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Original poster

Choosing between independent schools

27 replies

Daninda · 14/04/2020 16:28

Hi, we’re currently deciding on which prep school to send our son to next year.
We’re stuck between - farringdons , Babbington house and Merton court. Not sure if anyone has experience of any of these schools and is able to provide an insight?
Xxx

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ReynZeysMum · 09/07/2022 10:39

Hi @Daninda Just wondered what you decided in the end as we are considering Merton Court for our daughter this September. Thanks for any feedback

Original poster
Daninda · 09/07/2022 11:38

Hi hun yes we decided on Merton Court in the end. We went for an open day and we’re really impressed and I also visited recently for a coffee morning to meet other parents and any worries I had were quickly erased. I defo would recommend it… let me know if you would like to speak privately xxx
good luck with it and let me know if you decide with Merton Court!

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TizerorFizz · 09/07/2022 16:13

Surely it depends on what 11 or 13 plus destinations you want?

Original poster
Daninda · 09/07/2022 17:09

Merton court has a 98%pass rate to local grammer schools , so this was something important to us

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ReynZeysMum · 09/07/2022 21:04

@TizerorFizz For sure, however the local prep schools are all really great and have lots to offer, it can get confusing. @Daninda thank you so much, I sent you a DM x

aMusingMum · 09/07/2022 22:08

@Daninda I am in touch with @ReynZeysMum for a few days now. Would love to be part of the conversation if multiple people are allowed on DMs.

TizerorFizz · 10/07/2022 00:03

@Daninda I pity the 2% then. They must feel like total failures.

Original poster
Daninda · 15/07/2022 09:02

Hi for some reason I can’t reply in the DM!!

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careerandfam · 15/07/2022 21:28

Hi 👋 we will also be starting Merton Court in September, seems a lovely school Smile

Original poster
Daninda · 16/07/2022 07:52

Amazing! What year will your little one be going into?

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careerandfam · 16/07/2022 19:27

Reception 🤩 How about your little one?

Original poster
Daninda · 18/07/2022 09:37

Oh really? Which year group?

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Original poster
Daninda · 18/07/2022 09:37

Same he’s going into reception too!

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careerandfam · 26/07/2022 15:35

Oh fab I will dm you :)

ReynZeysMum · 26/07/2022 22:11

Random question, but can I ask if anyone on here checked the neighbouring school Benedict House and what they thought of it? x

careerandfam · 27/07/2022 08:27

We saw it, knew it wasn't for us very quickly. The price was definitely appealing but we didn't feel it. That being said they are expanding so perhaps in a few years it will be quite different. I found it quite run down and just didn't get good vibes from it. Schools are so subjective though aren't they, you either feel it or you don't and it can be hard to put a finger on it. We quite liked West Lodge across the road.

ReynZeysMum · 27/07/2022 12:10

@careerandfam Yes i felt the same tbh but now hearing about the major changes going on its become a lot more appealing! The works are taking place now and will be all wrapped up my next September. Our other choice school is upwards of £5k a term and not really offering anything more than what BH would offer after the reno.
Will go re-visit in September once half the work is complete because the fees are just too good not to consider, especially when you have 2 kids and still going and intending to keep them all in private education right up to 6th form... all very techy!

Thanks for the feedback

Original poster
Daninda · 01/08/2022 08:07

What’s your email? Il email you from my account xx

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Original poster
Daninda · 01/08/2022 08:08

Il email you - send me your email address xx

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Original poster
Daninda · 01/08/2022 08:11

Benedict house was one of the first schools we saw and quickly realised it wasn’t for us. Although the fees were very appealing- I didn’t think the school facilities reflected even the reduced fees. We visited during school hours so we’re able to see how the school was run on a normal day - but it wasn’t really what I thought it would be. Maybe once it’s renovated etc it may be more appealing. But different schools work for different people xxx

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careerandfam · 04/08/2022 14:25

Yes with 2 it definitely adds up, we're going to be getting some pretty big bills through ek! Yes definitely go and look around BH again, sounds like its in transition. Their fees are definitely more appealing but guessing they will put them up in line of other privates once they have the facilities etc. both BH and WL the parking, just be a nightmare but then again I think all schools are. Really wish I liked the school across the road I could walk to but sods law I don't lol!

careerandfam · 24/07/2024 07:04

Hi @SweetMother12 feel free to DM me :)

rachelpinks · 17/01/2025 14:49

i know this thread has been quiet for awhile but we’re in the same position of having to decide between Merton Court (leaning more towards this but £££!!) and Benedict House. Any views about either school would be much appreciated :) happy to discuss in private too. thanks!

edited to add that we’re looking at Nursery entry.

careerandfam · 17/01/2025 18:44

@rachelpinks feel free to DM me as I have a child at Merton :)

PulsHere · 27/06/2025 23:09

Dear @careerandfam - we are thinking of enrolling our DS to Merton Court for Sep 26 (reception) - would it be ok if I DM you?

@rachelpinks - it will be great to know if you finally did go for MC?