Choosing Between Super Close Thomas’s School and Academic Faulkner House

[LookingForSchoolsMum]

Hi! I’m new on Mumsnet but I was hoping to see if anyone has had experience with Thomas’s School Kensington or Faulkner House School for Girls recently. My DD has been accepted for a place at both schools but we’re still in between with the decision.
We live very close to Thomas’s Kensington which means we would be able to walk to school which is something I really want. However, I don’t know much about the school from current or previous parents, I only know a family with children at the school in Battersea which they’ve told me they love, but I’m not sure how much of a difference there is for the Kensington school. We’ve toured and it seem ls like a lovely all around prep school, with great facilities. Coed would also be a plus since I’m expecting a boy.
The other option is Faulkner House School which we’ve also toured and loved. The school has more of an academic reputation and seems to push for the best senior schools which isn’t a big focus for us since we plan to move out of London in a few years for the countryside. I also used to nanny a girl a long time ago when I was in university who attended Faulkner House before she went to Hanford for boarding school, she was a lovely, polite, and bright girl which I think helps with my positive view of the school. Even though they’ve opened a boys school now we would still have to walk to two different schools, and I would be inclined to try for Wetherby Kensington as well once my son is born, but all schools are still in close proximity to each other. Faulkner house would still be a walkable distance, but it seems like it would take 15-20 minutes rather than 5-10 for Thomas’s. Is 15-20 too long or totally feasible?
Overall I just really need help deciding!! I really like both schools, I’m leaning a bit towards Thomas’s because it’s so close but I don’t know as much about it. Faulkner house is also lovely, and I like a single sex environment even though it would be a hassle for a while juggling two schools for a boy and girl, but this wouldn’t be for a few years and we plan move eventually as well. Any experience or ideas? I’d love to hear!

@LookingForSchoolsMum I would go for the school that is closer to home if I were. If the walk distance to Faulkner house is closer to 15 that might be more equal to a walk of 10 minutes, but between a 5 vs 20 minute walk is quite a big difference. I might go back for a second tour if your not sure, but if you really love both Id go for the closer one. The coed option would also make your life easier later!

I’m interested as well!

I’d say if you’re planning to move out of London “in a few years” (what about your soon to be born son who you want to start school in London? You’re talking about at leat 5 years here), then go for Thomas’s as it’s a bigger school with a transient international student body so an exit wouldn’t be a big deal. At Falkner, it’s a small school and they’d prefer girls stay until end of Year 6 to keep revenue stream although they can easily fill the spot. If they know this is your intention to not stay, they probably wouldn’t offer a place.

@CountryMumAtHome Thank you, we feel that with Thomas’s being so close it’s hard to beat.
@njshore That’s a good point with the different school sizes, we will be in London for a bit, but will probably move before 11+ or 13+.

Ive also heard Thomas’s is more laid back in terms of academics prep for 7+/8+ and 11+ exams while still being a good school. One of the reasons we’re moving out, is so we hopefully won’t have to worry about competitive senior schools in London (the prep application process seems hard enough). So a school that preps for those exams isn’t something that’s would sell us, but choosing one that’s offers a good curriculum is still important. I also keep hearing that Thomas’s is the “well-rounded” choice which I think might suit us better with DC being young.