Independent prep schools in Worcestershire

[Mumsfret]

Does anyone have anecdotal experience of the following independent prep schools in the Worcestershire area?

Abberley Hall
Bromsgrove School
King's Hawford
Winterfold House

Any information gratefully received. Thank you!

Mumsfret. I did worry about DS1 being one of only two from his school going on to RGS but it has been absolutely fine. About 30% of his year were from other schools (apart from The Grange) and the children were organised in classes according to their geographical location, so that they could travel together etc. Also, during the 2 or 3 induction/taster days the children were in their own clothes so there was no way to tell which primary school they had come from.

Thanks MRSJWRTWR. Always good to hear positive reports of successful transitions, although I do wonder whether some girls (entering/on the verge of adolescence) might struggle a bit more with major change and "fitting in". I think gender can make a big difference at that age. Still, I think I've been persuaded to put concern about continuity a little further down the list of priorities.

Continuity is low on my list. In fact, I would go so far as to argue for the opposite. These days you can join schools at nursey level and go all the way through to A Level. That can't be good for them: to never learn how to make new friends or find their way in new surroundings. Adaptability is good; even essential in the current world.
If they have continuity at home then they don't need it at school.

I agree, anon, that adaptibility is a useful trait, but I'm not sure that it's doled out in equal measures - and it's difficult to know how much a child can 'learn' to be adaptable. I'd like to think - and hope - they can, but I think that the more introverted the child, the tougher it can be for them. DD1 is showing some very introverted tendencies at the moment. She takes a long, long time to warm up but once she does she's fine, great even. This may improve with age and an increasing ability/need to socialise. I'm just watching this space, as it were!

Hi Mumsfret. Are you any further along with your thoughts on the schools? I have been reading through the literature on KH and on paper it looks fantastic (reminder to self do not be sucked in by glossy prospectus!). I like the ethos and lean towards outdoor learning, however like your DH I am put off by the extra miles including the trip to work. What to do, what do do?!

Mumsfret - I hear you re change. DS doesn't do well with change and finds the first term of every academic year hard. That said, as long as they are not breaking in to entirely established groups like I failed to do when I was the only new girl in Y8 then it is only a transient problem and not a big factor in choosing the right school for 5 - 8 years.

No further forward in my thinking, yet, babyjames. I'd like to do a recce of all the schools we're considering, if even just to compare them against each other. Another kind m'netter gave me a heads-up that KH is having an "open week " this week so hoping to pop along to that at some point. And as far as i'm aware open days are coming up - in April & May - with some of the others too.

Stealthsquiggle, agreed. Some of the responses on this thread have helped me get a better idea of the set-up at these schools and that's definitely abated my worries somewhat. . Nice also to know I'm not in the minority in finding this decision-making process bloody, mind-bogglingly difficult somewhat testing.

We do't want to shout the praises of Bromsgrove because it is increasingly difficult to get in and we all want our younger DC to pass! (wink)

Ah, I see, ohno.

Now that is cunning.

Say no more...

Mumsfret, I went with DS to see KH today and I liked what I saw. The distance is still a consideration for us and the extra on top of the fees we currently pay. I love the outdoors vibe :)

babyjames, I followed in your footsteps today with DC in tow which was a bit of a nightmare Agree. It's great. Staff all lovely and attentive and non-judgey when both DDs decided to throw tantrums ; facilities were impressive and it's a lovely, homely atmosphere. Still got to get my head round that commute somehow.

Mumsfret, my DS was just so shy and wouldn't let me put him down! Had a little smile at your post, DS had done just that not long before in the garden centre! It is a long round trip and the distance to collect if he is unwell to is a consideration. I would PM and ask where you live but not sure how! How old are your DC?

Have PMd you, babyjames. DC are 3 & 1 (both DDs). DD1 wouldn't let me put her down today either (which was kind of hard as I was trying to push pram, carry handbag and hold prospectus and packets of chocolate-coated bribery all at the same time!). Glad to hear it wasn't just me!

I have two children at Bromsgrove School and have found them to be excellent without exception. Alot of children go to Bromsgrove Senior School from Winterfold....

Thanks Fatsoboo! I knew there had to be more support for BS out there!

After several weeks of illness and RL busy-ness , we're still in the throws of information-gathering, which includes visiting all schools concerned. Tiring business!

Any decisions yet, babyjames? Anyone else?

No not yet! Please keep me updated with your findings. Think a few open days coming up. What was it you didn't like about wh? It would be the easiest in
Many ways for us. What a headache! Reaches for wine!

Will do, babyjames

TBF, I only saw the Pre-prep at WH and I thought it had a warm, friendly atmosphere. There seemed to be a great emphasis on pastoral care, and the head teacher was truly lovely, helpful, informative and down-to-earth (as were some of the staff). I just didn't get much of a feel for facilities or the academic side of the school, but it was just the Pre-prep department so i'm not being very fair. The fact is I really need to go and see the Prep school before I draw any final conclusions.

A headache indeed !

Have just noticed that Abberley Hall has an open morning Saturday 12th May!

Thought I would mention it on here for those of you doing the open day circuit!

Thanks, Rhubarb

I'd been meaning to post details but didn't have them all to hand last night as was putting DD2 back to bed for what felt like the zillionth time that evening . Open Morning for AH Pre-prep is Friday 27th April, from 10.30am; and the Prep Open Morning - on 12th May - starts at the same time with an address from the Head followed by a tour of the school (at 11) and (if you indicate you are interested) a stiff gin and tonic drinks and lunch at 12.30pm! Worth calling them in advance, as they send out details and prospectus, as well as a hilarious promotional DVD

Unfortunately it appears to clash with BS (Pre-prep?) Open Morning, but we've been to one there before so I'm just going to have to make do with that, for now, and hopefully arrange to see the Prep there at some point soon too.

Babyjames, do you have any idea when the WH one might be? Can't seem to find anything on their website, although appreciate it might be updated over the Easter hols.

LMAO at the promotional DVD! I think one of my DC have a split second moment of glory in that!!

Oops! An hilarious promotional DVD

I agree with you! When it was made and uploaded to website DD was so proud and came home and made us watch it!

Cue - myself and DH trying our best to keep straight faces! Thankfully its a fleeting role!! One blink and you'll miss it!!

Will have to dig out the letter! I'm thinking may sometime. Sorry for any typos I'm writing from phone and not used to it.

hi we are going to AH on the 12th may so may see you there!

Ooh great! A possee of mumsnetters [busmile] .

Do you think it's easy to spot a fellow mumsnetter? [bugrin] A secret sign/handshake perhaps? [buwink]

Loving the seasonal emoticons