Months of analysis over which prep school to place our 4 year old ended with a decision to place him at Wetherby Kensington. For other moms I wanted to shar my thoughts so that it might help you.
I could not get any decent advice so here is my experience.
First was Eaton Belgravia: a school that take academics seriously. Results are great for leavers and a very no nonsense school. My husband liked it and I felt the environment lacked compassion and uninspiring. Something so Oliver Twist and oppressive . I was not sure if I would like the families or kids who were placed in an environment that supported overwhelming pursuit of perfection is scores. My son is social, confident and easy and I did not want to take the smallest chance that his charisma and spirit would diminish.
St Nics: A refreshing environment, positive, flexible, liberal and modern environment and the headmistress I believe has direction and vision. Utilising all the neighbouring space and museums they incorporate life into daily education it is fresh. I felt that they were not as academic and the teaching model would help children who needed to advance personality/social skills in addition to education. I also felt that there was a disproportionate number of girls to boys and that this would not be advantageous to my son. This might in a few years be the school that will be in top ten list of prep schools but at present they need to fine tune their direction. Plus they are changing locations, names, uniforms in 2020 so I don’t want to subject my son to be in one identity and then change to another the following year.
Wetherby Kensington moms seem to unanimously agree Wetherby was great but with no reason or details. It was a visit and the very specific and experienced direction of Ms Milnes. She answered all my questions in detail and although herself coming from a co ed education knew boys needs, challenges and what is required to inspire and motivate them academically and socially. It is a pity they do not have outdoor space or are able to use Wetherby Gardens. They are also new at their location so they are not 100% organised in my opinion( top floor where year 3 is still full of boxes and IT issues ) . This I am confident will be sorted in time.
Wetherby Kensington was the perfect medium between Eaton and St Nicks.