Wimbledon independent primaries: The Ursuline, The Study, The Hall?

[designerbaby]

This follows on from a previous thread, thanks for all the feedback so far.

Despite thinking previously that we'd missed the boat, it now looks like we might have some independent options, which is a huge relief as we're in a bit of a state primary deadzone ? with only one viable option which we're really not keen on for a variety of reasons discussed in a previous thread.

We have places pretty much offered from The Ursuline, The Hall and a possibility of an offer at The Study, and I'd like to see what, if any, knowledge is out there about these schools. They seem like such different places, it's difficult to judge between them... Like choosing between apples and oranges...

Any views/opinions/experience gratefully received.

db
xx

Have you been to see them all?
The Hall school I loved, DS will probably go next year, dh wants him to go Donhead which is quite different, but big waiting list.

What do you like about them, or dislike?

What are the top three things of importance to you in choosing a school. For us it was 1) happy environment 2) good results 3) easy commute

If you know what you want it will be easier because they are so different.

We will be going for the Study lottery for DD and went for Willington for DS

Ooh, sorry, I hadn't seen these replies - thought thread had died before it lived!!

I think we're plumping for Ursuline in the end.

It had the nicest atmosphere, I liked the staff very, very much. Results are ok, we'll save a fair bit on fees so could supplement with a but of tutoring if we felt it was necessary. I've only heard positive feedback from people with girls there, including someone I work with. It's walkable from our house (15 minutes, tops) and the more I think about it, the more appealing this becomes! They can take DD2 for full (school) days in their nursery when she's three. My only reservation is that it's a bit scruffy around the edges! But it has a lovely feeling.

In short, it's a lovely school which makes our lives hugely easier in a variety of ways.

The Hall I am finally discounting. I loved the place, the facilities and lots of things about the approach but would find it hard to feel completely confident in opting for a less conventional school. I wasn't as convinced about the early years staff, (although the teachers for years 3-6 seemed really really good). Final straw was that I think the school run could quite possibly become hellish... A3, rush hour. Urgh.

The study - well we're still in the waiting list, I've had a quick look round but we can't attend a proper tour until January so I'll reserve final judgement until then. I know we're applying late, but the admissions secretary has been really quite, well, rude, frankly, and even for latecomers I would expect a bit more courtesy, after all she'd said we may well get offered a place. It's put me off a bit, tbh. I don't want a school which acts like they're doing me a favour by deigning to educate my child when I'm paying £11k a year for the privilege... I'm not asking her to kiss my behind, but a reply to a genuine email with a genuine question would be nice.

So wobbly, I think my list is probably the same as yours, (although the order is subject to change) and I think, although each school would probably score higher on separate criteria, the Ursuline probably scores best overall...

Going on your criteria, and ranking them 1,2,3 for each it looks like this:

Ursuline 2:2:1
The Hall 1:3:3
The Study 3:1:2

Thanks so much for taking the trouble to reply... Sorry for not getting back to you sooner!

db
xx