Aldenham/ Orley Farm / Radlett Prep / St Johns

[3pteepee]

My son has cleared his assessment for Aldenham, Radlett Prep and Orley Farm, and his assessment for St John's is scheduled next week. We are looking for a school that provides good all round development, providing the right push where needed (eg. if a child shows good academic promise, he is being provided the support to do better at it). We are quite confused about these 4 choices. DS is bright, academically interested, but quite shy. Current views are: Radlett Prep: I am not keen as I don't want something that is purely academic focused. Aldenham: seems like an attractive choice due to the secondary school (DS won't have to spend 2 years of his life preparing for the 11+ rat race). The only thing I am uncertain about is, will they push DS to do well at academics in secondary given he is quite inclined? Orley Farm: A bit far for us, but also not sure about leavers destinations. Also not sure about the academic + sports push? St John's : We love MT (but were late to apply) and the prospect of going to MT from St John's is high. Plus is it very close to where we stay. Looking for some help / guidance from people who have experience with these schools

How old is your son?
If he's 4/5 how are you so sure he's "academic"
We looked at Aldenham, orley farm, Habs and Golders hill for our boy/girl twins But then decided to send them to local outstanding primary because they were August born 8 weeks premature my son in particular wasn't ready for academic pressure they are now both at Habs which is perfect for them.
Aldenham felt quite cliquish and at that time they did a family ski trip every year which is my idea of hell.

Thanks @MiniCooper15
He is 5, so you are right, might be a bit early to pass judgment. I just see him enjoying complex puzzles, books and learning much more than creative stuff. I was leaning towards Aldenham (as I dread the 11+ stress), but I do not want a very elite school where the social construct may get kids to feel pressurised to 'behave a certain way' - so that has cast some doubts

The reason I asked is because my DD could read simple words plus write her name when were thinking of applying particularly to Habs and she was quite outgoing while boy twin who was healthier at birth was a bit shy and couldn't write or even hold a pencil properly at 4 but he's now more academic particularly regarding Maths and science so it's definitely not a given.
They both passed entrance for Habs at secondary stage and it's a good fit because they also encourage different sports plus it's diverse lots of different ethnic backgrounds some "rich kids" but mostly like us hardworking professionals.
Just to add its two separate schools for boys and girls but they socialise and have events together.
Good luck!

St. John’s is definitely a better choice than Orley Farm. He will have better prospects from St John’s than Orley Farm. Good luck