Where are the best Prep Schools in South Of England?

[Oldermummy2019]

Dear all.We are lucky that we can work from anywhere.Our Son is just going to reception and we want him to go to a Public/Privately funded prep school.Our requirement is that the schools goes up to 13, has wrap around childcare and flexi boarding after age of 10. Excellent sports and academics. We are happy to move for a nice school. Ideal location should be south of England.Dorset,Hampshire, Sussex. Not too remote.Need cafes and nice gym classes.House wise we like country homes with lots of outside space to grow things. Please let’s not make this about state or private education politics.Please help.

Thank you for a detailed response to my school search post.We have booked a visit to Pilgrims on the 11th Feb. We have also booked a house viewing. Not much on rightmove looking to spend up to 3M, I know it doest go far near London although Bath is now nearly as expensive.

Looking for semi rural as we like at least an Acre of land. If tiny can suggest anymore villages and schools, I will be grateful. That said I think Winchester has my emotions for some reason, I just get a good feeling…

Genuine question, asking for a friend, how did you get so rich? I want this lifestyle 😃

Hello Jumpalicious,

Thank you for your email. I would not say rich, but comfortable. Okay here is the summary.

• came from a poor background was a teenage mum.hated poverty had no capital etc so.
• did a hairdressing course because that way I could earn flexibility round my child.
• worked out to earn more needed to pay for wrap around care.
• started cleaning business initially domestic.
• could DC into good prep school with wrap around care.
• expanded
• Bought ex local authority house near a posh neighbourhood
• sound said house two years later, made 150K on it.
• Used money to move into better post code next door

It kicked off from there.

Lots hard work and wise decisions along the way… including taking further education as a mature adult

Hope it helps.

Meant found wrap around care for my DC sorry for the typos.I am on my phone

St. Hugh's and buy in Buckland/Littleworth/Bampton. Or for better academics there's Abingdon prep and the associated Senior school.

Thank you Panama, will look those areas up now.

Dear all,
After lots of trips and school visits, we have settled on Winchester as a place to leave and Short listed Twyford and Farleigh prep schools. If you have any knowledge of the two schools please share. We want a school where parents are actively involved.Attend matches etc. We won’t know anyone in the area so friendly parents will be a bonus.

Thank you for your help so far.

Either of those schools are good bets @Oldermummy2019 - I know parents at both and they fit the bill. The only thing I’d say that Twyford will have more Winchester parents than Farleigh so if you want a higher chance of a community you can be a part of, go for Twyford. However at both schools I’d say most parents are scattered round villages/rural locations. Locally I’d say that Farleigh’s reputation is slightly friendlier than Twyford which seems a bit more competitive. However, the new head at Twyford seems to be changing that.

Thank you all AlabamaWorleyyy, Twyford seemed more friendly compared to Pilgrims. Now the nightmare of house hunting in on us.🙈

Good luck! Winchester is lovely. I wish I could afford to live there!

Sandroyd, Port Regis, Hazlegrove are all great. Sherborne prep we didn’t like at all. I can second Windlesham House.

Just to update that our Winchester purchase fell through so we are now buying in Goldaming and decided on Aldro Prep school. Just in case this helps someone else.

Hope it worked out for you @Oldermummy2019. I am interested in your view on Pilgrim’s when you looked round, as I’m quite keen but have read mixed reviews.

Hey,

Pilgrims did not do it for us at all. It a beautiful school but definitely very old school and didn’t feel our Son would be happy there.

It’s almost like a special needs school for extra smart children with distant parents.Very difficult to explain but go and visit.

We loved

https://www.twyfordschool.com

Thank you @Oldermummy2019 that’s really helpful insight.

I hope all worked out well for your DC with moving to Godalming.

My journey is now beginning.
Love this thread very helpful.
I'm going to look at Port Regis, Pilgrims never heard of Aldro Prep school so will take a look.

What are you looking for @Rebeccajtaylor? Might be able to offer some insights. 😊

Can I ask if they are enjoying Aldro?

Decided not to go for it in the end. Choose Amesbury and my son is extremely happy and challenged in equal measure.