Stay in local Kew Prep or try 7+ school that goes to 18

[DancingbytheRiver]

Hi there. My daughter currently attends a very good local Kew Prep school and she is happy there. My other half and I have started to think whether she should sit for 7+ at the schools that go all the way to Yr13 - namely Latymer Lower, Notting Hill and Ealing, Putney High, and possibly LEH although it is a bit far and heading out from us. She is in Year 1 and fairly bright but no idea of how bright (and have not started any prep). Has anyone been in this position? Do a lot of children leave the local Kew preps at this stage? Can you do the prep at home or do we definitely need a tutor to prepare? What is the attitude of the preps that go to 11 when children try to leave, as we would not like to burn our bridges if she does not gain entry and we are happy with the school. Have they been helpful with HM recommendations etc and would you advice to tell them we are applying or not? On the other hand, should we just stay at the prep if she is happy and doing well, and also the commuting is much easier (like 10 minutes walk)? Also interested in any experiences of anyone who transferred to private at Yr 3 from the local schools like Queens, Kew Riverside, etc.

If your dd is happy, it's local and a good school why move? 7plus is out of fashion in SW London with the decline of the pre-prep schools and the Preps are reluctant to prepare your dc for the entrance exams. The slight distortion to the market is LEH as it starts at 7 and has around 48 places which means there is movement for dd's. But why give your dd all those years of extra travelling when she can go to school close to home. If you visit LEH and a couple of others listed it will probably help you make up your mind. Plus ask your Prep their opinion, they are use to being asked.

Thank you and I tend to agree. We have not been out to see the schools yet. But we wonder if we should go through this now to avoid the 11+ process later...

If your dd is in a good Prep they will take you through the eleven plus process and support you and your dd the whole way by suggesting schools that would suit her and preparing her for the exams from year 5. LEH Juniors suits a certain type of child, if you visit you will see, and they still suffer from 11 plus pressure as some sit Tiffin in year 6. If you check out the fees you will see why, it's an expensive school group.

Thank you Teacakes. Understand about LEH although for a number of reasons, it would not be first in our list. What about Latymer, Putney High, NHE? as they will not have the 11+ pressure here. I will check the fees point too and if there is a big difference, as it would affect the decision too.

My dc did 7+ at this stage but if your prep is a 10 mins walk away and she's happy there I wouldn't bother tbh, save the commute until later

I would agree with PP that at her young age your priority should be a nice school that suits DD (i.e. caters for academically and gives some opportunity for sport and music should she be interested) close to home. By the time she's older you'll be much better places to know what secondary is going to suit her.

Sorry I don't know much about the other schools but I can't imagine sending a 7 year old to school in Putney or Ealing if I lived in Kew. The 11 plus really isn't that bad for girls as there is so much choice and Kew is full of the most wonderful prep schools that really give a good sense of community. SW London isn't like North London in terms of competition for places.

I would give it a go. If it has crossed your mind, then why not enter her. Do just gentle prep for it and see what happens. You can then see what offers she gets and decide. Kew Prep is lovely but as you say, there is the option to dodge 11+ which can be stressful. Equally, Kew Prep will prepare your DD very well at 11+ so it isn't a huge worry.

I totally get the benefits of moving to all through. I am not so sure of the benefits of schools like Bute House with the 7+ entry point unless your DD really isn't being stretched or enjoying her current prep. Latymer and PHS are excellent. NHEH is quite a journey and less reputable (although still v good).

I agree Bute House is a bit of a gamble on balance and not worth it unless you are dead set on SPGS which we are not. Even if she has the brains, difficult to say if SPGS will be one of the target schools so the prep linked to it looks too hot housy for our taste and if it was a mistake later on, you would have done the damage by the time you have to go through 11+. We are looking for the best education but also hope to give her the best environment to build other life skills which in the end, sometimes are even more critical later on.

Dd moved to LEH at 7 and has loved it. She’s been in the coach since day 1 and no issues. PM me if you want more info

In my experience there really is no such thing as a hot house - more academic schools may be too much for one child (who would not likely get a place) but may provide the stimulating environment that helps another girl to thrive. Plenty of parents at these schools value a rounded education and life skills just as much as you! My advice would be look around some of the schools to 18 that you mention and if you like them better and can see your daughter thriving there then apply for 7+.

Fair point coconut, I should go and check for myself, we will do this. PetraD I will also check LEH, so I will let you know.

coconut's point is true. In my experience (prep school teacher in this area) the 'hot house' labelled schools are in reality fairly relaxed, stimulating and fun schools which are totally right if your DD gets a place. Pressure usually comes from parents rather than schools. Teachers tend to quietly get on with gently supporting your child and helping them to do their best. I have never known a pushy teacher or school - only pushy parents.
Go and have a look and see what you think suits your DD.

VioletF so right I have never met a pushy teacher, spot on comment!