Prep schools

[MissyBear10]

Hello!

I'm hoping some other parents can help me. My husband and I have decided to send our only daughter to private school. We are looking in the SW London/Surrey area. We are booked into a few open mornings - time is on our side to review and apply. So can anyone suggest questions we should ask or things we should look for? We are looking at co eds/single sex prep schools leading to our preferred publc school and co ed/single sex day schools from 3-18.

Thanks!

For Surrey area I can recommend the following if you want an academic (but also fun and caring) school:
Guildford High
Rowan
St Catherine's
St Hilary's
Tormead
Halstead

For SW London I have heard good things about:
Bute House, Hammersmith
Wimbledon High/Putney High
LEH

Most of these are very selective and have a lot of competition or use a ballot system.

What is your preferred public school then I can let you know which schools prepare and send girls to it?

Hello! Thank you for replying.

We are looking at Epsom college. So feeders for that school in Surrey/London borders. we are considering Newton prep also.

We are also looking at Sutton high and ewell castle but I'm not keen.

What would you suggest I look for on open mornings? Plus what questions Would you ask?

Thanks

If you can travel in as far as Newton Prep, then it's worth also looking at JAPS and Alleyns Junior.

Second Newton. Lovely school, lovely head, great atmosphere and good results considering its not a hot house exam factory.

Very decent sports facilities, science labs, music tech... its good to have a look at open morning to see the facilities but always always always go when the kids are there to see what they are like and how they react with the head/teachers.

We are going to look at Newton (and also eaton sq) but are concerned about her friends locations. Hardly any will travel out to suburbia. Any thoughts?

You are right to be concerned about friends. In addition, long drives to/from school will make her extra tired. Kids have long days at school, and even longer when they start doing clubs, so proximity it really important.

When we were at a prep in SW, most people lived nearby. There was one family living in Barnes, and we have never been there, even though our kids were friends.

If I were in your place, I'd choose the best school within comfortable distance. It is impossible to decide which secondary school would suit your DD, so you might as well pick a school where she will be happy as well as get a good education.

Our schools have always been very central so kids are scattered to the four corners! It's been fine though. When little, they would go to the local park after school with their pals to play, and when oldrer hang out in school clubs (also more homework so less time weekdays anyway). Weekends are the usual family stuff, with playdates/sleepovers or meet ups. Its amazing how quick a drive from one side of London is to another, and if you get on with the parents, you can arrange 'you drop off the kid and we will deliver them back'.

Our school journey is about 45 mins.

I'm with MMmomKK - a commute from surrey to sw london or vice versa for school is far too much for a 3 year old and a touch unnecessary when there are so many good preps around. What she says about secondaries is true too - you'll need to look for the right one to suit your DD nearer the time.

Look for a school you like for your daughter at the age she is now rather than basing your choices on where you currently hope she may go later on.