We are considering Kingsley Prep School in Leamington for our bright but easily led girl.
She would be entering year 3.
She has just spent a term at local Warwick state (we moved into area, having previously attended small private London Montessori and large international abroad).
She is having some friendship and confidence issues. Negative in terms of not wanting to go to school and manifesting signs of anxiety. I worry about her progression other than in the state measured tests (I think they are strong on teaching what is tested tbf).
Her teacher for next year looks fantastic but the class dynamics seem hectic. I worry that she will just be lost in the kerfuffle and slowly slip down in terms of the confidence in what she can achieve and her excitement in learning.
My instinct is to move her now but DH has reservations around academics (not great results at senior school, no specialist teachers in prep); disruption of another move (it would be her fourth school); and also the very small class sizes (she would be one of eight next year) which may affect friendships also; and thinks there may be benefits from having her in a less rarefied environment. We didn't like Warwick Prep much.
We did love our Kingsley visit and were v impressed by the new prep head. But haven't been able to talk to anyone currently in juniors, let alone someone in Y2, moving to Y3.
Need to make a decision soon so we can prepare her for next term. It will also influence where we buy a house - in either Warwick or Leamington - and where we should send younger DC entering Reception, for which we would like nurturing state. Would be grateful for any information that you feel able to share.
Thank you!