Radlett Prep

[NA123]

Hi all!

I've been looking into Radlett Prep in Herts for my DD and I'd like to get others' thoughts. There was a post here a few years ago but not a lot since.

Has anyone got any experience of the school? It'd be good to know the good and the bad!

Thanks in advance.

Can no one help?

We like it. It’s a good school, they’re results are fantastic. A bit academic but that’s what we wanted.

And we turned it down because we didn't want the intense academics that it offered. It's also quite big classes - about 25/26 and no lunch hall. Depends what you are looking for but if you want hardcore academics at a cheap price it's a great option.

Im very surprised to hear that. All of the classes in reception are 14-16 and noone i know has a class size over 22. Definitely depends what you’re looking for. We wanted to have an academic school with great 11+ results and love it.

To those who have children here- @Glassofmerlot could you kindly share if you have a son or daughter at the school? Class size definitely seems in line with other schools in area 20-22. Infact some years have even less, as you mentioned therefore do pupils get the individual attention that you would expect for such sizes to stretch or in some cases provide more support to the individual. Have visited of late and aware traditionally more boys attend than girls. Would love real insight from parents at the school. Thank you

Hi @Gericom123, my son attends Radlett Prep and we are more than happy with it. He is academically stretched, but nurtured and participates in many clubs and sports fixtures!
I mean why would you pay for a private (selective) education and complain it was too academic?
Class sizes are about 20-22.
Yes, I think some classes are boy heavy but I noticed that was the same for many schools I visited.
The children are offered additional support when the need it, and because they constantly check in on learning through tests, they can get to the issue quicker.
I think people love to make assumptions based on hearsay!
Hope that helps!

@Gericom123 i have a son and we like the education. We were look for a school with strong academics. There’s so much competition, i dont want my child to be left behind. As @gingersnap12 said I don’t understand why someone would complain the school is too academic, it definitely is not, for us it’s just right. Which schools are you considering?

Thank you at @Glassofmerlot we to are looking for an academic school but something that is ofcourse balanced. 100% agree want to select a prep school that really gears individuals for 11+ and choice of secondary schools. Some of the reviews are a bit extreme and ofcourse can be worrying as children in early years are so young but Radlett is up on our list. We considered HH/ Edgegrove but so far Radlett seems favourite.

Hi all,
We are in a similar situation for our son. Any up-to-date information regarding Radlett Prep? Is it still as academic as others have implied. Their leaver destinations are still very top notch with some of the best private and grammar schools. On their website, it says they now offer hot lunches in their new dining hall. Is this actually the case?

Thanks

We left Rp recently, the education was great. We got into a really good school and would highly recommend.

@Mother2023 hiya what year group would your son be joining? Have you visited the school and what is your gut saying. It is an academic school but in a nurturing way and rightly so what is the point of it if it isn't academic. That is my personal opinion. There are great grounds and they have now started hot lunches too. Yes there are other schools with slightly fancier facilities or on the other hand schools nearby that are also smaller. I think RP has the right balance. Ultimately I really believe parents need to work in partnership with any chosen school and I wholeheartedly believe radlett do this to bring the best out in individual pupils
Hope that helps a bit?

This is helpful for us as well. Are the class sizes still smallish ie under 20? We are personally looking for a reception place. Our DS is currently in a private school nursery setting. It has very nice facilities but just isn't academic enough even at this young age. He prefers maths, phonics etc but the teaching is more geared towards creative play. We can't justify the rather high junior school fees when there are less expensive but more academic prep schools in the area, with Radlett Prep being one of them. I gather most kids applying for the top secondary schools have tutors. With that in mind, is Radlett Prep doing something special to get what seems to be the best leaver destinations in the area from any Prep school?

Radlett are academic but they instill this gradually over the early junior years. It isn't a "hothouse" as some parents have commented it is academic but until you are in the school I really don't feel people can judge. As one or the above posts suggests they support individuals and genuinely care. I do think parents tutor and that's because all in the area- North London tend to do so no fault of the school. I think parents as a result feel the pressure to do so to ensure their child is not left behind and also are put on the same playing field for 11+. RP do not encourage tutoring but ultimately it is parents choice. Class sizes are between 16-22 I'd say. Are you local to the area?

Hiya,

Does anyone know if radlett prep fees include lunch?