Cranmore prep - West Horsley

[mike1969]

Hi there,

Does anyone have any thoughts on Cranmore prep. I am thinking of placing my son there but a couple of things are worrying me.

Would appreciate any thoughts - good or bad.

Thank you so much.

Used to have a reputation for bullying and being a bit over pressurized. But had a new Head previously at Aldro (I think). Just do ask how long he plans to stay, a friends son started with the one but last, and wasn't warned the Head was leaving within a term.

Lots of people like it, a few don't.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I take it your friend's son was happy? such a big decision deciding where to send your children.

locally known as Cram-More

Yes, I did hear that. Has that nickname still stuck despite the new headmaster. Anyway, I think we have decided against going there.

Are you going for Glensk then? Or somewhere else?

Good luck anyway.

I had one boys who went there. On the positive side, it has great facilities for sport, a fantastic music department and the buildings are well maintained and equipped, it has some great teachers (especially maths) and the support staff are excellent. On the negative side it does not have a sport-for-all ethos and despite all the wonderful facilities, the sports teams are made up of the same players with less fixtures for the lower teams. There is a survival of the fittest ethos particulary in the senior department which can result in agressive playtimes. The junior school has some great experienced teachers but from Year 4 boys move to the senior department and are expected to move around the school for lessons. I found the pastoral care at this stage rather limited. The teaching of English is below average compared with other local independants and 11+ preparation is poor as they want to keep as many on until 13. It has become more Catholic in recent years and there seems to be an increasing amount of time spent on RE. They made changes post their last OFSTED and there is less homework now but it is still a pushy school. Personally I would suggest you look at Lanesborough or Parkside who seem to have the balance right, they are smaller well-run schools with more opportunities for your child to play in teams and be recognised for their abilities even if they are not an A team player or a grade 8 musician!

Thank you so much for your detailed reply - so appreciate it. We have decided against going to Cranmore for reasons I can't quite place. There was just something bothering us and then we saw their really bad Ofsted report for the nursery. Apparently they have decided against Ofsted for the rest of the school - you mentioned the last report -did you mean the nursery report?

My son at the moment is not at all sporty although he is very young and I am trying to encourage this more. So your comments made me even more sure we are doing the right thing.

Did look at Lanesbrough but it felt a bit messy and cramped - if that makes sense. We also looked at Parkside but at the time we were so keen to find a good co-ed. We would still much prefer that but just can't find anywhere around here. Did consider Felton Fleet but heard some bad press. Perhaps I am just too fussy. Did your son enjoy Cranmore?

Again, I really appreciate you replying. Thank you!

My son spent eight years at Cranmore and on his last day he told me that he had not enjoyed his primary years. When asked why he replied "Cranmore is not a fair school". Despite being a good alrounder he felt that he was never good enough as he was never picked for things and if I am honest it has affected his self esteem. The OFSTED report I mentioned was the last inspection of the main school, I haven't read the one for the nursery. Don't be put off by the facilites at Lanesborough; it is an outstanding school with great academics, inclusive sport for all and good music. The head, Clare Turnbull is really inspiring and knows every boy by first name - a real breath of fresh air (I wish I had sent my son there). Unfortunately good prep co-eds barely exist in this area. City of London Freesmans (CLFS) in Ashtead starts from 7 and is a very good (and oversubscribed!) co-ed school. You could do Glenesk until 7 then go to CLFS. The only other co-ed preps I know are Belmont in Holmbury St.Mary and The Duke of Kent in Ewhurst. Another option could be Lanesborough (all boys) and Tormead (all girls) which although not mixed are right next to each other so it makes the school run easier. I have heard mixed reviews on Danes HIll (very big) and Felton Fleet (bullying) but have no personal experience of either school. I hear lots of good things about Parkside and know some who left Cranmore for there and are very happy but again no personal experience. Best of luck with it all.

Consider Downsend in LEatherhead - co-ed to 13 and we have been really happy with it

If your son is at all musical do consider Lanesborough again. The girls High School is not far away either (although Tormead is very close).

I liked Feltonfleet when I looked, but it was very full.

Belmont is lovely, but I didn't fancy the drive, although lots of people do it.

Ripley Court, I don't know much about it, but it seems nice.

Really appreciate all this help - thank you so much!!!! Very interesting feedback.

We will definitely reconsider Lanesborough and I know Tormead has a good reputation. Definitely anti Daneshill after the bullying comments on this forum. And the same for Felton Fleet. Might look at Duke of Kent and Downsend (did look at the lodges but found them a bit too small - but can imagine the main school is totally different). Did look at Ripley Court but the facilities seemed very limiting. Just realised how fussy I must sound.

I am so sorry your son didn't enjoy Cranmore - that must have made you feel quite sad. My son is already struggling slightly with confidence so I am more than ever happy that we have made the right decision.

As far as Cranmore and Ofsted they gave us the impression the main school had never been ofsteded. Keen to try and find that report now, purely out of curiosity : )

Again, thank you!!