Prep schools in SW London

[FlyingSaucer]

Does anyone have any recommendations for prep schools in the Knightsbridge/Chelsea/Fulham area? It seems you have to get on the waiting list very early. I see children from Hill House quite often, but I have heard that it is not as good academically. I am thinking of Thomas's, Eaton House, Fulham Prep etc.

Bumping for you

Have you read the good schools guide?

For Thomas' in Clapham you have to register at birth almost
Friends have kids at Hill House and seem happy

I haven't read the good schools guide, but have ordered a copy. I just wondered if anyone had any practical perspective

A friend has two children at Newton Prep, and is very happy with it. Having said that, when I saw their uniform I giggled hugely at the ludicrous knickerbocker things her son has to wear (plus tartan shirt....ugh!).

My son goes to Hill House and absolutely loves it. I wouldn't say it was less academic than other prep schools, though it certainly isn't as pushy in the first few years because they're not preparing the kids for 7 or 8+ exams. They do a lot of art, music and sport which takes a bit of time away from the literacy and numeracy hours, etc. But the standard of work that the kids produce is high and it's a very very happy school.

Thanks for the replies. Its very helpful, particularly to hear about Hill House.

I took my child out of Hill House last year. I think the school has declined dreadfully since the Colonel (previous headmaster) died. The teaching is dreadfully old fashioned - very little IT or interactivity. Theres an over emphasis on discipline - for example kids aren't allowed to talk at lunch, minus points if you do something the teachers don't like. Once the kids get older they stay later and later at school - 6pm by the end and are too tired for any after school activites . There are no outside play areas so breaks are spent in the classroom - though they do have games each day. The school lacks leadership and vision. If you look at the recent OFSTED report it draws attention to quite a few problems that the school has failed to address. And its virtually impossible to complain about any teacher as the school is run by the head and his wife and there is no independent arbitrator.
But there are lots of kids who are very happy there and its a lot cheaper then Thomas's etc - you just need to think about whats best for your child
I do know people with kids at Newton Prep who say its quite academically pressurised
Fulham Prep is a lovely school -it is expanding so don't know if it will change - the worst problem is some of the very sloaney parents and its not as academic as some.
Hope that helps - obviously we all have different perspectives ! Best thing to do is look round as many as possible and go with the one that feels right - is the head approchable - standard of kids work on display - how do kids interact - can you talk to them