Glendower vs Ken Prep

[poofie88]

I know this question has been raised before but we are currently deciding between these 2 schools for DD. Would you commute with a child to Glendower over walking 3 mins to school for Ken Prep? Glendower feels academically equivalent to Ken Prep to me but stronger in art and sport, so feels more well rounded. Genuine thoughts welcome, particularly from parents with DC at these schools. Thanks!

I don't have DC at these schools but know people who do. I think on the face of it I agree with your analysis, especially about sport. However, in your position I would walk 3 mins rather than commute and do some extra sport outside school. Good luck.

Ken Prep has far better facilities so it seems like a no brainer to me to go for Ken Prep. They have their own tennis courts and are 2min from Fulham Pools! Art is very strong at KP, it looked to me like the quality of art work at KP is fantastic. In terms of running around and space, KP will give your daughter much more space and climbing equipment, which is important at young ages as well. It's true that sports and squads are not a priority at KP to the extent that they are at Glendower, but you can so easily do serious sports via clubs afterschool and on weekends (Brompton Swimming Club, Hammersmith Gymnastics etc), I really don't think it would be worth commuting to Glendower just because their swimming squad wins more trophies.

Thanks to both for sharing your thoughts. That's the way we are leaning towards but wanted to make sure we weren't missing something!

I'm in the process of making this same decision right now, only Glendower is a long-ish walk for us and Ken Prep a bus ride away (probably similar commute time in the end). I'm finding it really difficult to pass up on the amazing facilities at Ken Prep, and I recall Glendower feeling rather cramped and chaotic. Can anyone speak to whether the space issues at Glendower impact the girls' experience? Both are fabulous schools, but definitely have a different feel about them.

Hi ssj3, can't answer your question as obviously I'm still in the decision process. Just wanted to say it's difficult to choose isn't it? I completely acknowledge they are both great schools so we can't really go wrong either way. Still, it's hard not to want to make the best decision you can for DD. Good luck with your thought process. Maybe will see you in September if our DDs end up at the same place!

I'm always saying this on here but really if you're choosing between two great schools - which these are - go for the closer one. It makes such a difference to your child's life (and family life in general) to have a short commute. It's not just mornings and evenings, it's having to go in for parents' meetings, concerts, plays, school discos, matches. I speak as someone who chose the short walk option and is the envy of other parents who, on occasion, have pulled their dc out of our (pretty prestigious) school because they had underestimated how tough the travel would be. On longish walk vs bus ride, when it seems pretty equal, I'd be inclined to go for the walk just for the exercise factor but ultimately you should let your instinct be the judge.

Ken Prep, every every time, particularly given it is walking distance for you (it isn't for us and we chose it anyway). I find it hard to imagine how a school could offer a better experience, and the social element for parents is also good. For us the external space was a big plus, but the main plus is that the academics are so strong, while balanced with great music, art, drama and physical play. Outstanding.

I agree the school run is really important and also the social aspect for playdates. At Ken Prep most children will come from the vicinity, and similar for Glendower. I feel the space for children is really important, too, though. I remember the Reception classrooms at Glendower are on the first floor with no access to outdoor space (allthough the head at the time tried to convince us that the one square metre balcony was the outside Reception space!). At that moment, I ruled out Glendower when I visited.

Another factor to consider is the parent community. Ken Prep used to be far more English than Glendower, although that is changing fast in the younger years, but at Glendower you'll have more international expat type families and Ken Prep still has a fair share of local families. I think more helicopter parenting and tutoring going on at Glendower. Not trying to be negative about it, just to summarise the stereotypes into short sentences, of course you'll have lovely families at each school and kids will be happy at both.

Trust me, the helicoptering and tutoring goes on everywhere and at both the schools being discussed. The clientele at all the schools in Fulham has changed dramatically over the past 5-7years and now reflects the area that has become very international and full of expats. KP does have lovely outdoor space but I agree that sport is better at G. Academically I think they are similar - both really good schools. Great choice to have. I would personally go for the shortest commute for all the reasons given. Good luck

Thank you all! We went for Ken Prep in the end partly due to everyone's feedback that proximity and facilities are really important factors. Now excited to move on and looking forward to being part of the KP community!