Leehurst Swan v Salisbury Cathedral School

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I am new to Salisbury and Independent schooling. I am currently trying to decide between Leehurst Swan and Salisbury Cathedral School for my DS''s pre-prep and prep schooling as a day pupil. I would be very grateful if anyone is able to offer any local knowledge or insight to help me.

Many thanks.

I am new to Salisbury and Independent schooling. I am currently trying to decide between Leehurst Swan and Salisbury Cathedral School for my DS's pre-prep and prep schooling as a day pupil. I would be very grateful if anyone is able to offer any local knowledge or insight to help me.

Many thanks.

Both are good schools. leehurst swan has a good repuatation until age 11 but I know of some who are less happy with the senior school - not all. They have good facilities and staff and have a strong art department and good learning support, especially for dyslexia. It's more similar to state education in terms of curriculum but smaller class sizes etc. it has the advantage of continued education til 16 yrs if needed. Salisbury cathedral school is also a lovely school - a traditional prep school in beautiful grounds. Some leave age 11 for local grammars or to start senior school at 11+ ( about 11 pupils out of 30 this year ) and the rest stay for 13+ entry. It's obviously known for the exceptional musical education but has many other all-round strengths. I'm trying not to be bias ( my son is at scs); but I think it has better pastoral care, is on the 'up', and everyone is accepted for who they are. Children can flexiboard if you need to go away, it's a supportive school in general. I think you will probably have a gut feeling as to which is right for your son, go with it! I know people are happy with both schools. Good luck.

Dear Pesa

Thank you very much for your very helpful and detailed response. I am grateful that you took so much time over it and for your wise advice. I am glad that you are happy with your choice of Salisbury Cathedral School and hope we are equally happy after we have chosen.

Best wishes

I removed one of my 4 children from Leehurst & they were v happy at Harnham Junior & had some 11+ group tuition there, did some Kip McGrath & some one to one tuition. Don't overlook Harnham Junior & some of the other excellent primary schools.

why on earth are you paying privately?
loads of good normal schools in Salisbury

The only way to choose between schools is to visit them. Every school has its strengths and each one is slightly different. Only by visiting the schools, talking to the teachers, head and pupils, will you get a feel for whether the school will suit your child(ren) and you.
My children go to a local village school but we are looking at private schools in Salisbury. I have friends who send their children to Leehurst and they are delighted with it. Similarly, I have friends with children at other private schools, chosen for different reasons, some are very happy, some are not so.

I realise this is an old thread but if anyone else is looking at schools in Salisbury, please do visit Chafyn Grove. The new Headmaster is just finishing his first year and has made lots of positive changes. :)

As a pp has said, there are many good state schools in Salisbury. If you have an eye to the 11+ in due course, St. Mark's Junior School (feeder school Wyndham Park Infants - 'Outstanding') usually has a significant number of children going to the Grammar schools.

SCS is a wonderful school. My 3 DSs have all been there and all enjoyed it despite being very different from each other. Mr Marriott is a visionary head and knows how to get the best from children and from his staff. It is great for music of course but has so many more opportunities than that too.