Notting Hill / Holland Park Prep Schools

[Walvis01]

Hello Mumsnet, we are about to move to Holland Park from Battersea and my three year old daughter is only down for the Battersea and Chelsea schools. I’m very keen for her to be able to walk to school and thus am looking at Norland Place, Pembridge Hall and Notting Hill Prep. I don’t know any of these particularly well and, obvious differences in terms of single sex/co-ed and admission processes aside, was hoping for your advice as to how these schools compare, what they feel like and what sort of child they may suit. Any nuggets from current parents would be hugely hugely appreciated. Thanks so much!

Also worth looking at Chepstow house? NHP is excellent according to friends who have sent there

If you are living in Holland Pk, then Norland and Pembridge will be a bit closer in terms of walking. Chepstow and NHP a bit further away.
I don’t know much about Norland. Pembridge & Chepstow are a bit more traditional In approach, NHP is a bit more relaxed. Each school is very different (as are their facilities) so I think you need to work out what’s best suited for your child (and you), although I understand that might be hard in the current environment of not being able to visit. You may also find you are only able to get onto waiting lists at some of them now anyway so I would urgently email / call to check.
I’d also say that being able to walk to school is a very under appreciated benefit!!

What is the registration time for these though - some schools have silly lead times?

Pembridge and Chepstow are owned by private equity funds, do not underestimate this aspect. Fees may rise, orders may come from above with certain policies suddenly changed, etc etc. Money and the potential valuation of their business (if they need or want to sell while you are at school) is first for their owners.
NHP don't know who own them but is definitely up and coming. They have the former head of Glendower Prep leading now, which is great. I believe they run a ballot though to get in, according to a friend who signed up?
I would have a look at Norland seriously - don't know about them much but they are more established and geared less for expats/Europeans and more for the more settled local families (who are more for a balanced education, academic but also focusing on the long term development of children and not only academics or with tiger mum parents preferred) rate them highly.

Thank you, all - super helpful!