Selective prep schools with 9+ entry?

[Squaresquirrel]

Wondering if anyone knows any selective schools in or around London that has 9+ (year 5) as an entry point?

On my list there are MCS Oxford, Dulwich and KCS only.

TIA!

City of London boys
Emanuel in Clapham

If you're looking as far as oxford there's Abingdon Prep to consider. I think you need to be in before year 5 though to avoid the exam for the senior school.

SHSK in Abingdon

Thanks all!
@PolkaPenguin, I think those two are 10+?
@Edsie, I have got the impression, rightly or wrongly, Abingdon prep is less selective than MCS etc? Happy to be corrected!
@WhyAmIPayingFees, sorry should have said looking at options for boys.

Bear in mind that Abingdon has its own share of amazingly talented boys like Magdalen. It does have a broader mix of boys and that appeals to many parents whose kids are perfectly capable of getting into MCS. Abingdon senior school also has a much wider set of curriculum options and extra curricular provision which swayed us and many other parents it’s way.

Some schools will have occasional places coming up even if they don't have a formal intake at that point so worth giving the, a ring to see.

Also OP, do you mean a prep school or a school that goes up to 18?

A prep school for now, either linked to a senior or not

Those selective at 9+ mostly go up to senior though

@WhyAmIPayingFees, thanks for the explanation about Abingdon. I also heard their senior school has close connections with SHSK so to some extent overcomes the downside of single sex school. Is it true? Also where do people live for Joscas and easy London commute (except Didcot)? Thanks!

Alleyns

Those which do not publish a specific 9+ entry may well be looking to fill ad hoc vacancies, so with ringing to enquiry for any school you think would be a good fit.

What sort of features do you value about a school? What is your DC like?

I'm in Sutton (zone 5) and the local selective prep is Homefield Prep. It sometimes has occasional places and I think you can try whenever. It goes up to 13+.

I’m out west past Witney so not best placed To give insight for coming from the East. However what you can do is look at the school bus network jointbus.co.uk and look at where that intersects the train network. There are several options especially now the Cotswold Line is fully open and the prep better integrated into the buses. Didcot not only solution. The twinning with SHSK is very helpful whether it’s on the buses, social events or full integration for some drama productions and 6th form lessons.

In the past Highgate have run a 9+ entry but it isn't on their website so perhaps they aren't doing that any more.

There are quite a few nice villages (Blewbury is popular) within 10 minutes of didcot and are also on the bus route for Joscas. The bus also goes from Streatley/Goring which has its own train station. Although if they take the bus home they can't do any after school clubs because the bus leaves directly after school. The other option is living in Oxford itself. Abingdon isn't as selective as MCS but it's a much bigger broader school. They certainly cater perfectly well to a top set boy but can also provide the facilities and opportunities of a bigger school. A lot of parents of very bright boys stick with Abingdon until A level and then move to MCS. Abingdon does have close links with SHSK and they do quite a bit together.

Thanks everyone for such useful info!
DS is a summer born 8 yo, bright (not exceptional), non sporty, likes science, DT-type and outdoor activities. Confident and sociable with a sensitive side. Academic wise did very well at some relatively selective prep school assessments in NVR, less well but still above average in VR. Very average for spelling, comprehension and writing (local primary so far, light homework no tutor or focused support).
With just around 3 months to go for 9+ tests, I don’t think any reasonable tuition can take him to the required level for a highly selective school so a bit uncertain about next move I.e. go for a less selective school or wait till 11+...

WRT what I value about a school, (too) many factors to take into account! Academically robust (not too pressurised), nurturing, emphasis on hard work, individual attention/approach, in a less tangible way but not least important, I would like to see sparks in the eyes of both teachers and children. Preferably co-ed but one can’t have everything!

OP, where do you live, though? Or are you looking to move?

We live in north bucks where the prep options are very limited. Thought might as well look at wider areas if we have to move anyway.

So on the South London boarders, you could check out Royal Russell: set in over 100 acres, outdoor teaching areas, forest school. The children even get to camp at school so would appeal to your son’s outdoorsy side. It’s an all-through school - somewhat mixed ability but plenty of high achievers and Oxbridge offers too. Alternatively, loads of other senior schools available.

For a slightly whackier option, Aberdour is quite interesting. Lovely grounds and outdoor opportunities but also great for DT-ing and very big on STEM in a creative way, eg Lego engineering and robotics.

Heathside Prep NW3 - definitely worth a visit.

Absolutely not Heathside Prep. They've been embroiled in all sorts of controversy.

Have a google or a read of the inspection reports...it's not nice reading!

Abingdon has required sports every term so may not suit if he really doesn't like sport.

I'm not sure you'd be on the right path looking for an ultra-selective school like MCS for the child you describe.

He sounds more like a traditional prep then 13-18 sort of chap. What about Elstree then Bradfield?

Morning Edsie

Just to update - Heathside Prep has been bought by Dukes Education - complete transformation! Old owner has been removed - thank god! New excellent Head and huge investment. Ofsted this term - excellent result!

My brothers children go there - all are super bright and very happy.

So as I said before - worth a look!

Thats true ! Heathisde Prep is now really excellent. We moved away last year with all of the choas under previous owner, but went for a tour last week and wow - really impressed. So much so, my DS is moving back in Janaury.

In the other direction, I agree with Reefedsail - Elstree is good.