WUS - any thoughts/experience?

[Youcalledhimwhat]

We went to the 7+ open day this weekend and came away not too impressed. It seemed somewhat chaotic and rushed. It also seemed like a lot of the teachers were new - high staff turnover? Wondering if the change in Master means the school is starting to go downhill? Worried too about the Master's apparent focus on results above all else. WUS has a reputation for encouraging intellectual curiosity - is that still correct?

Follow your gut instinct. If you weren't impressed, move on and find a school that will give you what you are looking for. There are lots to choose from, some with less brand value than others, but they may be more suitable.

Thanks jokebook. Thing is, this is the school my DS's current school are saying would be a great fit for him (they tend to send 1-2 boys there on average every year). He's v bright, curious, interested in everything. Don't want to pull out at this stage because of one visit, but really feel we need to find out more.

The fundamentals of WUS won't ever change much imo as it is ultimately governed by Westminster School. However, the current Master doesn't always give very polished presentations yet. If your current school knows WUS can't you speak to other parents who have children there and find out more? i would say that the school certainly does encourage intellectual curiosity, but the Master also knows that virtually 100% of parents who send their boys there are hoping that they will end up at Westminster, Eton or similar. There has been some staff turnover, but not particularly alarming.

Thanks mothersanonymous. I'll certainly try to speak to some other parents. Good to hear staff turnover levels aren't anything out of the ordinary.

OP I don't have first hand experience of WUS (other than having looked at it for DS a few years ago). I do know many people who have sent boys there over the years and most have been very pleased. The new Master is in her third year now so parents should have a better sense of or she herself should be able to articulate -- how she intends to shape the school. When I heard her speak at her first Open Day, I was surprised she read the prior Master's speech (which I had heard the previous year) almost verbatim, even reading the same jokes. Clearly at that point, she hadn't defined what her own approach would be. By now, I assume she would have done so and current parents would be best placed to tell you what they think.
More importantly, I'm surprised your son's current school is directing you to just one school as the possible "fit" for your son. There are many very good prep schools in London that would be fun and challenging for bright, inquisitive boys and WUS is just one of them. My son has friends at several different schools (including WUS) and all seem to be enjoying their school days and all seem to be pursuing broadly speaking -- a similar curriculum. There are differences, of course, between the "feel" of the schools and between the type of children they attract. You can decide (much better than your current HM!) what feels right for your son.
Good luck!