Twickenham Prep

[Lila01]

We have been looking at Twickenham Prep (TPS) for our two boys (5, 9). It seemed the good fit for our boys. We will have to move from west London to Hampton, so it is a big decision.

Any information or first hand experience of TPS would be great!

Many thanks...

Have you looked at The Mall ?
Or state options ?

Seen as less academic than The Mall and Newland House but more nurturing. I didn't like the headmaster but this was 6 years ago. All these schools it really depends where you want them to go next.

Hi teddyking1

Thank you for your response.

We are in the state system in central London at the moment and are looking to give our boys a more diverse curriculum which Independent schools seem to offer in Junior school.

The Mall did not have places so we have not been to visit. We are also however looking at Falcons in Richmond.

hey sixlive

Our elder son (Yr 4) has a reasonably good brain but is only coasting in the state system as we think he is very bored with the maths and literacy focused curriculum. He also is a sporty chap stuck in a unsporty school which is really frustrating for him. As a result his school work is a bit lacklustre and lacking in self confidence.

We think if we put him in a very academic independent environment it might backfire. Instead we want in an environment where he can get the support to catch up with the independent system whilst growing in self confidence through exploring non-academic aspects such as music, art and sport.

So in answer to your 'where next' question (a very good one)...we don't know because we have no idea what he can really achieve

If you are thinking of moving to Twickenham why not go for Radnor House and then just stay right through?

Your younger DS would have to do couple of years in a pre-prep but after that you would be sorted.

I used to see the Twickenham Prep children at the very many chess tournaments that DS played. I also got to know their headmaster (there's a lot of waiting around at these tournaments!).
They were always, without exception, well-mannered, bright and friendly children and the headmaster knew each of them thoroughly. They were certainly one of the best behaved schools I encountered.
Oh, and their chess is excellent :)

Yes known for their chess. However, this is around 4 years ago when I met the headmaster and looked round the school it didn't seem particularly sporty and the music class was a portacabin I do hope that has changed. I didn't think it suited my DD but would have suited my DS although we moved out of London. I think the top prep schools would be worried about how behind the 9 year old would be given there are now some 10+ pretests such as Hampton.

Hi I have girls, but am currently expecting a boy and I would consider the Mall in Twickenham, Kings House or Falcons. I looked at TWP for my 3 girls but, found the school to be very dated, classrooms cramped and lack of after school provisions and commuting from where we live would be a nightmare to Hampton each day. I did like the school though and if it was state would be my first choice. my DSIS has a wee boy and he will start at the Mall this Sept. One of the things she mentioned to me as I did not influence her decision was, TWP is more weighted to girls and when you get higher up the school where the girls leave at 11, it does not leave many boys which means friendships and sports can be hard. Also she said, TWP able boys go on to Hampton and Tiffins, whereas the Malls more able boys get places at Westminster, St Pauls, STGW, Eton etc and less able boys Hampton, KGS, Surbiton. Thats not to say all schools mentioned are not good. Just each school is best served a differnt type of boy. Good luck with your choice.

If its a good fit for your DC and they have space go for it.

I have 2 children at Twickenham Prep and can't speak highly enough of it. Both have been there since reception and my son is now in year 6, so we've had much experience with the school.
It is a lovely nurturing school which really encourages your child find 'their thing' whether it's academic, music, sport etc - their new music and sports facilities are fab.

Yes, that's the impression I got of the children and staff - obviously can't comment on the school buildings because I haven't seen them.

One thing I did notice was that the nurturing extended to the older children looking out for the younger ones and making sure they were getting their turns on play equipment. That's how I first got talking to their headmaster: I complemented him on the behaviour of the one particular boy and he immediately went over to the boy and complemented him.

Yes, their golden rule is - treat others as you would like to be treated. Historically TPS did not have a great reputation for being a 'sporty school' but it's not like that now - plus they're champions in Mind Lab which the kids love:)