Homefield School in Sutton or The Hall in Wimbledon? Advice sought...

[diaa]

We are thinking of moving our DS in year 4 from a state primary to either Homefield or The Hall School. Reasons for moving are simple- smaller class size, more care and academic push. Secondary school choices are important too- so we are thinking of where they lead. We liked both schools for different reasons- and started with an initial gut feeling which now seem to have lost. DS is a happy child. Any advice from parents with experience of any of these schools is welcome. I have gone through pros and cons for moving him several times... Many thanks

Well the first and foremost question must be whether you are thinking of The Hall through to 16? For any move at this stage you must be thinking of your senior schools options first, and then match the prep school according to what you want. Homefield is a 13+ school where your son would be prepared for CE, whereas The Hall doesn't do that.

Thank you Ladymuck. Good point. We are thinking of The Hall up to 11. The move to secondary would be in year 7, so at that point we would consider an independent ( with scholarship if possible- son is musical) or a grammar- not sure about this- both whether he can make it or if right environment.... Thanks again

If you're thinking of going down the academic route (i.e. a grammar) I'm not sure The Hall would be the best bet. By all accounts it's a lovely nuturing school but I suspect a more academic child would fare better at Homefield or Donhead. Donhead have a good track record of prepping for entrance exams for both grammar and indies.

If you don't want The Hall from 11, then I don't think that it is a good move now, as his classmates won't be preparing to move on at Year 7 on the whole. And if you are thinking of definitely moving at 11 rather than 13, then I would look at a school which finishes at 11, or at least look very carefully at what they do with boys who want to leave at 11 instead of 13. Neither of the schools you mention are ones which will encourage your son to move on for Year 7.

Thanks both. Donhead have no places...would have been first choice. But if we take him to Homefield he'd stay till 13 I guess. D

Then to be honest I would take the trial day at Homefield, and see how it feels to you. In particular how are his immediate peer group. Would also suggest you look at Priory Prep in Banstead.

And have you quizzed Donhead on waiting lists etc? Places do come up at schools due to family moves etc. Tbh it can be better to wait for a place at the right school than to jump to one that is wrong but has spaces. That said Year 4 is a bulge year, especially for boys, so not that surprised that it is hard to find a prep space.

Yes, we are on waiting list at Donhead. It's local to us...Banstead too far. Homefield and the Hall both have school buses. Willington is another option... Thanks so much

Have you tried Willington? They do go up to 13 but as a lot of boys have do the do the pre-test for CE at 11+ they would provide a good preparation for a boy doing the 11+ for another indie or a state grammar. If you're in Wimbledon it is a very convenient location!

Yes. I felt it was so small (not great facilities although they have playing fields and use local swimming pool)- but I know that's not the main consideration for moving him. Considering it. Thanks

Do any of your senior options have 10+ entry? If your ds is musical are you considering Trinity say?

10+ might be a good option and then you would only have to move once. Kingston Grammar has a 10+ entry which is perfectly feasible for a DC from a state primary (I know people who have done it successfully). I think Hampton also has the option as well.

All the schools you have both mentioned are amongst senior school options. Yes Kingston/Hampton have 10+. So does Whitgift.Not sure about Trinity. Will check. I don't want to go down the tutoring route- although realise it will save me a lot of money...

Thank you to both Ladymuck and sleeplessinSWLondon. Great advice. Sharing it with hubby. I am wondering if anyone out there with experience of Homefield...Have met Hall parents but their view is welcome too...Thanks

Hi diaa,
Sorry, I don't log on very much so have only just seen this message.
my ds is in year 1 at Homefield.
We moved him last Sept from a local state primary. I couldn't be happier with the school. Academically it excells. He is already streets ahead of his friends at his old school both in reading and writing. Half the boys got into grammars last year, and of the rest many got scholarships.
If you are like me the only thing I was concerned about is that it is in Sutton, and not in Wimbledon. I have to say that the school buses are brilliant, and I only send my six year old on them knowing that he is really well looked after and safe.
Which leads me to the pastoral care: it is absolutely outstanding. His teacher is just fabulous. Unlike his old teacher she got to know him straight away, and knows what he is good at and what he needs to work on...I really think we are more than getting our money's worth.
I honestly believe that if this school were in Wimbledon it would be oversubscribed. I don't think you will meet many parents who have a bad word to say about the school.
Most of the staff have been there for a long time, and so there is a real sense of experience and continuity.
Sports facilities are all on site and are fab.
Hth,
Maria x