Any ideas/reviews on Newton prep/ Abercorn/ Northbridge House and/or SIAL?

[olibc]

Hi all,
I'm moving to London from NY with my family (2 boys, one who will be 5 in may the other 2yrs old) and we are now looking for schools (I'm Brazilian, my husband Italian and we are looking for a place that is good academically but also nurturing and that encourages play). We are currently looking at:
Newton prep
Abercorn
Northbridge House
La Scuola Italiana a Londra

Any reviews/suggestions on those? we might also consider ICS but so far read mixed reviews so I don't know if I should go ahead with the application.

Thank you very much for any recommendation/ help / insight!!

[braindrain17]

The two I know are Abercorn and North Bridge. Abercorn has lots of shorter term expat families (particularly from NY), is very nurturing especially in the early years and has small class sizes (e.g. 13-15). North Bridge is bigger, more established in the area, has a lot more students per class (e.g. 22), has a lot of international families, and generally has mixed reviews (you will find comments in some of the older threads). Neither is particularly academic, but the more academic schools require assessments or being on the waiting list since birth so it would be quite difficult to get in at this stage. Good luck with your choice and the move. Remember you can always start off somewhere and if you don't like it, you can always switch schools via the 7+ or 11/13+ entry.

[AnotherNewt]

Newton Prep would be fine for you from what you've said. Seriously good facilities too.

These schools aren't that close to each other. Do you know what part/s of London you'd like to live in?

[olibc]

Thank you AnotherNewt! since we are coming from abroad we thought that we will first find the school we love and then choose where to live accordingly (we will both work in the City so as long as it is not a crazy commute to work)

[JPdeF]

Hi @olibc! I am moving to London and considering Abercorn. Did you DC ended up there? How is the experience so far?

[Pyracantha1]

If you would like an academic school then you should consider Wetherby Kensington. They often have spaces (though won't be shouting from the rooftops about it!).