong was I? Biggest mistake I have made with my children's education.
Thank god I have moved them to a proper school and will never look back to this disaster of an establishment that should be and will most likely be shut down in the coming years!

Jugomum · 20/11/2021 11:32

@Parentlsp,
Hi, which school did you take your kids to after they left wickham court?

Jugomum · 20/11/2021 11:50

Hi mums,
Looking to change schools for my son in year 3, does anyone have any idea how good St Davids prep school in Bromley and Royal Russell in South Croydon are. I'm looking for a family oriented, academic oriented, child friendly school with relatively small class sizes, warm and understanding teachers who objectively listen to the children they teach and care for. I am looking for a school where anti-bullying and safeguarding policies are actually being implemented not just for show.I am looking for a school where the staff treat the children fairly and justly no matter the child's race, ethnicity or seeming financial status of their parents. Finally I am looking for a school that will give equal opportunities to a child and support a child grow and flourish in areas they are interested in and help them get better in areas they may need extra work all doing this without bias of a child's race, ethnicity or seeming financial status of their parents. Would appreciate any suggestions, advice or comments. Thanks.
From a desperate mum wanting the best for her child.

Original poster
Cisco2 · 20/11/2021 12:26

@Jugomum hey! I wish that school existed! In the end we chose St Davids and my daughter is really happy there so far, they are supporting her in her learning and it is relatively diverse so I would recommend it.

OP posts:
Parentlsp · 18/03/2022 12:32

I have heard good things from parents for both St Davids and Royal Russell so would recommend both of them. My children are at Bishop Challoner in Shortlands all three of them, I can see are able to achieve their potential here.

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