Which Private school is better

[baghelneelam]

Hello everyone,

We are looking for private school for my daughter, She will be starting reception in year 2022. Do we have any recommendations out of the following -

1. Aberdour Banstead
2. Banstead Preparatory
3. Sutton High School
4. Downsend pre-prep
5. Ewell Castle

Will appreciate any opinion based on personal experience and if someone can rate them(if possible) as well, that would be great!

Thank you so much in advance!

I don't know anything about any of those schools (and, as an aside, if you put the school names or the area into your title, you will get more replies) but school are not generally generically "better" - they all have pros and cons. What sort of school are you looking for? What would suit your DC?

Which is closest and easier to get to? Mixed or girls preference? Have you visited any of them yet? Schools which feed their own secondary do not tend to prepare children for competitive entry at other schools if you decide to move

Depends what you are looking for.

1. Sutton High - all girls which goes to 18 but lots leave for grammars in y7
2. Downsend - recently started going to 16 so a secure spot for your child until a levels if you wish
3. Ewell castle - traditionally thought of as very nurturing but less academic. There is a new head I believe who wants to change this but it will take time. Again can go all the way through without changing schools
4. Banstead prep - run by United learning which also runs Dunottar. Still a relatively new school following the closure of Priory, greenacres amd bramley
5. Aberdour is similar in ethos to banstead although not new

Things to think about. Your commute, ewell can be a gridlocked nightmare, the others are in less busy locations. Sutton high parking can be tricky too as it is all controlled parking in the area. But if you live in Ewell village for example going to Ewell castle makes the traffic issue less important. Ethnic diversity. Sutton high and banstead prep have a higher percentage of children from ethnic minorities than say aberdour. This is important to some families so again depends on your priorities. Also have you checked space availability? Some will have waiting lists which will rule some out for you. The ones missing on your list based on the areas you are looking in would be chinthurst and seaton house but maybe you have already discounted those.

I’m an Aberdour parent & would have to say we have been happy. The Head genuinely cares about the children & this ethos is shared by the teachers. If you are looking for a prep specifically geared up to grammar schools, this is not something they focus on although support is given. Their facilities are good for such a small school & the grounds are delightful. It’s a very happy environment for the children. Good luck with your search.

I have two children at Aberdour who are both very happy and thriving. The teachers are so nurturing and the pre-prep access specialist teaching and use all of the school's amazing facilities. Due to work I have to pick them up after 5 each day so they go to after school club or do the extra activities each day, these are easy to book and well run. Drop off and pick up is generally stress free with a big car park. They go in smiling and come out chatting endlessly about their day. We are really happy with it. Good luck, loads of great options in the area xxx