Prep schools in Tunbridge Wells

[lulupop]

Very area-specific thread, this, but I was hoping to gather a bit of anecdotal evidence about the prep schools here. Like any parent, we want DS and DD to have the best possible start in life, and have been thinking that perhaps the best way to get them into the grammar school at 11+ is to make sure their abilities are as well-nurtured as possible at the beginning.

We've seen Rose Hill and Holmewood House. They both seem like good schools. But the fees for Holmewood House are nearly £4,000 per term in the main school. This makes my eyes water just thinking about it. Rose Hill is £3000 per term. The difference for 2 children is quite a lot. We are prepared to sacrifice holidays etc to pay the fees for the best school for each child, but given it is a big stretch for us, I want to be sure we're making the right choice.

The school visits you get are good, but clearly they're giving you the hard sell. I don't know many people with kids at either school so really want to hear anyone's views on them. How much indiviual attention does each child really get? Are you actually only paying for the range of extra-curricular activites on offer? Is it worth it, basically?

Pupce, don't really know anything about the Mead, although have heard it's a bit second-rate. Do you hear much about it?

St AUgustine's and ST James don't know at all. Are these state or primaries?

I guess really we'd just thought it's either going to be a really great prep school or Claremont. DH seems to be getting increasingly depressed about the fees though so I think it may well be Claremont!

I seem to be resurrecting really old threads but I just thought I'd try my luck! Any of you still around to offer some info on The mead, Rose Hill and suitable alternatives? (def not Holmewood House). Thanks so much!

Have a look at Somerhill too (in Tonbridge just off the A21) - I have 3 children there and am very happy with it. I can't speak for the others you speak of but you are right to avoid HH
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I have family in TW area who moved them to Somerhill School in Tonbridge and are very happy with that.

Quite a lot more children are going from Prep school to Grammar in the last few years for economic reasons.

Dont want to hijack the thread but I would also be grateful for info. We are looking at moving into the area and were considering Holmewood House as a possible- but reading previous comments I seem to be missing something! Can anyone tell me, what is its reputation like locally ? Thanks!

TheregoesBod, you probably aren't. Holmewood House is considered excellent but also hyper-competitive. That just isn't what I want for my DC. You're only a kid once.

Inti and Greenwing, thank you for your replies.

Still would love some info on The Mead.

UnBaiser, thanks for that, I am following this thread with interest.

Theregoesbod - I've message you.

And I'm bumping for more

I'm sorry for resurrecting an old thread. But I was after some information.

Which are the best prep schools in Tunbridge Wells? My eldest (y2) is currently not reaching his potential at his state school so we are considering moving him to Rosehill or Somerhill. Any opinions on these schools?

And as an aside, we would remain in touch with his old school friends, so how do I say we are moving him as we feel the school isn't stretching him enough without offending our friends? As it sounds like X school isn't good enough for our child, but you still have to send your kid there.

Thanks!

You don't have to justify your decision to your friends. Just say that you think your DC would be happier in the new school.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate. I know I don't have to justify it to our friends. It's just that some of our friends teach at the state school DS currently attends! So I can't say the real reasons. Which is I don't think they are challenging DS academically.

If there are waiting lists, then he might just have to stay where he is!

Any others out there with further info?

Thanks!

If you want to talk to mothers from all the local preps, enrol your DC in Recre8 at Tonbridge School this summer. Every single local prep will be represented!

Thank you!

Recently left Somerhill, fab school, can't really fault it. Have many friends with children still there, all are happy and flourishing.

Beechwood Sacred Heart is a lovely school, have you looked at that one?

I have a friend with two dcs who went to Holmewood and then on to skinners and a girls' grammar recently. My impression was that quite a lot of their chums went to grammar too, if they could. With a few exceptions (Tonbridge, Sevenoaks) the independent academic options are thinner as so much of the cream goes to grammar

I have heard (and briefly experienced) horror from Holmewood House. Ultra rich, competitive parents and kids. Poor handling of issues if they concerned children of parents who had donated extra. You might be better putting money into extra tutoring and a good state primary. Make sure you live in catchment area for TWBG and TWGGs.

Thanks all.

queen thanks for the post. HWH is not the right school for my DS. I've dithered for 2 years over going private or not as he's so sensitive. But I think RH or SH maybe right for him. Anyone know which is better academically and re: pastoral care?

Thank you

queen just out of interest - what are your thoughts on TWBG versus Skinners (headteacher has recently changed) versus Judd?

And do you know of any good tutors?

Thank you

You could also look at Sacred Heart Wadhurst. It doesn't have the huge facilities (although they regularly outperform the schools with the facilities like swimming pool in those sports!) that the other prep schools have but the pastoral care is outstanding and it's academic results mean it was only one of 2 local prep schools to make it into the Times top 100 prep schools.

FWIW the fees reflect that it a halfway house between state and private.
Majority of pupils go on to the TW grammars.

My DD is in an independent school, Y5 and we hope for grammar for secondary. Although not far in distance from you, being in Petts Wood, I can't provide insights into the schools you mention. However I wanted to highlight that many independents do not prepare for eleven plus entrance. That will often be an extra expense in your own time. Some even discourage it as they have their own senior school that they want children to progress to.