Glendower vs Ken prep

[Abtan123]

DD has got into Glendower and Ken prep. Commute approximately the same- very confused between the two. Any ideas very welcome? Specifically concerned about doubling capacity in Glendower at reception and whether they have space to accommodate a new class. Have to take a decision by 5feb so any views are welcome...

What are the destination schools like?
Mix of kids?
Turnover rate (kids and staff).
Facilities - where do they play?
11 or 13+?
Pastoral care? If they advertise/promote child psychologist/therapist - run for the hills.

Thanks originalmavis- both have excellent 11+ results. Ken prep better outdoor facilities. Glendower better sports. Tough choice....

The schools you want though?

Have a mooch around the gates at pick up/drop off and earwig the mums/nannies. See how the children behave and treat each other.

Abtan123, not sure what you mean about "doubling capacity" in Reception? I'm a GP parent and I'm sure they have had two Reception classes for years! IMHO it's a great school - I love it. Good luck with your decision......

goldengirl164 thanks a lot. I understand they are increasing their intake this year. Just wanted to check if they have the room to accomodate additional girls at reception.

goldengirl164 thanks a lot. I understand they are increasing their intake this year. Just wanted to check if they have the room to accomodate additional girls at reception.

I'm interested to know if that's the case as well (the increase in intake this year), it's the first I've heard of it. Classes are still 16-18 max, so how would they achieve this?

No increase in intake as far as I know. Still two classes of 18 as always! I love the school but there is no room to expand......

I think sport is better at Glendower compared to Ken Prep where it seems very half hearted, despite their outdoor space. Friends with DDs at KP do not care about sport provision though - they only looked at exit results when choosing a school and KP's exit results are very good.

For all these schools (not just theses 2), beware the tutoring that goes on (everywhere) when you read the exit results.......

thanks seasaltcaramel I have heard the same about sports. I hear though that the music/ drama is better at ken prep. Is that what you hear as well?

No it isn't!

See below from the Good schools guide:

Poetry competitions all through the school, poems recited by heart, girls vote for the winners and finals judged by eg famous actresses and poets. Lots of music – and the twice weekly music assemblies can feature anything from Bollywood dancing to a harp recital. Most girls play at least one instrument and many take musical theatre exams. ‘Music is as natural as breathing here,’ glows Mrs Knollys. ‘No-one is concerned about performing and there are no divas.’ This school is no slouch when it comes to sport either, despite having no grounds to speak of. They are fiendish at netball and compete at national level as well as against other local schools and among themselves in inter-house matches. We saw several girls snatch some precious moments during break to practise their shooting skills. Theatrical productions and swimming take place at Imperial College, athletics in Chiswick. The girls also play tennis and rounders.

PS - I have no axe to grind as I don't have a child at either but I know people with DDs at both. Glendower sounds more dynamic somehow.

We heard about significant teacher attrition at Glendower. Was not sure if this was overblown or if it is a real area of concern?

It's possibly the area - we were close and I guess with teachers wages and local house prices/travel it can't add up for teachers!