Eaton House Belgravia vs. Norland Place vs. Hill House

[user1486984759]

DS has a definite place at these three schools. Any advice on which one to go for would be much appreciated. We are keen to send him to Westminster Under or Colet Court.

One additional concern I have is that all these schools are around Knightsbridge / Notting Hill where it's nearly impossible to afford a house with green space. Are there any good feeder schools south of the river that are in a (relatively) more affordable area that would prepare DS well for 7+ exams?

Really?
I've had a copy of the current leaver's destination schools and all children got into their chosen senior schools. The list of senior schools includes both St. Paul's and Westminster (several to each), along with Eton, Winchester, Dulwich, Harrow, Stowe, etc., etc.
As for the Ofsted report, as a former teacher myself, I'm rather pragmatic about it all and it was not a consideration for me when deciding upon the school. The recent inspection shows that improvements have been made and the most recent review from the Good School Guide was also glowing, if you care about such things.

I do so find this hilarious, Are there any parents who won't target Westmister or St Paul's? Are all the kids really that smart or is it lots of coaching? Also I see that it's actually pre-prep you are looking at really so the child is, what, 4?

Kids go where they are capable of going. A good school can help and a bad one hinder but overall it is the child as raw material and not everyone is smart enough but reading MN you would think most are.

My boys attended a "feeder" school mentioned above. One still does in fact and the other is happy at a very good London day school that is listed above as a top destination. I really think you need to see the child develop before you start making plans for them to attend some of the most academically intense schools in the country. Perhaps they are smart but don't have that thirst for knowledge that is required? just for once I wouldn't love to see a thread that says "my kids are smart. They love learning. Maybe W or StP will be right for them so where could they go to find out?"

I am all for pushing kids but more for supporting them find how to push themselves. No one ever asks about that.

cd - St Pauls is not the be-all and end-all. We know a very, very bright and rounded girl who chose not to take up a SPGS offer. Her parents said she was one of several in her year at Hill House.

Ditto, very few in DDs year at Newton chose to sit for SPGS. As a general rule parents whose daughters are at co-ed preps tend to prefer to switch to co-ed secondaries.

(Slightly different for boys, as there is much more of a squeeze for boy secondary places so you have less choice, and interestingly a couple of DS' peers at Westminster were there because they did not get Latymer and Alleyns.)

Completely agree WiseDad

@Shufflebug Hello - hope you're still on Mumsnet! Any update on your thoughts on The Hampshire School? Do you know why there have been 3 heads in 5 years? Are your kids still at the school?