Private Independent Schools in Milton Keynes

[JAmom]

Hello, can anyone help, trying to get current, first hand experience/advise on which independent school in MK is best. Had some experience with Broughton Manor, but currently considering Webber. Any advise?

Day or boarding?

Day, thanks

Assume you're also looking for a prep school as you mention Broughton Manor? Are you looking to stay in the independent sector at secondary level or you wanting prep for the Bucks 11+ ?

Yes, sorry should have said Prep in the caption, but yes you're correct, I am looking for prep/independent. Also considering both options for secondary - the 11+ if that turns provides good results or staying independent. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Avoid Webber at all costs and look further afield

I would not recommend The Grove Independent School.
My kid went there until last year. The school has gone downhill and they are cutting corners.
In the curriculum they offer Spanish and Mandarin, however the teachers for the foundation do not speak either Spanish or Mandarin. They listen to songs and repeat the names of colours and numbers for 2 years.
They advertise small classrooms but for foundation there is only one teacher for both groups, so kids get taught by a teacher assistant a lot of the time.
They don't use any technological support for maths or reading, like most private schools.
If your kids is more able or needs support the school does not provide for that. There is no individualized learning. It just the 'one size fits all' approach that you see in many state schools.
There are too many staff changes as well, especially in the nursery.

To top it all last year they had an inspection by the ISI and they found lots of failings https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/people/private-school-in-milton-keynes-given-long-list-of-improvements-to-make-after-official-inspection-3706735 .

The school is not really worth the money you pay.

The Grove has had a lot of negative reports lately but I don't know it personally.
Broughton Manor and MK Prep are 11+ factories. And only go to age 11. More like private primary schools than true preps.
Webber is (or was, I'm not sure) very, very small.

Personally, I'd look slightly outside of MK. Within a few miles commute you've got Swanbourne House, Aykely Wood, Thornton and the Bedford Schools. Bedford ones are quite selective, I think, but have a good reputation. Swanbourne House is a well regarded, traditional, all round 'posh' prep school education and Aykely Wood and Thornton are non selective all through schools - Thornton is very good at nurturing girls who struggle with other schools.

Hi, we are considering Thornton College for my 4-year-old daughter. Any feedback or reviews about the school would be much appreciated.
What are pros or cons of all girls school? Thanks

@liveandletslive Ive answered you other thread.

MK Prep if you want them to get into a State Grammar. Akeley Wood is a decent alternative to Stowe if you want them close but the commute in the morning is horrendous. Webber is excellent if the child is sporty - I’m not convinced if they aren’t.

Akeley Wood is absolutely not Stowe. It’s the cheap end of the private market and is no comparison.

I'd also like to hear from parents who have children in Thornton?

We use the Harper trust schools in Bedford.
No immediate experience of Pilgrims prep but lots of the children’s friends were happy there. We are very happy with our girls at Bedford girls school.
It’s not perfect, but nowhere is and our girls are both happy and thriving.

My son goes to Webber Independent's senior school and is thriving there. He is very academic and also sporty. I have found that the school really meets his academic needs and there are other pupils who are similar in academic ability although the school caters for all needs. Compared to the state secondary he was at before, the work ethic of the children at Webber is great and the behaviour is excellent. He is also being stretched academically. It is a small school and my son has found the children very welcoming despite him joining later. I would say that as the school is small, it is is less competitive for certain sports like football or rugby although good for badminton and athletics. As my son does so much sport outside school this isn't a problem and means that he can play high level sport outside school without feeling torn between school and club level sport. It also leaves weekends free.