Rosehill versus Somerhill in tunbridge eells

[HerbertSherbet]

I don't suppose anyone could give me some insights into these schools?

We have a taster session tomorrow.

And today we met with some friends who said RH was very strict and quite competitive. That was the feeling I got when I looked round, so I'm panicking somewhat.

Thank you!

*Tunbridge Wells!

Hi there. Where do u live? Rosehill is in Tunbridge wells and has a great reputation. Somerhill is in Tonbridge so if u live in TW that would be a Pita of a journey twice a day

We live in TW- so maybe RH is the best bet.

Thank you. We were leaning more towards RH - do you have any further info? Is it strict? Good academic record?

Thanks!

Hiya I have heard good things but tbh I don't know that much about it from a personal perspective as my daughter will be going to state school x

Thank you!

This will be the second time I have said this on a thread in the last 24 hours - I'm not on commission I promise, but have you considered Sacred Heart Wadhurst? Yes it doesn't have the flash facilities (it also doesn't have the hefty price tag) but academically it is very strong and was one of only two local schools in the Times top 100 prep schools.

Many students have joined from more traditional prep schools and been exceptionally pleased.

We have several friends with schools at both - if you are in TW I would lean towards Rose Hill, purely due to the traffic! I think RH is fairly traditional, but gets great results and is very highly sought after - my friends who have children there are very happy with it - though there is a LOT of homework, and when I saw what they were being given (Y2), I questioned how valuable it was - seemed to be lots of worksheets, whereas my (state) educated children were having to research a topic and present it to the class. Perhaps it was just that particular week or two, but they obviously have an 11+ reputation to protect, and they do get excellent results....that said, every RH child I know who sat the 11+ was also tutored. I would question what I am paying for if I was in that position. My only other concern would be if you have a son, how many children would leave to state (grammars) at 11+ - if you are looking for a 13+ entry somewhere, the class may be very small towards the end of the school.

Somerhill - also have friends there - one set have had a few issues with undiagnosed dyslexia (hidden because of a very bright child) and the others are v happy and have got into their selective grammar of choice from there.......

If it were me, I would look at the journey I would have to do - I would not want to sit on the A26/A21 for a minute longer than I had to!

..with 'children at both'...not schools at both, sorry!

panicmode thank you so much for you detailed post - the information is very useful. I'm leaning towards RH due to traffic too!

Thank you

How did the taster session go?

lol