Boarding prep for ds... Sunningdale, Wellesley House, Horris Hill

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We are looking for a small boarding prep school for ds. He will be 10 when he goes next year. He is quite shy but hugely enthusiastic once he overcomes his initial shyness. Does anyone have a ds at any of these schools or had any contact with them. We are just starting our search. We want the school to be within easy reach of London with a family feel.
Thank you.

My children are/were at Wellesley House. It is very small and children literally go everywhere afterwards from Scotland to Dorset! Wellesley is particularly good for sporty kids. I recommend that you visit. There is a very useful new fast train from London.

Don't know if it helps, but there was a documentary about Sunningdale which gives a big insight into the school.

If you are London based have you thought about the schools that run buses from west london - Papplewick, Lambrook (co-ed so may be a less "testosterone-y" compared to an all boys school, something that our Head recommended for the shy types), both near Ascot. Is there a particular reason you want him to board? Where are you considering for the next stage at 13+?

Other schools I would consider (although I decided not to send ours boarding until 13) are Cottesmore, Ashdown House, Windelsham House (but again co-ed and maybe you have rejected co-ed as an option)?

Ashdown House? It's small with a warm family atmosphere and plenty of London based families. Sussex is a great option if you're city based. Good luck finding the right one!