Merton Court Prep School (Sidcup)

[MrsP888]

Hello,

My DD has a place at Merton Court in Sidcup. She's due to start in the Nursery in September.

In between lockdowns, I was able to briefly visit the school (whilst it was closed to students and most staff). Whilst I am enormously impressed by the grounds and facilities, I'm unsure whether it's the right setting for my DD due to its large size. I am hoping someone can share their recent experience of the school, particularly in terms of class size, teaching quality and pastoral care. Unfortunately, lots of Google searches have picked up very little and dates back to 2010. The last Ofsted and ISI reports are more than 5 years old. I'm hoping for more recent experiences, including how MC has managed virtual learning and supported parents during the pandemic. Many thanks in advance!

Afraid our experience isn't in the last 5 yrs, ours finished 7 yrs ago but he absolutely loved it there. Our DS did extremely well there and even used to ask to go in early to breakfast club. The school was big enough to have a good friendship group but small enough for all the teachers to know the children individually. Good luck with your decision.

Hi @MrsP888 Just wondered if you managed to get some feedback elsewhere maybe? We got to visit the school yesterday and decided to register our daughter for this September. Although the grounds are quite large, i didnt find the classes themselves to be. Each class has max 20 children and they seem to split them up to do separate group activities. I assume your daughter is starting this September?

Hello,

We didn't manage to find recent feedback but equally we didn't find negative experiences either. In the end we went back to MC when it was in session and we are reassured and impressed by the gentle pastoral care. Children were excited to see teachers and chat with them and it was fabulous to see how delighted the children are with their facilities, both inside and outside.

Having seen the children in the classroom setting, it doesn't feel tight for space. It somehow makes it feel comfortable and homely. I also realise the classrooms are a little larger and better equipped than West Lodge and Benedict House.

The outside space and facilities are excellent and my little one loves to be outside most of the time so the extensive forest school and play areas are a perfect fit.

One other point that may be useful - I recently asked the school about the class size for this September's intake. As it is a two class in take from Nursery, one class currently has 18 children due to start and the other has 17 children due to start in September.

I hope this helps!