Schools in Northwood vs Elstree/ Radlett etc.

[Glassofmerlot]

We live in Elstree and have a few schools around, Manor Lodge, Radlett Prep ,Edge Grove etc. We are very academic and would like to send my three year old son to an academic school if possible. Is it worth moving to Northwood or another area so that he can get better education? We missed the 3+ exams and will try for the 4+. Do you have any school recommendations? We are unfamiliar with the schools around here and would appreciate your help

my dcs went to manor lodge, and we really liked it. they got a new headmistress this year, and she has been great so far, the kids all really seem to like her x

All three of the preps you list have good reputations and send children to a wide range of next schools including schools known for being academic. What is it you’re looking for above and beyond that?

Also remember that your child may show an aptitude for sport, art, music, drama etc as they grow older or may not be as academic as you hope. Chose a school that does well in all areas and will produce a confident and rounded child as opposed to just academics.

There was a post on the secondary board a while ago about how an exceptionally bright girl failed to get past the first round of testing for Wycombe Abbey. She aced the academic testing part but spectacularly failed the teamwork and interview stage. Bear this in mind before choosing a route set in stone for your child when they are still very young.

Yes, I agree with Zodelbud. DH and I are both academic and we have one bright, but lazy DC, and another who is quite severely dyslexic!

Manor Lodge has a very good reputation and it preps DC for entry into the competitive secondaries in the area. Merchant Taylor's also has a prep school (formerly known as Northwood Prep, which might suit you. The senior gets harder and harder to get into each year and is massively over-subscribed at 11+, but I'm guessing that having your DC in the prep would help a lot. Edge Grove is not especially academic, from what I've heard (and I know a parent who moved her DC from there, because it wasn't academic enough).

Maybe you can aim to get him into habs if you're after very academic? they do 5+ though and the pre prep in st albans but from age 7 it is in elstree

Yes agree with Habs. My niece went there at 4. However it will be a tough slog with all the north London parents competing. But ultimately worth it as it will help him remain there beyond 11+.