I am finding it really hard to find a Good Independent Primary school

[Mrstrob]

I have so far left a message with Heritage , Perse prep, St Johns who in fact were very helpful and will be getting back to me. St Faiths shockingly were quite rude , abrupt and arrogant over the phone. Maybe caught the secretary on a bad day who knows. My son is 5 and will turn 6 before the start of term in sept 2013. Any advise on the schools I have mentioned. I'm looking for a school that can cater for a child individual needs in every way. I am not to keen on pushy competitive schools. Children should want to learn out if their own personal choice, not via pushy parents and teachers. I really hope someone can help as I cannot stand the school he is in currently in. Thank you

You should post this on the Cambridge local board? There will be more people with experience to help I expect

are you in Cambridge? Try posting in the local section.

Are you in Cambridge or one of the villages - if so which one.

Cambridge local board definitely, but bear in mind that schools have all been finished about a week and on bare minimum staff so they may not get back to till the New Year.

Hi, I've found a great website www.isbi.com where you can search for Independent Schools in your area. They have a huge range of criteria to choose from so you can pick a school for your childs individual needs. They also have some good articles about how to choose a school and check lists for what to look out for. Some of the schools have testimonials from parents and pupils.

Try here or here for suggestions. Is your child 6 before end of August- if so you are presumably looking for a Year2 place ie Pre-prep. Might be best to enquire by email given the time of year or leave it until beginning of January.

What about The Heritage School in Cambridge? Heard great things about it...

If you don't want competitive then I would avoid The Perse. What about Sancton Wood or maybe Kings Ely

I disagree that the perse is compettive - unless you mean the entrance exam?

and I really wish I could spell! competitive!

Private schools seem to specialise in rude secretaries.

I wouldn't pay it too much regard.

I think most independent schools will be closed now so that's probably why you didn't get a good response when you phoned. We are in Cambridge, although state primary suiting us currently. However, I know a few people who have moved their children to Sancton Wood and are very pleased with its ethos and care/valuing of the individual and whole child. Perse/St Johns probably a bit more academic... If you really want a school that will wait for your child to want to learn then maybe the Cambridge Steiner? (Although nobody I know has lasted there but I haven't got to the bottom of why...)

Can anyone please advise me on Queen Emmas?

Not in Cambridge but I rejected a school on the basis of rude secretary. If I feel unwelcome before they've even sent out the prospectus they can forgo my custom.

DD is now at a school with a lovely very polite secretary and is very happy in every other respect Do listen to your instincts on this . If you feel unwelcome on the first phone call there is a good chance you and more importanty your child will be unhappy with other aspects of the school