Abbots hill School Hemel Hempstead

[Gerbil3110]

Does anyone have any experience of the prep school at Abbots Hill? I am thinking of moving my daughters from their local state primary (year2 & 3) as my youngest is struggling a bit in a class of 32. I live in Bucks so also have to consider the 11+. Does this school prepare them for 11+ as it is Herts? I won't be able to afford senior school at Abbots Hill but want to give my daughters a fair chance of being prepared for the 11+ which they won't in their current primary school.
Abbots hill is the only school near me that currently has spaces in year 2&3 as well. Many thanks

Abbots Hill does not prepare the girls for 11+ as most girls continue into the secondary school. This is the case at most all through schools.

Which schools have you enquiries about places for so I can see if you have missed any potentials off your list?

Lots of people in Bucks get tutors. Plenty of children in state schools do get a grammar school place but you, as a parent, are responsible for any tutoring. It is not the responsibility of the schools.

Look at the destination of the children who attend the school. The Gateway in Great Missenden is very much 11 plus focussed for example. What other schools are you considering? There are plenty in Bucks.

Also, do not expect your children to do better in a private school. Class size is not a determining factor in success at school. It is quality of teaching. That may be lacking in a private school too and you cannot expect to see a remarkable improvement. You will also find there are a high proportion of very bright children in the private schools that are 11 plus factories, so ordinary children can be of less concern to them. Do evaluate exactly what you are paying for.

Thanks zodelbud. We have tried chesham prep, Westbrook hay and heatherton house. Most have places for one but not both girls. So you take risk of moving one daughter and hoping place become available for 2nd if someone leaves. Thats also if you pass the assessment days as well

There are more. York House, Beechwood Park, Gateway, Godstowe, Maltman's Green to name a few.

I would echo the poster above though regarding tutoring. If 11+ is your sole reason for wanting Prep then it might not be worth it. Making sure you are in the catchment area for a good comp is more beneficial.

My children are at one of the schools you mention with no space. We were kind of forced there by a change in the state system where we live but I don't begrudge it. I feel we pay for smaller class sizes, better facilities and more extra curricular stuff. We want single sex from 11-16 so only have grammar or independent as options when the time comes - hence why now in hindsight Prep is better for us.

I am very anti tutoring though. I don't mind a few practice papers at home but if my kids aren't bright enough to pass 11+ without 2 years tutoring then it's not the right place for them. Sure, school helps with all of this but I don't obsess. If you EXPECT 11+ success purely on the basis of sending your child to prep then you might be disappointed.

We have a good comp in our town which, whilst not single sex, is a fab fall back option. I feel like I have all bases covered.

Thanks for suggestions Zodlebud but not feasible with commute. Chesham to Hemel everyday. I agree regarding class sizes but my younger daughter is struggling with some disruptive behaviour from other children in her class as well. She also lacks a bit of confidence which I think the independent school system can help with. Like you I think she would benefit from the smaller class sizes and more individual support. In the end they may not be suitable for the 11+ but I just wanted to give them a fair chance which they won't at their current primary school due to the issues with her class.

York House is more than do-able on a Chesham to Hemel commute. It takes you in a bit of a loop through country roads but worth a look.

I think if you are at a school where no-one gets to a grammar school, I might agree with you but if children are well educated in your school and they go to a good school, I would expect improvements and that children will get grammar school places if they are good enough. Plenty have tutors and pay for prep schools! You can find disruptive children in private schools although no doubt they will be asked to leave in due course!