Berkhamsted school vs Aldenham

[moonprayer]

If choose between these two schools, which one is better? I understand that berko seems to be a bit more academic than Aldenham. From all the reviews it sounds like Aldenham is more nuturing while berko respects individuals less? I would like to find a school for my boy, which can introduce a wide range of activities and can better explore the potentials of each child. As it's for the prep school, I guess it is hard to say whether my child would be more academically competitive or not in the future. So Aldenham might be a bit too laid-back? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Have you visited both schools? I thought one was great and the other awful (not bad in an unable to deliver way, just atmosphere and general feel). I think schools are like buying a house, you just get a gut feeling as to which one is right. I am guessing you want to send your child to a school which goes right through from prep to A-levels so things like next schools aren't relevant?

We purposely chose a prep only as we had no idea whether our kids are going to be sporty, academic, arty, musical or none of the above. We wanted to be able to make a separate decision for 11+ when we know which school is going to fit best.

There are some great prep schools in that area which feed onto Berkhamsted and Aldenham.

I have had friends who had boys at both but both joined at 11. Having said that, I would definitely go down the prep school route because you might want something different later on. You might want to see how your DS matures and how he responds to academic life and other activities. I also think children can feel claustrophobic in one setting for umpteen years without a change. There is a lot of difference beween an 8 year old and a 13 year old ready for senior school. The great thing about a good prep school is that you have choice later and everyone is leaving for senior schools.

Thank you very much for your replies. They are very helpful. Yes I was thinking about going straight from prep to A level, then I thought it might be less risky of dropping off half way (which might be completely wrong)... But it sounds good to make a more realistic decision after prep. I will think about that route.
One stupid question, I saw some schools are 3+ and some are 4+, so how would people normally apply? If they are all non selective, things are easier. But if they are selective, Will people apply for 3+ and get in and then apply for 4+ for some better choices? Then I suppose the child will have to withdraw from the 3+ school? excuse me for this newbie's question...

I think most people would just select the school they want and join them from the point at which they take first entry, be that 3 or 4. It would be quite unusual to change your child's school at such a young age simply down to choice. People utilise private nurseries and pre-schools etc to bridge the gap if you want your child to start earlier.