Duncombe School - v - Heath Mount

[GiddySnail]

Looking for advice from local parents as to which prep school is better - Duncombe or Heath Mount. I'm told Duncombe doesn't have any LD provision, which is disappointing.
Wondering also how VAT on school tuition fees will affect both schools. I've heard both preps are struggling to recruit new students because of this. Such a pity.
Any advice would be gratefully received.

Both very different schools Duncombe is a primary that goes up to year 6 whereas Heathmount is a prep with boarding leading up to common entrance at 13. I am not surprised that numbers are down with VAT as the state offering in the area is great. What is LD provision?

You will get more traffic in the general education forum.

Thanks for reply to my thread, User2346.
Yes, local state provision is good. Probably no need locally for private education, meaning parents like myself will save thousands of pounds each year.
VAT is a killer for private schools. Duncombe's student numbers for September are reportedly way down. Worrying times for the independent sector. I fear many of the smaller independent prep schools will be financially ruined by VAT and go out of business.
LD = Learning Difficulties. State provision for this is generally very good, whereas scant provision in most private schools. This is a provision the latter need to start considering if they want to boost their student numbers.

Looks like a lot of sleepless nights ahead for Private school heads and bursars after 4th July. If Labour secure the huge majority the pollsters predict, they'll be unstoppable.
What did you mean by 'You will get more traffic in the general education forum.'

Private schools are not at all set up for SEN. Spend your money on a great Ed Psych and apply for an EHCP. PM if you wish I have a lot of experience and live locally.

Its a busier forum.

What is your point? Is it about numbers being down for Duncombe, do you work for them or are you genuinely looking for a school for your SEN child? Indies in this area generally have an awful attitude but understand they might change their tune as EHCP children are exempt from VAT.

Thanks for advice and offer of help User2346. Agree that private schools are hopeless when it comes to SEN provision. Given the new challenge they face it woukd be prudent for them to move into this area as they will now have to compete with the state sector not just other independent schools.
We are now looking at the state sector as it has SEN provision. This will save us thousands of pounds.
I suspect we will see with the looming VAT on school fees smaller private schools like Duncombe fall into grave financial difficulty. They may even go under. A sorry state of affairs.
You wouldn't want be a head or bursar in a small private school at this time. Sleepless nights and baggy eyes. Some of these may have to eat humble pie and work in the state sector.

My friends kids went to HM and she pulled them out in the end as their was zero support for dyslexia. The school also was very high brow and she didn't really feel she fitted in and her girls didn't have the right accents etc. It's very good for those high achieving kids or very sporty. But SEN. No. Definitely not.

If you are looking at state anyway it shouldn’t bother you. I would as I said before get a really good Ed Psych report and apply for an EHCP asap.

My reply may be too late GiddySnail but I looked at Duncombe and Heath Mount for my son and daughter and chose Heath Mount. I was wowed by the parkland setting when I first visited the school but it was their strengths across the whole school that impressed. Academics, art, sport, drama and music are all great so whatever interests my kids develop will be nurtured. I found the other parents very welcoming and there is lots going on to get involved in if you wish to. I don't have any regrets about my school choice.

How do you know that these schools are struggling to recruit new students?