Dorset preps - Sherbourne v Clayesmore v Castle Court v Dumpton v Sunninghill....????

[shushpenfold]

Hi

Moving to Dorset - completely confused and need any info on prep schools. I'm looking at all of these and wondered if anybody knew of/attended them? TIA

I know Castle Court and Dumpton and can say they are both very good and very similar - there's a whole other thread about them. I've heard Sherborne Prep is good too. Not sure about the others. They're all in the Good Schools Guide except Sunninghill, if that helps. Both Castle Court and Dumpton are a bit heavy duty on the religious side and quite traditional, don't know if that bothers you, while I think Sherborne Prep is a little bit more "progressive". Also Sherborne Prep has some boarding which the others don't. Dumpton and CC send a lot of their kids to Canford and I'm guessing Sherborne Prep is aiming more at the Sherborne schools so it's worth looking where you want your children to go next. Good luck!

Thanks amumm. Didn't know about the other thread - shall look! xx

I went to Sunninghill for a term, many years ago, whilst my parents were moving from one area to another. I was 7 and a half. That one term taught me more than any other school, for the extras which I believe is what you pay for private. I was taught all the correct cutlery, I was taught how to hold a hymn book correctly how to sing correctly, I learnt more French in that term than in all the rest of my 14 years of French education. I learnt how to do barn dancing, may pole dancing. I learnt biology and fantastic science. This was all in attending one summer term. I cannot recommend it enough.

I went to Clayesmore 35 years ago, and now two of my mindees go there, one is in the Nursery, one is 8.

Clayesmore also has boarding facilities.

I went to the open day there with 3 year old mindees mum before she started, and I have to say was impressed.

Thanks keepitsweet and Shoshe. Will have a visit soon (once open again!)

Have you looked at Yarrells in Upton? It's lovely, especially the nursery if that's of interest to you.

If you are looking for a small friendly excellent prep day school in Dorset, Sunninghill Prep School is outstanding. I have two children there and they are thriving. Specialist teaching commences as early as Reception. Excellent extra curriculum activities offers a range of opportunities, aiming to bring out the best in each individual.At the end of Year 8 all the children are well prepared for State or Independent School, many achieve scholarships. Children emerge from the school as confident, polite individuals.
The school has recently been inspected, with the Early Years Unit, ranked as outstanding. Check out the web site for the full report which high lights the schools many strengths.
It is worth a visit.

Hi shushpenfold i am sure u have made your decisions by now but if you are still looking I would recommend looking at castle court. The new head is SUCH an inspiration and is really putting the school on the map. I moved to the area from London relatively recently and put my son into cc (state primary in London) and the difference in him is extraordinary - more confident, happy to try anything, found his sporting feet, loves his music and now a very happy bunny with a strong friendship group. Even his father is thrilled - and he went to dump ton!!!