Harrodian or Merlin or ?

[gilson]

Does anyone have any advice at all to offer on choosing Harrodian vs Merlin for 4+?

We have a confirmed place for DS at Harrodian, at the Merlin and another pre-prep for Reception 2017 and need to decide now - very torn!

Thank you very much

Merlin only goes to 7/8+, right?
While your child could stay at Harrodian all the way - if I am not mistaken...

I, personally, think 7/8+ is a cruel exam for young boys. So - I'd choose a school where there is an option to stay. And if your child turns out to be highly academic - I'd take 11/13+ and move them later to a more academic school.

I think Merlin is fantastic - great teachers, great support staff and an amazing head. If you like both, I would choose the school which is closest to you. It makes a big difference to everyone, particular when pick ups become later higher up in the school.

Merlin is amazing, to my knowledge it's owned by the same people who own the Harrodian, so DS could always go to the Harrodian at 8+ anyway if it turned out 7+/8+ to the more selective schools was too much. It depends on your child really, if DS seems bright and mature, I would give the Merlin School a go, I only hear the most amazing things about it from parents.

Sanam -are you sure about the automatic entry to Harrodian at 8+?

Most schools don't have it any more. Wetherby pre-prep stopped automatic entry into their own (!) middle school - Wetherby prep at 8+.

So - being owned by the same owners does not necessarily guarantee transition between schools.

MMmomDD, there is no automatic transfer, so there is never a guarantee, but I would say it is not difficult. Most kids are aiming for Colet Court / Westminster / Latymer / Shrewsbury House and go there, so the more relaxed / less academic or ambitious probably end up trying to go to the Harrodian. Last year 8 kids went to the Harrodian, so I would assume whoever wants to can transfer, unless it really isn't the right fit.

Ahh wonderful to hear such enthusiasm for Merlin, thank you sanam and timeforachange - so good to hear especially as you sound well-informed! Actually echoes what I have heard from Merlin parents. Warm, buzzy, lively but pretty pushy (for want of a better word) and academic.

It's actually not the closest school to us but we can manage it and figure they are only there for 3 years; slight problem with DD as there are just so few girls it apparently makes it a bit lonely in terms of friendships (e.g. just a couple of girls in each class), even if you think your DD can weather the boy-heavy climate there. But DD is still young enough for us to find another option whether in Barnes, Putney, Fulham or nearby (guess that's another thread )

I agree sanam you are totally right about the transfer to Harrodian; no guarantee but essentially entirely possible if desired. So yes as you say it definitely provides a good alternative plan if the other options don’t appeal in a couple of years.

The acceptance into the Harrodian is certainly much more likely than if you were applying from another school. As to the academic nature of the Merlin school, the thing I like about it is that those kids who are applying for 7+ are supported, those kids who are not applying for 7+ are looked after equally well. It is not a one size fits all approach. Rightly so!