Private schools Bromley, West Wickham, Orpington

[RishMum]

Hi Mums,

My DD will go to Reception in 2023 and starting to look at some prep / private school options in SE ie Bromley, West Wickham, Orpington and around. So far I have shortlisted Breaside Prep, St Davids Prep, Bromley High and Babington House. Due to attend their open mornings in coming weeks. Any recommendations or reviews on all of these? What to look out for at open mornings? Are there any others that are worth considering that I might have missed?

Also, what are my options for grammar eventually without moving out of this area?

Hi, assuming your child is a girl because of Bromley High? Highly suggest going to open day to get a feel for each place.

I don’t know much about Babbington House so can’t comment. I do have friends at Braeside and Bromley High though and they recommend both schools with very good teaching, pastoral, facilities etc. Obviously Bromley High is an all through school so it won’t prep children for 11+ Unlike Braeside.
You only have to see their leavers destination results to see that they prep well!

As for St Davids Prep at the open day I would enquire about where their most recent (and in the last few year) year 6 children go on to eg local comps or grammers? It may help you make your decision!

@h1deH1 yes its for a girl. Thank you for your thoughts. I had heard good things about Breaside as well but then read some negative reviews about the parents and children here on MN. And yes Bromley High seems to be really good too but exactly my reservations about 11+. We will visiting it as well though.

We will be going for open mornings scheduled all in this month so hopefully will give some clarity.

We will be moving to the area from East London just for the schools, so just want to make sure we are making the right decision.

Thank you!

Most obvious Grammar is Newstead Wood in Orpington for a girl. Otherwise there is the Bexley Grammars (Chis&Sid being the closest in Sidcup, or Townley if you want all girls)

Do think also think about Eltham College, a lovely school but only takes from age 7. It is co-ed. You could look at a good state school and then move, or one of the schools you mention and then move. I had a friend with a child at St David's they moved them as it wasn't a good fit. DD went to Bromley High, she wasn't happy there and in hindsight she would have done just fine at the local primary (Crofton) which has a very good reputation.

If you are moving for schools then don't rule out the excellent state schools in the area.

Don't get taken in by shiny facilities, DD is at a grammar that has very tired buildings and is generally shabby but the quality of the teaching and the length of time the staff stay at the school is what is more important.

At a prep you are usually paying for the privilege of having subject specialists teaching (especially from Y3) things like science & maths. Check how much time they spend with their class teacher versus specialist classes.