mid-yr crashland into London reception year - Glendower, GEMS Hampshire, Hill House or Marlborough?

[muppet3]

After a nightmare with my job being moved into London at no notice, we have done a rapid house move to SW1 and need a reception place for dd (who had started at local state primary in Sept and, tbh, hadn't had the best time - she's quiet, imaginative and fairly bright, and there were a few challenging kids who seemed to take it upon themselves to kick, hit and spit at her come playtime) ... Anyway, the only state place we can be offered is at Marlborough Primary School (Draycott Avenue), where I'm just wary that dd is going to be on the receiving end of bad behaviour again, and may be a little bit bored academically. Anyone know if the school is good with more-able kids? Otherwise, Glendower, GEMS Hampshire and Hill House are possibilities ... but what are their differences? Anyone know what they are good at, and where a slightly shy little girl might find her feet????

I have looked round and registered my daughter for Hill House and have a friend who works there. It is a great school. Very matter-of-fact about things and seems to cater for different activities and interest. Go and look round if you haven't already. The staff are lovely and you are shown round by the pupils. It's also one of the cheapest prep schools and everyone I know who has had children there loved it.

I have also heard very good things about Glendower, though it is single sex and Hill House mixed so depends on which you prefer.

Don't know about GEMS Hampshire. Have you thought about Garden House? or The Knightsbridge School, or Thomas's (although that would involved a longer journey) - you have probably thought of these already and they have no places etc.

I agree - I have looked around Hill House previously and loved it! But they are full (although might be persuaded to accommodate her if they feel like it and like her enough ...). Glendower and GEMS Hampshire both have spaces, if she passes their assessments. Everywhere else I have tried, across our area and far beyond, is full! So it looks like these are the choices we are left with ...

Glendower seems to have a lovely environment and being all girls and small I think if she is shy and you're worried about bad behaviour it might be a good place. Hill House seems lovely as well. When I visited schools in the area, the happiest place to me seemed to be Knightsbridge school, this is purely from visiting - but it sounds like you enquired and they were full? Also have a look at Cameron House School? Another lovely and small school with a family feel to it.
Check out this website which profiles all the top prep schools in that area:
www.londonpreprep.com

bump - sorry, anyone else know any of these schools?

bump!

we looked around GEMS Hampshire School this morning and it seemed nice ... but does anyone else know it?

My children both attend GEMS Hampshire and love it! We moved mid-year and the adjustment went really well and both staff and children helped my children to settle in. Just asked my dd what she likes about the school and she said the teachers are nice and the other children will help you when you start! As a parent, the other parents welcomed me into the school as well. Teaching staff are caring yet firm - create excellent learning environment. Lots of great activities, especially as the children move up to Year I and beyond. Hope this helps!

Glendower is a very nice, couth girls school. Decent academically too. Quite girly - nice but expensive purple uniform etc. Quite sought after places to start reception.

Hill House has, obviously given its size, many fans, but it is very big and has a relatively transient population (hence always spaces) which some people may hesitate about. It is my least favourite Chelsea school, from visits and word on street.

Cameron House is mixed, single entry and very nuturing and gets good results (declared interest - I have a son there) although gets a bit more girl-dominated further up the school (although seems to be changing over last few years with more boys in upper years than previously) but I think our reception is full.

GEMS to be honest I was less keen on when toured, but these things are very personal and all three schools you mention are well reviewed in the Good Schools Guide.

Marlborough is not one of the strongest state primaries in Kensington and Chelsea - Christ Church, Bousefiled and Oratory (and perhaps a few other catholics) are.

Michaelahpurple - question on your comment about H... House, that is was your "least favourite school" based on "word on the street". Can you elaborate? It seems to get very positive reviews and yet some people really don't like it. I am finding it a bit confusing. Academically? Socially?