Any recent views on Aberdour (in Tadworth) and Belmont Schools?

[karmi2010]

Hi, just that really - anyone has kids in the above schools and can share their opinion? My daughter starts state school reception in September and I think I want to move her to a prep school in Year 2 or 3. Have decided I prefer a co-ed school, and we are in Carshalton village, so Aberdour and Belmont seem the obvious choices... I think I am leaning towards Aberdour as their PAL quite appeals but it is really so good in reality (as opposed to the descrption on the website)?
Thank you!

Sorry, that was meant to be Banstead Prep School, not Belmont School!

You sound like you live near where I do - in that case you could also look at the schools we have seen. We were looking for all-through to avoid the 11+ stress. I wanted a school they could go through to 16/18 at.,
Ewell Castle - co-Ed
Sutton High School Prep - all girls - just up the road from Banstead Prep

We really liked all of them but have decided on singles sex for DD and Co-Ed for son. Didn’t want to move them twice. However both have good transition from y6 to grammar.

Thank you very much! I feel very strong for co-ed at primary so unfortunately I am not considering SHS until 11+. I will look at Ewell CAstle school although my impression was that it is not academic...

Collingwood in Wallington is a lot closer to Car Village (walking distance really). I think the head at Banstead Prep is leaving or has just left and I’ll be interested to see who takes over and how the school changes.

My personal impression of Aberdour was that the head seemed away with the fairies and I wasn’t particularly impressed with their leaver destinations.

We’re next door in Sutton but we’ll probably ferry DC to Royal Russell in Croydon. Lovely prep department but it’s a 25min drive so might be a little far.

Hi sorry this reply is so late - Only just came across your post. My kids are at Aberdour and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. I’d looked at about 6 different schools over Surrey and I chose Aberdour because the head teacher came across as far more interested and passionate than any other I had met. He’s hugely popular with children and parents at the school and has a fun, engaging side which I feel sets a happy atmosphere at the school. He’s no fool though and the school gets good results. The location isn’t idyllic - just off the A217 - but the school behind it has extensive, attractive grounds and all the facilities they need at this age. So far I’ve been impressed with the PAL system. They identified DS’s weaknesses within half a term and were providing extra support to help him. Both my kids settled in immediately and have been really happy there.
Hope that helps.

Thank you so much, JoJo and Nico!!