Prep School (Sidcup)

Giffy · 2017-05-03T12:29:16+00:00

Hello, I know this is a topic that has been ongoing for a number of years. However i am reaching out to all parents (existing and past) of West Lodge School and Benedict House both in Sidcup. I am looking to send my DDs to prep school and i have read up on both school (both are interesting) but i would like to help/thoughts on both schools. WL seems to have a good read on paper and have identified where the children go following on but i can not find the same info on BH. I would be grateful for your experiences/thoughts on both schools or any other schools in the area (between sidcup and dartford)

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judithmadukwe · 21/02/2020 15:34

Hi!! Did you ever get an answer to this question? I am currently seeking an answer now on this exact question. Are you in a position to advise on either school ?

SE13Mummy · 02/03/2020 00:25

@judithmadukwe what was it you wanted to know, destinations of the Y6s at BH? Most of them will go to state grammar schools including the Dartford grammars, Wilmington, Chis & Sid, Bexley Grammar, Newstead Woods, Townley or Beth's. Children who don't pass the 11+ often end up at local independent schools such as Babington House and Farringtons.

StarBoysMummy · 02/03/2020 06:57

Hi @SE13Mummy ... just some info on both schools tbh. How they compare. My kids were offered places in both schools, so have been trying to work out which school to choose.

ReeceJ482 · 05/02/2022 09:11

I am very familiar with both schools. Benedict House is a good school if you wish for your child to be very knowledgeable and your sole aim is to pass the 11+ the BHS is for you. The children and parents can be very competitive but this varies within year groups, the children are confident as the teachers build a mature relationship with the children although for the younger ages it would be better if the teachers were more nurturing as bullying is not dealt with effectively. Children are taught to sort matters within themselves which is not always the best solution.
There is a lot of change in staff - mostly the head teacher. I believe it’s a new head every 3 years. The school was recently purchased by Chatsworth who care less about the children and more about profit.
Benedict is a small school with a family feel and the children tend to do well. The school would benefit from offering more extracurricular activities, the head before the current one (sorry there have been so many) introduced quite a few new activities. The schools greatest strength is Mrs. Sheldon in reception and nursery, the foundation given by Mrs. Sheldon is amazing, she may not be friendly but she is good at her job.

West Lodge is a “well put together” school. There is a lot of conflict with the new head and parents. It is not multicultural like Benedict House and less of a united feel. The teachers can be nurturing in the lower years. However there is safe guarding issues. Recently a teacher was investigated for hitting a child. Unfortunately parents feel the Governors are not involved and have left the running of the school to the new defensive head. Despite these points mentioned - children tend to be very happy there, no bullying, the children are pleasant. There are so many extracurricular activities offered and a vast range of equipment and technology available to the children. Although some subjects are not taught well and children are working at the same level or below state schools (the proof is in the pudding check their recent performance) Unlike BHS you can clearly see how your money is being spent and put back into improving the school. The schools communication is terrible, you receive dozens of emails a day which can be overwhelming!

cafedesreves · 06/03/2022 21:53

@ReeceJ482

I am very familiar with both schools. Benedict House is a good school if you wish for your child to be very knowledgeable and your sole aim is to pass the 11+ the BHS is for you. The children and parents can be very competitive but this varies within year groups, the children are confident as the teachers build a mature relationship with the children although for the younger ages it would be better if the teachers were more nurturing as bullying is not dealt with effectively. Children are taught to sort matters within themselves which is not always the best solution. There is a lot of change in staff - mostly the head teacher. I believe it’s a new head every 3 years. The school was recently purchased by Chatsworth who care less about the children and more about profit. Benedict is a small school with a family feel and the children tend to do well. The school would benefit from offering more extracurricular activities, the head before the current one (sorry there have been so many) introduced quite a few new activities. The schools greatest strength is Mrs. Sheldon in reception and nursery, the foundation given by Mrs. Sheldon is amazing, she may not be friendly but she is good at her job.

West Lodge is a “well put together” school. There is a lot of conflict with the new head and parents. It is not multicultural like Benedict House and less of a united feel. The teachers can be nurturing in the lower years. However there is safe guarding issues. Recently a teacher was investigated for hitting a child. Unfortunately parents feel the Governors are not involved and have left the running of the school to the new defensive head. Despite these points mentioned - children tend to be very happy there, no bullying, the children are pleasant. There are so many extracurricular activities offered and a vast range of equipment and technology available to the children. Although some subjects are not taught well and children are working at the same level or below state schools (the proof is in the pudding check their recent performance) Unlike BHS you can clearly see how your money is being spent and put back into improving the school. The schools communication is terrible, you receive dozens of emails a day which can be overwhelming!

Thanks for this... considering options for little DS who seems a bright spark so far. Are they worth the fees compared to a good state primary?

ReynZeysMum · 27/07/2022 21:22

Ive been searching high and low for some info on BH! Wonderful breakdown thank you @ReeceJ482 Can you comment at all on the new changes taking place at BH? the 2 form entry and grounds? do you know if this will have an effect on the fees and do you think the school would offer more and maybe some of the issues/short comings of BH be met?

@judithmadukwe @StarBoysMummy what did you decide in the end and how are things going for you? xx