Pilgrims/Twyford/Horris Hill...?

[scaredofmonkeys]

Interested to hear thoughts on which suits what type of boy, any drawbacks, what the positives are etc. Thank you

Twyford- properly co-ed, well established, cosy, strong on academics and sport. It's day/weekly/flexi boarding so perhaps more of a local option; which might explain why it feels very 'Hampshire'.
Pilgrims- musical and academic powerhouse with hothouse tendencies. Are you a professional musician or heading for Wincoll Election? If not, you are a Commoner. Lovely and inspiring setting, but you are still in the heart of a city. I wouldn't want to be a full boarder there- unless as a chorister or quirister- that might be lonely at weekends. Lots of highly educated parents; feels very 'Winchester'
HH- proper country prep but more flexible than some about boarding commitments. Does v well academically but too small to be competitive at sports. Slightly quirky in good ways. Boys move up when ready, not by age/year. A good place for boyhood, I think, and my pick of the three for this reason.
These are all good schools, but different in character. Visit the schools, of course, but also go to watch matches. You will see the ethos of the school played out on the pitch without pretence. This is also where you can observe parents and work out which group feels like your tribe.

My children are at Cheam but I have close friends with children at the three schools you are interested in.

Twyford - very good all round school.
Pilgrims - friends son is a chorister and plays 2 instruments really well, he is happy at Pilgrims.
Horris Hill - not such a good report, I know 3 families with children there now or left in last 12 months, 1 is a quiet academic boy and he is happy, 1 is not at all academic (possibly should not be in main stream education) and went to HH when 2 other preps said no, 1 was horribly bullied for years (no idea why, he is a great kid), school did not resolve the problem, he is now at senior school.

I agree with the previous poster re visit and find your tribe.

I would stay clear of Horris Hill @scaredofmonkeys. My son had a dreadful experience there but is now happy at senior school. They had some very unpleasant boys and teachers .Boys at his current school who went to Pilgrims speak very highly of it.

Good luck with your search.

Horris Hill going co-ed if that makes a difference. Where did you decide on? I work at a different Hampshire prep but of the three you mention I would say Twyford is the best all rounder and safe bet!