Redcliffe School Chelsea

[diva100]

Does anyone have experience of Redcliffe Prep school in Chelsea, I have been to visit on two occasions but will appreciate first hand knowledge.
Thank you.

It's small and nurturing. Doesn't have a strong academic reputation. Not pushy.

Thank you. I really like that about it but wonder if there will be provisions 11+ prep should we decide to go for one of those schools at 11.

They must prepare for 11+, unless their kids all feed into a state system. You should ask them where their kids end up after Y6.

I have asked they are small classes about 10 to 12, majority are going to Queensgate and Francis Holland but 3 or so will go to the local state schools. I just couldn't decipher if they had extra tuition as it is very hush hush. The school don't like it. I would not be looking to pay for tuition I guess it is down to the child's aptitude at the end of the day.

11+ in SW/W London is a brutal process, and is not driven by aptitude alone. School plays a big role in prepping. When people feel that the school is not doing enough, or, somehow is not doing it well for their specific child, many people turn to tutors. It is hard to predict how you'll feel when you get there.

For now, the only thing you can do is pick the best school that suits your DD now. Good luck!

A friends son started there and did one year before getting a place at the local state primary. She said that she was quite surprised to find that he was behind in his reading ability after the transfer. Although he enjoyed his time at the school, he seemed to be learning more at the state primary. I believe they also offer 100% bursaries, which is good but they aren't selective when it comes to academic ability. There are some very good state primaries in Kensington and Chelsea.

Wow that is insightful. I would be relying on the school for 11+ prep, if they don't prepare the children it would really make me re-consider. I don't want to pay the fees and fork out extra for tuition.

If you want 11+ prep - you might want to check out the other, more "academic" schools nearby.

The handful of good state primaries in the area are impossible to get into unless you leave on the same street. And then - if kids from those primaries want to do 11+, they have to use tutors as the school don't prepare them.

Most children at prep schools are also tutored for the 11+, but it is never talked about. If you don't want to tutor, you should consider a school that goes to 18.

A parent at Ken Prep, considered one of the most academic schools in the area, told me every single child in the class had extra tuition for the 11+. This may not be true, but it is certainly food for thought if you want a private school mainly for 11+ prep.

Yes, same goes for 7+. It is an increasing arms race, but no school will ever admit that their children are also tutored.

Thank you all for your input. I think my mind is made, I have been rather naive about the 11+ prep.Luckily, there is still time to prepare.