Feltonfleet or Danes Hill?

[homesweethome9]

Hi Mums,
We're in the process of moving from Australia to Cobham and are in a complete dilemma over choice of school - it's so difficult without visiting!

My DD will be joining into year 5. I have done so much research online and am completely torn between Feltonfleet and Danes Hill. I really do need to make a decision as I don't want to risk losing a potential place.

I would love to hear any thoughts please on which would be best?

My daughter is quite academic. She's also into dance, gymnastics, football and ice skating!

We value cultural diversity but do also really want to give her the best chance of making local friends (and we'll be keen to make local friends with parents too!).

I'm also keen for her to have access to modern experiences and learning, ICT etc.

My DS will be reception age in Sept 2022 but we'll try for CFS for him and maybe bring him across to FF or DH later.

I would really appreciate any views on which school to choose.

Thank you so much!

They are both great preps with girls up to 13. If you are planning to keep your dd there until she is 13 and not sit for secondary schools in the autumn of year 6 and leave at the end of that year then I would ask each school how many girls are currently in year 7 and how will they manage securing a place for your dd at secondary school. If you are planning to move her at the end of year 6 then it won't make much difference so go for the school nearest to the house you want to move to.
It's also worth considering the school bus routes for both schools so you can see how far the pupils travel to school. For Feltonfleet in particular children travel down the A3 from west London. Finally ask Feltonfleet how many of the current year 7 girls are boarders v day girls.

Also I would add that Danes Hill has had a difficult year and is getting a new head in 2022 but this shouldn't make a difference to the education your dd would receive.

Thank you so much cricketjoy.. such a great point about number of boarders at the senior level. I notice the number of students at FF really drops at senior level so if a significant proportion of those are boarders this may impact things for day pupils.
Interesting what you say about buses from the A3.. the inspection reports suggest FF has a more local intake and DH take from a ten mile radius so maybe this broader intake is relevant for both schools.
Do you have any knowledge of ICT strengths? FF seems to have a great digital learning program. DH doesn't describe its ICT learning in the same way though I can't imagine it's not progressive..
Yes we may well try for 11+ - and if we were to get into one of the really good ones, we'd move. So there may be merit in going for the closest..

Sorry I'm not a parent at either school so don't know about the ICT. The year 5 curriculum in all preps really focuses on maths, English, verbal and non verbal reasoning as these are the skills needed for the entrance exams. It's worth you keeping an eye on the girls and boys SW London entrance exams threads in secondary education area of MN to give you an idea of the pressure in year 6.

Just an idea but have your considered Claremont fan court in Esher. The prep is a lovely local school with an active parent body and your dd will miss out on all the year 6 pressure as the school goes up to 18. (I'm not sure what the entrance requirements are from the prep to the senior school).

Thanks cricketjoy, I did contact Claremont but they advised their exams for senior continuation happen towards the end of year 5 - and given the timing of our start, towards the end of this term, they felt they wouldn't have enough time to ensure she was prepared to pass.
Good idea on that thread - I'll certainly take a look!

I would go with the school nearest the house you are moving to then. Best of luck with it all.

Hi OP did you make a decision between Danes Hill & Feltonfleet?