Is Eaton Square School as questionable as some say??

[Mumdogs]

I remember seeing a controversial post on here a while back talking about the nationalities at Eaton Square School, about whether there were “too many Russian children” supposedly of oligarchs I’m assuming.
But, on the same thread many were saying the school itself was lacking it other areas and that they would steer clear of the school.

We are currently looking around at schools at the moment, we haven’t toured Eaton Square, but have noticed that it’s coed and quite close to us. It seems nice, maybe small; not too academic, but I’m not sure that it seems frighting.

Is it worth looking into at all?? Do any parents have positive; or negative experiences here?

Hi, I also consider this school for my child and have toured it. I got a positive feeling about the school, its premises, students and teachers. Have you already made your decision whether to start or not? If your child is a current student, are you happy with everything?

Yep, I agree. Wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole

I'm writing more as a teacher who knows people across the sector. I don't work at Eaton Square or a competitor- currently not working at all.

It is known as very international- children just arriving in London and in need of a school place, rather than longer term London families (of all nationalities) like at other London schools. The location adds to this as it just isn't where most families would live. It's very much an area you'd get an apartment as a very wealthy, new to London family until you settle and work out where you want to be.

It is less academic and had a rocky start but does seem to be getting better staff now and becoming more established. Facilities seem much better.

I think most 'long term' London families would not be wowed by it as there are so many other more established schools. I don't think it's to do with the teaching or facilities anymore - these seem to have been sorted- it's more a tricky catchment and reputation thing. The prep seems to fare better than the seniors- perhaps a slightly better location in terms of where families may live.

I noticed Princes Garden Prep which was a similar new school has been rebranded Brighton College Kensington which is going to give it much more gravitas.

I guess Eaton Square happily lap up the cohorts they can get in and don't worry about being top of the game in the same way as other preps.

It's the senior school which is new, the prep has been around for yonks

What age are your DC?

The marketing for the new senior school when it was launched would have ou tme off - risible. But the prep has been around for ages, so depends which bit you are considering

Eaton Square Prep is great - the Senior is not.

Thank you everyone, haven’t been on in a while but I was glad to see some replies!

Its good to hear the prep is actually doing nicely, I was talking to a friend a while ago which sparked the original question. They mentioned it would be a last resort for them which surprised me, but this could also be all talk and rumors.

It looks like most other preps from what I’ve seen looking at their website and Instagram, but don’t know anyone personally with kids there.

@JumpingPig We’re actually local to the Pimlico area and Eaton Square prep is the closest school to us (but I get what you mean about the area being international). The next closest would be Westminster under and Westminster Cathedral Choir School, however both are boys and we have a daughter.
We are here for the long term, do you think it’d be better to travel a bit further for a school that’s less ’international’? It seems a lot of schools have children coming and going nowadays though so not sure how much of a difference it would make.

@AnotherNewt Our DD is currently 1/2 so fairly young, but we’ve started registering interest and stuff with schools. Looking around mainly.

We’re also looking at Garden House and Newton Prep, but would like to know more about ESS since it’s so close. Both would be a bit further though.

Worried slightly about it being too international?? Maybe too many families moving around? And possibly being not academic enough?

Have you looked at Francis Holland?