Falcons Prep?

[slummymumsy]

We are considering this school for our son but can’t find much information and it isn’t reviewed in the GSG. Can anyone speak to it? DS is reasonably bright and can handle being pushed academically but he also has/needs a good range of non-academic interests for balance. Also, not sure at this stage if we’ll go down the 11+ or 13+ routes and how many London day schools realistically have intakes at 13+. I notice some (but not most) leave after Y6 so if the school is more focused on 13+, I’m worried it might not prepare him to get into a selective Senior school.
Sorry for the 100 questions - any and all advice and thoughts very welcome!

Are you looking at the prep site in Richmond? Even if your ds goes to secondary at 13 he takes the initial exam when he is 11 so the dc are prepared in the same way. Have you compared Falcons to Kings House, Newland House or 1 of the kew preps to get a contrast? There is lots of choice in the area and they tend to feed to the same secondaries with the exception of Kings House and Tower House that feed more to 13+ big name schools.

Thank you Singingrain1223! Yes Falcons Prep in Richmond/Kew but it’s really on the Northernmost boundary of what we would consider b/c we have an older daughter applying to schools more in the Kingston/Hampton/Surbiton area so a lot will depend on where she ends up going, so our options for boys schools are pretty scattered to try and account for that. He will be joining at an odd entry point too so a lot of the other schools don’t have places. The upshot is that with what’s available it puts a 30 min distance most of the time between DS and DD school options. Looking at The Mall, Surbiton Boys Prep, a Tower House and Shrewsbury House too. Falcons came up randomly but seems so nice, fun and caring without sacrificing academics but would love to hear from parents who can give me the unvarnished version and share their real life experiences...

The other schools you mention are more established, you can't leave Shrewsbury until you are 13 which changes your options. If you want Hampton/Kingston Grammar for your ds at 11 go for The Mall or Surbiton Boys prep, they have the focus as everyone is leaving at 11.

Thank you SO much, that’s so helpful. I feel like I’m taking a walk in the park blindfolded in all of this... I’m so grateful :)

Sorry fir the followup but do you think Falcons not up to it? Are you familiar with it?

I know the preps in the area well, if you think your dc would benefit from a few years in the prep sector yes consider Falcons especially if your dd ends up nearer to west London, for example your ds could go to Harrodian at 13 from Falcons. But if your just want to get on with it and get him into a secondary at 11 choose Surbiton/The Mall as they will guide you all.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.. :)