Which London prep schools stream classes according to ability?

[Biw]

Hello,
I'm trying to establish which of the independent schools stream pupils into seperate classes according to ability. Usually done a year or two before the common entrance/11+. I'm particularly interested in RBKC where we live but also intrigued about other London areas.

If your child is at a London prep what's the score there? Thanks!

Ours are streamed for Maths only from Y3 onwards

No streaming, but maths is set into 2 groups from Y5, French from Y6, Latin from Y7. Sets are fluid.

There is a difference between steaming and setting. DD's independent in Bromley sets in Maths for example but not elsewhere at primary. Dulwich college sets a fair bit I believe but don't know the details. Streaming is now generally considered a blunt tool that doesn't work as a child good at Languages may not also be good at Maths. Setting allows more flexibility for each subject.

Thanks very much for commenting. I'm sorry I wasn't very clear. I meant streaming by the core subjects ie Maths and/or English being taught in separate classes according to ability. I agree it's pointless in the early years but I can see benefits preparing for 11+ as able kids can be dragged down by slower ones and less able pupils will not get the level of support needed if mixed with strong pupils.

EldonAve and Monimatrix do you mind sharing which schools your kids are at?

Also don't confuse an independent prep school with necessarily preparing for 11+. Some do, some with their own senior school seem to go to great lengths to put obstacles in your way!

Our prep set in maths (i.e. Different teachers) in year 6 only, but more advanced DCs are given extension/more difficult papers from year 5. It is more about who is going to try for the 11+ (grammar or private) than a set on ability. Some bright children who knew they were going to the neighbourhood outstanding comp were not in the top set even if they could have.

sorry I meant they are set not streamed

I don't think it's essential at primary

imho if a teacher can't manage to differentiate enough for the kids differing abilities when there are 20 or less in the class plus a full time TA then they're not in the right profession

Our pre-prep sets in maths and in english from the second term of Reception!

If you have a particular senior school in mind it might be more helpful to find out (via their websites or asking) which prep schools are most successful at sending children there. The reasons for their success may be slightly more nuanced than simply being the result of this or that particular teaching structure.

most central london prep schools do it to some degrees, though some start earlier than others, so you need to check the policy with each individual school. Hill House, Eaton House... they all do it in some form

Thank you all very much for taking time to comment.

Our school used to stream Maths in year 5 in preparation for the 11+ but has suddenly stopped doing it from September. Some parents (perhaps with children who aren't particularly strong in Maths) are very happy, others are livid. Only time will tell if this change of strategy will raise overall standards ensure the most able children can achieve their best without having to carry the rest of the class.

This made me wonder whether other schools are actually actively streaming.

For what it's worth I thinking differentiating according to ability within one class is disruptive. Either stream or don't. Must be confusing to have different children doing different work in one class.

In DD's school for maths they split the two classes for the year group into four groups - top set from each class goes out to a different room and form one class, middle level stay in each of their classrooms and those from each class that are struggling go to another room. So no teaching all in same room.

Dd's school streams for Maths from Y3, 60ish children in 4 streams. All in different classrooms. Seems sensible to me. No streaming for any other subjects.