Independent schools in TW?

[HeadingSW]

We're thinking about moving to TW from London and are interested in independent schools for our DS, aged 4. I've looked at various school websites, but could anyone here steer me a bit? We'll obviously go to open days and visit the ones we like but just for now, can anyone give me a heads up on the main differences between say: Rose Hill, Mead, Holmewood House? In terms of culture, academic results, whether it's a friendly/pushy/hard to get into etc etc? For what it's worth, I'd rather DS went somewhere small-ish, friendly with decent outside space. Warm, approachable teachers rather than ones driven purely by the academic side of things.

Thanks very much for any insight.

Hi

We moved from London to Tonbridge last summer. I would HIGHLY recommend Fosse Bank School in Hildenborough- literally you are describing that school: www.fossebankschool.co.uk/ Our daughters are there in year 3 and 1 and having moved from a big London private school we are so impressed. It is very friendly, the teaching is amazing. But classes are small (never more than 18 and a lot of classes smaller) and so they get a lot of individual attention. So they are not pushy but they do get the best potential since all children have their education structured to benefit them rather than in a bigger class of 20/24 which you get in the other private schools. Teachers are lovely. They are not only approachable they go out of their way to discuss things with you that will help your child. I have no issues at all. My children as so happy there.

Fees are most reasonable in the area and it is an easy commute into London if you are still doing that (you can even leave your car at school and walk to Hildenborough station).

Easy to get to from Tunbridge Wells or surrounding villages using the back routes which parents do each day (in about 10-15 mins).

Children do well and go onto good schools in year 6. They are all so happy and mine literally skip into school each day and at the weekend often are rushing the time by to get back on Monday. Happy to talk more if you want. There is an open day on Fri 15th May and again 16th June. Or you can do taster days. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.

HTH!

ps; they have a beautiful building with own indoor swimming pool and 26 acres of parkland surrounding the school- outside space by the bucket loads!

Rose Hill. Brilliant school. We moved my son there in 2011 after 5 years abroad and he was extremely happy. Your child can be anything there: Academic, Arty, Sporty, Creative. Whatever their talent is, the teachers at Rose Hill will find it and then nurture it.

Hi everyone, thank you so much for replying, that's all very helpful .

Kentmum, I've just looked at Fosse Bank and it does indeed look lovely - I think I'm going to try and get there for the open day. Do you know if they do pick-ups at all? I can't see anything on the website. Also - slightly more controversial perhaps - but what's the culture like of the school? Perhaps I'm a bit overly worried but we currently live in Brighton and the parents here at the schools I've visited all seem to be pretty wealthy (we're not - at all!!) and possibly (whisper) a bit flash. Sorry, that sounds awful, but we're definitely more in the camp of old car, UK holidays and school fees being a bit of a stretch rather than new car every year and Barbados for Xmas. I don't think kids really care about that sort of thing, but I don't want DS to feel out of place!

Hi HeadingSW. I am a mum at Fosse, I've been there 3 years. I can honestly say that one of the lovely things about the school is that most of us are all very down to earth, non pretentious, 'normal'people! The fact that quite a lot of Mums work is testament to the fact that we are not a highly wealthy school and like you, have to stretch ourselves to pay the fees. You'll go a long way though to find a school that has parents as passionate about their children's school as the Fosse parents. You will certainly be made really welcome and due to the class sizes your children will get a lot of individual attention and care.
If you want to know anything else please ask away but hopefully we will see you at one of the open days very soon x

Might be too late for you now, but we use Somerhill, over in Tonbridge, and the drive in from TW isn't so bad, if you're not on the opposite side of town.

It isn't small, but I have found it friendly (which was an issue for me as not originally from UK) and encouraging of academic and non-academic children. Also amazing outdoor space and if you get in from pre-prep level the entrance not an issue...

This is also a late late late reply! Although, I cannot commend Holmewood House enough! DS1 attended HH and is now in his second year at Eton; DS2 is still there and adores it and DD is also there and also adores it! They were all day pupils up until they were 11, when they flexi boarded because they wanted to stay for clubs and so on. HH has flexi boarding, weekly and day and is very flexible to your needs IME Super school, excellent, warm ethos and is really encouraging and enthusiastic in its teaching! Some say it's a hothouse but I don't think it is at all, I'll say it's not right for all children, although, I don't think any school is right for absolutely all children because they're all so different! However, Holmewood House really is wonderful IMO if you're after a great school with good academics and pastoral care! The sports are great too!

Has anyone got any views/info on Hilden Grange? www.hildengrange.co.uk/

Trying to evaluate Hilden Grange and Fosse bank for my son