Independent SW London - help please

[indiesearcher]

Hello,

I've nc'd for this post as it might be a bit identifying.

We are looking to move DC from their small state primary to an independent. Many reasons, largely long term dissatisfaction with the supposedly outstanding school they're at just now.

Can anyone offer any schools we should look at based on the criteria below?

-Ideally mixed

• Ideally small-ish
• Ideally focuses on celebrating individuality, finding passion/talent in every child etc.
• lots of extra curricular opportunities.
• academic outcomes are important, e.g. I'd like somewhere that is rigorous with things like homework and stretching children where needed, but it's not the most important factor. DC is ahead in some subjects, behind in another for example.

I like the look of Westbury House and Ibstock Place but really keen to hear thoughts from those who've gone through this.

Dc is in year 3 and we'd be looking to move asap. Aware we've just missed the usual transition point!

TIA.

Have you looked at Kew Green Prep?

Where are you based? Some ideas are
The Study New Malden
Newland House Teddington
Hampton court house
Milbourne Lodge Claygate
Weston Green Thames Ditton
Unicorn and Broomfield in Kew
Ewell Castle

I would be amazed if any are full so you will have lots of choice.

Based between Richmond and Kingston

Try the Kew preps plus Newland and Hampton court house - that will give you a good choice. Also Twickenham Prep in Hampton - has a newish head.

Thanks very much, the Study looks lovely, is it very small?

Also like the look of Weston Green.

I'd looked at Newland House but it feels quite big.

Traffic to Kew ones might be a bit too much.

Any thoughts on Park Hill near Kingston Gate?

Park Hill and the study new Malden are owned by the same group - inspired learning. You would need to visit both to see the differences and be sure of the investment by the (newish)owners.

Thanks everyone- booked tours at park hill and Weston green (the latter is my favourite from what I've seen online and the registrar was very helpful).

Any experience of Rokeby? I know it's single sex but looks impressive?

I know people looking to leave Ibstock at the moment because the new prep head is awful. Victorian in approach; there is a lot of practising lining up in silence and no talking as they unpack their bags or go to lunch which sounds heartbreaking. Small children need those interactions for their social skills.
He has no primary experience whatsoever and a very chequered cv and apparently it shows.
It's a shame because all through co ed schools are rare beasts and the campus is beautiful.

Thanks for the information on Ibstock, have ruled out as drive is a bit far.

In the mix are;

Rokeby - I'd prefer co-ed but it's close and it looks impressive. No immediate spaces though and there is quite a full on assessment to get through, imminently.

Park Hill, we have a tour next week but it looks small and facilities don't look great given the fees...

Weston Green, my favourite so far if the website and phone call are anything to go by. Tour in a few weeks.

Newlands House, currently full, can sit on wait list.

It's a bit of a minefield isn't it?!

I have a DC at Ibstock senior school and she adores it so I would say certainly the senior school seems to fit your criteria, but from hearing other people's opinions perhaps not the prep school? (DC came in at Year 7 so I don't actually know!)