Radlett preparatory school or Manor Lodge School???

[mumofeach]

Hi MNs has anyone had experience of one or both of these schools? Trying to decide for next year for my DS
Also have a DD who would perhaps follow suit
Any feedback/advice on the schools and destinations at 11 would be gratefully received

There was a thread about both schools recently:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/a1583587-Radlett-schools-and-where-to-stay

or event
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/a1583587-Radlett-schools-and-where-to-stay

Yes have seen this thanks ever do much School Fool

Hi There,
I don't know Raddlet Prep, but my niece just started Y3 this September. She has been in the school since reception. I have a DD the same age, and up until Y2, they did not push the kids that much. Both of them did the same and more or less the same homework. But from Y3 things have change. There is a lot more homework, and the kids had to step up to more formal learning and being more independent with their work. I know as well, that at least one kid was asked to look for another school, with may be this is not the best school for him/her (I don't know if it was a boy or a girl). My SIL and BIL are very happy with the shcool. They don't have the intention of going private for secondary (at the moment) as they want my niece to try for Henrietta Barnet for secondary.
Manor lodge used to have in their website the list of the schools where their students moved on to, with how many scholarships had been awarded. That was 3 years ago, I don't know if they still have it.
Good luck with choosing a school

Thanks Cecic really appreciate your help with this

My DD started reception at ML this Sept. It is early days but so far it is proving to be an excellent choice. She is in a class of 17 and in half a term I have seen so much improvement in her numeracy and literacy. The communication from the school is excellent and they really nurture the home-school partnership which I personally believe is so important. I did consider RP and DD got a place there but I had huge reservations - the headmaster is a bit odd, the facilities aren't great, they aren't really that selective and this year the reception classes are between 23-26 children...but I do know parents who have children there and are happy.

Good luck, it's a stressful time!

Thanks Bushey mum really appreciate it
This is quite consistent with things that I have heard about each school, and although I like Radlett prep and DS has a lot of friends going there class sizes and their old fashioned teaching methods do worry me.
Only a few days to decide but I think I know which way I'm heading. Do you happen to know anyone who's accepted a place for next year?
Thanks again

I sat my eldest for Radlett prep a few years ago but did not accept the offer for reasons already outlined. I had reservations about the head and wasn't comfortable that the school is owner run and has no governors should anything go wrong. I also found it old fashioned and wasn't keen to pay for such large class sizes not to mention the lack of school lunches and eating in the classroom.

I havent seen Manor Lodge but have friends with children there and it sounds like a lovely school but it is hugely pushy, I am often open mouthed at what my friends dd is expected to do and the sheer amount of homework from year 3. Her dd deals with it well but her younger one struggles so I would just be certain that your child will handle the expectations long term.

Aldenham is a nice school, small classes, less pushy than ML and RP but still gets excellent results, has great facilities and a modern ethos.

I have found this forum when googling Manor Lodge and Radlett Prep. Does any parents have thoughts on either and other indies in the area? Moving to Herts v.soon and need to get organised asap!

Anyone?

Look at Edge Grove. I've been to see it recently and it's so lovely. Really impressive new Headmaster there and the grounds are beautiful. The children seem really happy and from the research I've done, the teaching and results are very good.

Re Radlett Prep ..... IMO avoid big time. Although a few caring teachers, few and far between. My boys left a few years ago (both went on St Albans Boys...) and they describe it variously as Radlett Boot Camp or Stalag Radlett. I honestly don't think the staff / those "running" it actually like children. There's also a fair bit of teachers despising the parents (whom they tend to characterise as stupid, rich and pushy - although with some justification!!!) and take it out on the kids. There was one teacher there - not actually qualified - who simply couldn't cope with lively 5 year olds. She used to ring a bell right up next to the ears of "offenders". When I wrote to complain, the (deeply deeply strange) ahead threatened to sue me for libel! He'd have struggled with that - but it does show a very poor mindset. No governing body - few facilities - ghastly place