Schools Consultant - Prep Schools - Surrey

[babieswholunch]

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has used a schools consultant to advise them on Pre-Prep/Prep Schools? I'm looking at the Surrey area and finding it all a bit of a minefield.
Thanks!

You'd do better posting here and asking for specific advice.

What senior schools are you aiming for? Eg RGS or Eton (other schools do exist but those are examples of very different but good destinations).
Co-ed, single sex or not sure?
Sports? How important and which ones?
Boarding later or purely day?
How important are extensive grounds?
Do you need a nearby girls school in a few years?

Oh and remember that children do change school as 2, 3,4,5 are very young and as there personality etc. develop it may become obvious that another school is a much better fit.

Thanks, I'm currently looking around Epsom but I'm still based in London and getting a feel for the area, the main thing is wherever we are based I need to be within easy reach of London so focusing on within the M25 or just beyond it.

• I haven't really thought about senior schools yet - it seems so far off!
• I think for Prep I would definitely look for Co-ed and possibly single sex later on and definitely looking at purely day schools.
• Sports wise I would like there to be a good range so he can try out a few things and grounds wise they don't have to be massive.
• I'm a single and full-time working parent so a school that understands working parents would be a great (my experience so far in London has been a bit poor on that side).

Babies I'm in a totally different area to you, but I think the first thing I would say about a consultant is that a lot of choosing a school is very personal and almost a gut feel.
Secondly being a single working parent from talking to others in our position in haven't come across anyone who feels the in either sector that the school gets how tricky it is.
I have found you just need to state what you need and sometimes they will get it wrong. You have to go down the route that is least bad. I have found senior school better than prep.
You will always be doing a balancing act I am incredibly lucky my DD is friends with the only other DC in the school who has a single parent we 'job share' parenting I did sports day with picnic and prize giving - photos she did play and a special assembly.
The DC know we are being the 'parent' for both of them and the are happy that there is an adult cheering them.

How will you be getting into London, and where in London? Sometimes outside the M25 can actually be quicker if it's near the Terminuses.
If you need wrap around care, a Prep with some boarding might be better, especially if you can do occasional overnights later.
Otherwise you may well need other child care. Friends had a nanny/housekeeper for their son, others have had various kinds of "after school" help.

More well rounded family feel school I think, my son is registered at Prospect House in Putney where we currently live which I liked but really looking to get something a bit bigger house wise and would want a school nearby. I'll be getting the train into London and at the moment go to Victoria station. I definitely don't want to do boarding until at least secondary school - and still probably would avoid then