Cricklade Manor or Rendcomb College

[Aliothy]

Hi, my husband and I are looking at both Cricklade Manor and Rendcomb College as possible options for our son who is currently in Year 2. We visited both schools and met with heads. Cricklade Manor seems more academically focus. Just wondering if there are any parents who have kids in either of these school that could provide their comments share their feedback. Also, if possible, I would like to know what you think of the heads strategies? Many thanks.

I am local I have never heard of Cricklade Prep and Rendcombe I would not consider. Where are you based please ?

Hey. We Re based in cirencester, Gloucestershire. Sorry new to mumsnet so could have posted it in a wrong place?

No you didn’t post in the wrong place I just wanted to ascertain where you were based. I am local to Cirencester and I wanted to tell you my experience of local preps. Where are you thinking your child will go on to at year 7 ? Obviously Rendcombe is all the way through and Cricklade finishes at year 6

Why would you not recommend Rendcomb?

I've heard of Cricklade but not looked in to it.

If you want anything remotely academic and forward thinking, avoid both.

@GraciousPiglet has it in one
The only decent prep in this area is Beaudesert and I accept it is not for everyone Rendcombe is for a non academic cohort and Cricklade Prep will be vying with Westonbirt Prep for a certain demographic. Save your money get extra curricular and tutoring

Thank you for your comments so far. We are not sure yet where our son will go after Y6. He has just started showing some interest towards math and music/ he likes dancing. I think what we really like is for him to gain more confidence, make sure he gets more individual support ( his current class in state school has 29 children so a bit hard for him to get 121 attention) just support him in his learning. He is good at maths that Ihat i am told and i presume average with English. If he shows more academic interest in a couple of years then we would be happy to explore options of getting into grammar school but undecided at this stage.

The other consideration is Berkhempstead which is Cheltenham then looking at Pates or Balcarrus although the catchment for Balcarrus is tight

I know he’s only year 2 but I would be looking at senior schools and then choosing a prep based on that. I don’t mean the senior school has to be set in stone but it can make a difference as to the type of prep you choose.
Sounds like you will be looking for a strong academic school but with good music provision. Dance is often offered as an extra like speech and drama.

@Parsley1234

The other consideration is Berkhempstead which is Cheltenham then looking at Pates or Balcarrus although the catchment for Balcarrus is tight

OP lives in Cirencester, they would have to move to get Balcarras.

I would say Beaudesert. How about Pinewood or St High's? Also take a look at Westonbirt.

*St Hugh's!

@MissyB1 I know she lives in Cirencester and it wd be a long shot for sure however I would really only consider Beaudesert or berkhempstead if the child was not going on after year 6 otherwise I’d save my money

Pinewood yes Westonbirt no way in a million years

My ds just suggested Pinewood (he’s not there by the way but has played matches against them).
Or if you don’t mind driving to Cheltenham your other option is St Edwards which have a prep and senior school.

If you go to Cheltenham then Chelt Coll prep and senior is a better option IMO disclaimer ex Beaudesert and current Chelt Coll parent

Westonbirt prep seems to suit those who have struggled in state primary schools and it is also a bit of a grammar crammar for the Stroud grammars, although they would rather hang on to the children for senior so you might have to push for some 11plus help. I know people who have one child there and have kept another more academic child (or two) in state primary school - suggesting that they are not ‘private or nothing’ types that pick it. The senior is rather uninspiring but is nurturing for those who might struggle elsewhere. It would suit your son’s love for music as the music lead is very nice. Very down to earth uniform and not an expensive school.

Have you thought about moving him to a smaller village school? There are lots of hamlet and village schools up the Cotswold band between Cirencester and Cheltenham where he'd have much smaller classes and more individual attention.

Many thanks for your comments. Do you have any experience when it comes to Rendcomb or Cricklade Manor - teaching level, heads etc?

Op I think people are politely trying to steer you away from both.

Have you concidered Hatherop?

I guess OP might be after other reasons people choose private education - it's not always because of academics. Especially as Glos has plenty of grammar schools which are free of course.

There's a prep in Stonehouse (not Wycliffe) that's boasts that 100% of their students pass the 11+, should that be of help OP.

Thank you all for your comments. Much appreciated. Will investigate suggestions

@Aliothy yes as @Hoopa says we are trying to steer you away from both school and Hatherop as well. Hopelands does have great intake for Stroud High Marling and Pates and I know the ex teacher who now tutors who has 100% success with grammar intake I’d happily give you his details. Don’t waste your money really just don’t especially as your son is bright

Hi OP,

My children attend Cricklade Manor, have done since preschool- my eldest is y1.

I'm not quite sure about some of the comments above, indeed they're a little upsetting but I'll try to be as helpful as possible.

We like Wishford, and the head. The schools in the wishford group all seem to work well together. Every year has seen a step forward in our eyes. It is interesting to read the ISI report from 2017, just before we joined, and just as Wishford took over, and see how they have improved. I think the growth of the school over the last two years especially is testament to the good direction it is taking.

It is not a hot house, but the kids are pushed along. There is a strong focus on grammar school entry. Are there any particular questions you have?