Hurlingham school vs Prospect house vs Eaton House the Manor

[Cipolla15]

Was wondering if you have recent feedback on Hurlingham school vs Prospect House vs Eaton House the Manor (boys). We have offers from these schools and need to make a decision soon. We are based in East Putney. If you have first hand experience of any of these schools will be very keen to hear about it. Thank you!

I think you’d be crazy to travel to Eaton house from East Putney unless you want boys only in which case it’s a decent option but they seem to always have spaces which I think is a little odd. Have you seen Prospect and Hurlingham? I think they’re quite different Prospect is known to be very nurturing and the head is fantastic from what I’ve heard they prep the children very well given theyre nonselective but the results speak for themselves. I’ve had a few friends with children at Hurlingham who are quite lukewarm about it and say it’s quite a corporate feeling School two friends pulled their kids out and moved them to Thomases as didn’t feel the value was there but I’m sure there are many happy parents in all the schools. For what it’s worth Hurlingham attract a lot of dual working Parents as I believe they have great after school care an early morning club something along those lines but hopefully Hurlingham parent could advise. You don’t mention which year group you’re looking to move into and what kind of child your son is

Hi thank you for this! Our son is going to start Reception next year. I don’t think we have an idea yet on how he will do at school. I think he is very much in line with the main cohort at the nursery he is in. I heard good things about both Hurlingham and Prospect house parents and visited all the schools. I am wondering whether there were any recent changes at Prospect house or Eaton house following the acquisition by Dukes education group… Not too clear on advantages of single sex but Eaton house appears to be a larger school with slightly better facilities and a more established “brand”. Don’t know how this would resonate with the actual experience hence my question on the thread. Agree logistics of getting to Clapham would be a pain…

Hi Cipolla15. I don’t know much about the other two schools but recent experiences of Prospect House School seem to have deteriorated significantly imho. I know quite a few unhappy parents who have pulled their DC out, and are much happier for it. PHS changed heads about 4/5 (?) years ago, and whilst continuity was strong as the new head had been deputy for years, I personally think some of the “magic” and inclusivity at the school has been eroded over time. The school has also been acquired by Dukes Education which may explain a perceived change in ethos. I am sure there are some very happy parents there too though!

Hi,
I am afraid I don't know much about Prospect House or EH, but my eldest has been at Hurlingham for almost 5 years now so we went through all the changes (change of headmaster, 2 lockdowns…). I think it is a very nurturing school who care a lot about children, we felt we were really supported during both lockdowns and the teachers are brilliant. Over time I also believed it has become slightly more academic. The new head brought some nice changes and the teachers are definitely a great asset. The owner is also very focused and involved (we realised it especially during the first lockdown) No school is perfect but it is important to find a school that you feel it is a good fit for your child, Hurlingham definitely is for mine. Both my children are enthusiastic about school.
The offer of clubs has widened and there is an excellent after school care.
Hope this helps!

I agree with Poseidon54 that it’s really a hassle to consider a school that’s a schlep away when you have two brilliant preps on your doorstep. One huge advantage -apart from logistics - is that your son will have lots of local friends a walk away.
Also, when you are close by, you can avoid traffic by walking or cycling, pop in to watch matches and easily come back if something is forgotten.
Our DS is at Hurlingham. He moved mid year 4 and we love it. Great parents, wonderful upbeat staff and happy children who thrive in diverse ways. We also considered Prospect House which I’m sure is excellent too but I’m happy with our choice for the location. Easy to do drop offs then jump on the tube - and the kids make full use of lovely Wandsworth Park on the river.
As for co-ed aspect. I’m not sure it makes much difference at junior level but boys tend to do better academically in co-ed and girls in single sex. Plus, my personal view, they are more at ease and comfortable in what I hope is becoming a fully co-ed working environment. Remember the traditional school system was set up when it wasn’t!

I am a bit confused about why PeachyKeeen’s post was deleted, and mine? I thought it was very balanced. Is no one allowed to have negative feedback on Prospect House School? Is Duke’s Education being litigious about any criticism? As a parent of a SEN child who had a tough time there, and has gone on to disprove the PHS assessment of him, I think my experience gives valuable information for incoming and existing parents. That is why people come to this forum after all: we all try to provide extra insight and views other than the marketing blurb.

You should not name an individual on a public forum, if you Google that person's name your post will come up on a goggle search etc.

I think Dukes Education might just be patrolling Mumnet...
I will, treading on eggshells, attempt to provide an honest review of Prospect House School that isn't removed.
We left PHS at the same time as several other families, under the present Headmaster (who's been at PHS for approx 7 years now). Under his headship the school became very negative about children with SEN and we were incredulous at present Headmaster being very negative about future schools for our DC. The present SENCO was incredibly unhelpful. Over the years she has said one thing to us, but done another (ie nought). We followed our gut and moved DC who is now doing really well at a more selective school, and we didn't tutor.
It's my sincere hope for future parents that the new Headmistress starting this September 2024 will be more akin to the old Headmistress pre present Head, and will turn the school around. Back in the day PHS was a really super school.