To change school or not? Jack and Jill, Feltonfleet, or any others?

[Bunnyanddeer]

Hi wise mums,

My daughter is in a local pre prep and just started year 1. She's been happy in the school since nursery. However in reception her best friend had lots of arguments with her and excluded her in the play which made her very upset and confused. Then the best friend moved school which seems to be hitting my DD very hard and made her very anxious about going to school. Every morning it's a battle and she loses sleep during the night.

Here are some more details,

1. DD's current pre prep is a small happy school which doesn't focus on academics. There are 12 children (6 girls) in the class and 24 children (12 girls) in her year. She only plays with girls which means she doesn't have lots of girls to choose from to make friendships, especially they all seem to have their best friends already. I think she'd be happier in a girls school.

1. The biggest reason that I think she clicked with the best friend is because they share the same interests (i.e maths games, writing etc). They are both quite bright and loves learning. Would she be happier in a more academic focused school?

1. DD is a highly sensitive girl who doesn't have much confidence especially in making friends. She would definitely need some attention and support from teachers re forming friendships. But maybe changing school will give her a fresh start?

I would really, really appreciate if anybody could share their thoughts and maybe recommend a school that they think will fit DD. Some friends recommended Feltonfleet and Jack and Jill but we're open to other choices. We are Esher / Suribiton / Claygate bound.

Thanks so much in advance!

Would you consider a move now to Surbiton High or Tormead to remove the move at end of year 6. Otherwise have you considered Rowan in Claygate? J&J means a dr

Drive over the river to Hampton.

Tormead would be worth considering if not too far. Small classes, bright girls, friendly and nurturing. Teachers seem very supportive in encouraging friendships.

@Singingrain1223

Would you consider a move now to Surbiton High or Tormead to remove the move at end of year 6. Otherwise have you considered Rowan in Claygate? J&J means a dr

I'd love a move now but with the current situation I am not sure how to decide on a school without seeing it and the children in person first. That was going to be my next concern. Thanks for your suggestions which I will make a shortlist and start speaking to. We've been to Rowan before and had a horrible experience when DD was two. Ironically thinking back it might be perfect for DD now.

@RichTea432

Tormead would be worth considering if not too far. Small classes, bright girls, friendly and nurturing. Teachers seem very supportive in encouraging friendships.

Will look into Tormead! Thanks.

Hey there! Understand your concern about being able to see a place. I googled Tormead to check for you and they are actually having ‘live’ online open days for the junior and senior school from this week onwards. Maybe have a look. The link is www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?eid=13318& or it’s just on their website. I reckon if you asked for a socially distanced, personal tour, with the admissions person they’d show you around, Ive heard other schools are doing these tours and I’m sure they and or any others you like the look of will too. Good luck!

Surbiton is probably not the place for a shy girl to be honest although it’s a great school for the more outgoing. Jack n jill is very academic but nurturing - the problem would be that it’s a feeder for LEH and you will have to do 11+.

@Strandguildford

Hey there! Understand your concern about being able to see a place. I googled Tormead to check for you and they are actually having ‘live’ online open days for the junior and senior school from this week onwards. Maybe have a look. The link is www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?eid=13318& or it’s just on their website. I reckon if you asked for a socially distanced, personal tour, with the admissions person they’d show you around, Ive heard other schools are doing these tours and I’m sure they and or any others you like the look of will too. Good luck!

Thanks for letting me know and it's good to know some schools are still doing tours in a socially distancing way. I will look into it thank you.

@After8itsgrownuptime

Surbiton is probably not the place for a shy girl to be honest although it’s a great school for the more outgoing. Jack n jill is very academic but nurturing - the problem would be that it’s a feeder for LEH and you will have to do 11+.

That's my impression of shs too as it's quite a big school. Jj came highly recommended but the school runs makes me cringe and I am not sure if leh will be the right school for dd.