Aldwickbury School, Harpenden

[roseamongstthorns]

Hi - thinking about this as a prep school for ds - anyone got any insights?

They put a lot of effort into prepping their kids for the 13+ but not much for 11+.

I suspect that this is common with prep schools which traditionally feed their pupils into senior school at 13.

So if you want a school that will prep your DC for the 11+ then this isn't the school for you. That aside, my friend has no complaints.

My son is currently in pre-prep there. What do you want to know?

We have been really happy with the school so far. My son who is a July baby has been allowed to develop at his own pace and despite a slow start (normal for his age) is now top table. He loves school and loves learning. He skips into school each morning, that says it all for me!

thanks all - what about the stuff that I won't see on the tour? what kinds of parents (ie low key or flash!), what's the general vibe of the school like (pushy / strict etc)? are there any teachers who are not up to scratch?

ps i suppose another question is what kind of child would the school NOT suit? as parents, what would you change (if anything)?

I wouldn't say that Aldwickbury is a pushy school. It isn't selective so has quite a range of abilities. Compared to the parents at my daughter's school they are positively laid back.

In fact if you want a more demanding school I would suggest Habs or the like. I would say that it suits sporty and musical boys as they do a lot of it. If your child is more of a book worm then I probably wouldn't recommend the school.

I only know the teachers in Pre-prep and we have been happy with the teachers so far.

As I said we have been very pleased with the school so far. We and my son have made many friends and he is becoming a happy and confident child.

thanks folly. will have a think. i am also casting the net far and wide with other schools as can move to be closer if needs be. what are aldwickbury parents like?