Hill House/Garden House/Thomas’s/Hampshire 2020 for 2022 entry

[Georgelica]

Recent or current views please -
For a boy starting in 2022, my main attraction to a school would be that children are allowed to be children ie lots of outdoor play, formal manners taught but not stuffy etc. Academics are the second priority to this - I’m sure all of these schools produce agreeable academic results.

What also concerns me is our (average for the area) background (mother is a legal aide and father a landed polo player). I like the ethos of GH although feel my child might feel “underprivileged” in comparison to the mega rich international set, or worse, recognise his own privilege (we are not rich but titled).

Where can a little boy go where he can just be a little boy?

I think Thomas's is what you want. Very down to earth, fun but also decent academics. More mixed parents than GH. Which Thomas's do you have an offer at/are considering?
Hill House is also more mixed due to its size.
GH does have a very wealthy parent body due to fees and location. I love the ethos too but would be nervous about fitting in Andy child not appreciating their privilege at a school where the sky is the limit with birthday parties etc. Just my opinion though.

I assume you're based in central London OP? There are some fab preps just outside London in Surrey / Berks which lay on mini buses from London (Yr 3 and up) and sound like they might be more what you're looking for than the London scene. Obviously he can't do that from reception but you might want to consider a pre-prep and then go that route?

@Georgelica : which school did you choose? I registered my son with Garden House and Thomas's Fulham but worried that majority of places will go to siblings. I am thinking of calling Hill House and Hampshire to see if they have places for 2023 Reception.