Prep Schools in Gerrards Cross area (for girls)?

[aworthy77]

Hello mums and dads
My DH and I are our two DDs are potentially going to be living in Gerrards Cross, Bucks, with his parents and are therefore going to be looking at Prep schools for both (fortunately we will have assistance with fees!)
They are 4 and 6, will be going into year 1 and year 2 come September.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Schools? I do drive so they don't have to be in Gerrards Cross, although I would prefer to keep them local. On the list to view is Maltman's Green, Gayhurst School and St Mary's School. I have to be honest, we don't have much in the way of knowledge of private schools so I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking for! They are currently at a state school which is a lovely school but the class sizes are obviously big.
Thanks in advance for any help!

Godstowe is the one with the most prestigious reputation in the area. Might be worth having a look round.

Yes, I would agree that Godstowe is la creme, but the journey may make you want to think twice. Maltman's is still a great school. If you want co-ed then Gayhurst. A lot depends on what your dd's are like - Maltman's is quite formal - when my dd was there they frowned on her for having a bit of a quirky personality and also were deaf to my concerns about her dyslexia - but all that may have changed now. Fantastic facilities and good exit results to both state grammars and independents. If you need more of an old-school hand rearing experience then St Mary's is great - they do prep for 11+ btw so there is no commitment to stay the course through the senior school. I would also look at High March in Beaconsfield. Go take a look at all and see how you "feel" - ask lots of questions. BTW - not to put you off because it was a long time ago and some things have surely changed - but when my dd was at Maltman's there was a bit of an exodus at 7+ for Godstowe. If you're interested in that school (Godstowe) at all I would get your dds registered asap as there is no assessment at 4+ - only position on wait list. Maltman's is formal, organised, fantastic facilities - but beware snobby parents and their precious girls - I elected to ignore this in order for my dd to benefit from the great education they offered. For the first half term none of the other parents talked to me because I didn't drive a flashy car and was younger they them so they all assumed I was an au-pair hahaha!

I'd agree that it would depend on what your kids are like. Ours are at the local state school and enjoying it there but friends have girls in Reception at Gayhurst who are thriving, both with older brothers there too. Worth mentioning that there aren't many girls - only 4 or 5 in Reception this year, which will be your Yr 1 class this Sept, although this is suiting them fine I believe). I've heard mixed things about Maltmans - similar to Givemeabreak. One mum put her kid there for a year and then pulled her out as the formality was oppressive and she didn't like the way her child was getting more in her shell or the waiting lists for the extra lessons, but others absolutely adore it.
I've only heard fantastic things about High March in Beaconsfield, and also St Marys, where the girls overall just seem incredibly happy, from a lady who evaluates schools for the Good Schools Guide.
Probably best off to take a look at all of them, see the kids and get a feel for the environment, and then figure out what will fit best with your girls.
Good luck!