Selective West London Girls Preps

[MangetoutW6]

Does anyone have experience of West London all girls selective prep schools? We have a place at at least one in South Ken and wondering if we’d be mad to turn it down, especially as our daughter really enjoyed her assessment and wants to go there (I’m very aware that she does not understand the bigger picture, but she is adamant!) While all girls private is my own experience (and mostly positive), I’m aware that things have changed. I also didn’t go to school in London which feels like another world! My main concerns are the competitiveness (even if the school claims otherwise, I fear getting caught up in tiger parenting) and exclusiveness (the fees are a stretch for us for at least the next couple of years). While most of these schools only seem to have a 4+ entry option, is there much movement in later years and would we stand a chance of getting in a bit further down the line at 7+?
Thanks in advance for any help. It feels particularly difficult this year not having had a chance to tour in person and don’t know many people in the same situation as us right now.

Congratulations! I opened this thread hoping that you'd be talking about schools a little further west.
As a former teacher at a state school, I I know a handful of the girls successfully made it through the 7+ process, but the one girl that I remember hearing about was a bit of a unicorn (I taught KS2 so wasn't that close to it).
Hugs. We are one year behind you. Any general advice?
(For what it's worth, we'd wait until close to the deadline and then choose our favourite. Definitely wouldn't pass up the opportunity.)

I'll add that my experience was in an outstanding state school in Kensington.

How far West are you thinking? We’ve mostly looked around South Ken/Hammersmith/Fulham. We didn’t get a 4+ Place at Bute in the ballot but on the list for assessment at 7+.
We’ve tried to take a relaxed approach to the whole thing and my biggest concern is the intensity of the environment for such young children. At the moment, we’re leaning towards going down a non-traditional route for a year or two and then reassessing. It’s all such a hard choice. We don’t have a great choice of state primaries in our area either.
As far as the assessments go, we’ve told her it’s an opportunity to see a school, meet teachers and have a play and a chat. The one she did in person was a very positive experience, the one online was mixed, but think that’s to be expected!

We are in Ealing and want to stay local. Way more laid back here! We have a few favourites, but it’s so difficult to find any real opinions from parents of children who are currently there, and the schools are closed, so no visiting.
What were you thinking for a non-traditional route?

My daughter is at one of the schools you are probably considering, in South Ken - have also seen your post on the other thread so might even be same school...
I had shared some of your feelings so completely understand where you are coming from.
Our daughter is very happy. I’m more than happy to chat via DM if it would help or you have any questions.

I have found that 7+ is much harder to get into compared to 4+. Fewer seats and more competition. What's your plan if she doesn't get in at 7+? Are you happy to leave her in state (assuming that's your plan for KS1)?

Remember at 7+ places open up in many of the girls' schools as there is slight movement to Bute, Latymer, City, Habs etc which then leaves spots to be filled. It is still not a case that you'll just walk in at 7+ to other preps, but there are spaces.

For 7+ you really need to have the right fit child, have worked with them and apply to a few schools.

In terms of London pressure, it is there but you can choose how much you want to enter into it. As long as you follow what the school are doing, support with homework, chat about what is going on in school with your DD and keep up all the basic key skills at home... then follow the school's 11+ prep they will end up wherever is right for them at 11+. The best way to avoid it is an all-through school.

hi, we are considering ken prep vs thomas's and wanted to ask the opinions and thoughts on both of those.

we also have a 2 year old boy so i am concerned that 1. logistics could be a huge issue with 2 kids at different schools but 2. at the same time our girl got into ken prep so i feel it is selfish of me to deny her this more academic route..(or at least that is what I am told) vs. being at Thomas's

i did however go to a co-ed school and not sure only girls is really a good way forward but maybe i am just biased..

Think through now how logistics would have to work with your DS eventually at another school and decide if it would be manageable e.g. two parents both having to do drop offs, using before/after school care or a nanny/au pair?

Ken Prep is great if you want the academic all-girls style education. Thomas's is also academic in its own way (just slightly more mixed within it) and I imagine your child will end up in the same place for senior school but the co-ed nature changes the atmosphere. It has the option of 11+ or 13+. Both are really excellent in their own ways.

I don't think the girls only nature makes much difference (I've taught in co-ed and all girls) at this age. Some think there is more competition and unkindness but you get it in co-ed amongst groups of girls too.

I would fit it very tricky to pick between the two in your situation - not much help I know!

thank you so much, yes, it is a tough choice. We are really thinking maybe we try Ken Prep and if for some reason she doesn't thrive or love it or eventually grows out of the only girls mode (which for some reason she is in now) then we try to get into Thomas's but that might be 1. impossible and 2. super hard given that there might not be any spots in 2 years or worse even the assessment is very hard so her brother doesn't get in..
basically all in shambles..i suppose bottom line both are good choices so i would probably make my peace with both decisions and just deal with the consequences in time.