“Down to earth” private primaries Wandsworth/Clapham/Balham

[vmreboll]

We’re moving back to London in a years time, and I’m looking for schools for my boys (6 and 4 yo at the moment) in Clapham, Wandsworth, Balham. We would like a private primary, we can afford it, but really concerned about the vibe and if they’re extremely posh. We would love a more down to earth primary, co-ed, where my DS will thrive, and a good preparation for the 11+. Also, how difficult it is to get a in-year place (we will need a place for year 1 and year 3. And the same school for them, we wouldn’t want to send them to separate schools, even in secondary).

Why don't you move a bit further out and consider somewhere like Royal Russel in Croydon that is mixed and ages 3-18. Otherwise the prep schools aren't as smart as they appear on the website, they are full of dc with both parents working full time to pay the fees. Eaton House The Manor and Finton House are lovely well established schools. Just beware the London pressure of the 11 plus exams for secondary school. The hard work starts in year 5 when the dc are aged 10.

You'll be fine in any of the preps but if you're determined they're going to go to the same Secondary school you will probably want to look at schools that have their own Senior Schools like Fulham Prep or Thomas' ( which I think is opening a Senior school?). None of the secondary schools have sibling priorities ( Emanuel says they do but in reality they don't really) so you can't really guarantee anything. Many families have children at different schools.
I don't think it will be a problem getting places at a prep- lots of movement.

Prospect House in Wandsworth (Putney) is lovely.

Primary schools are state-funded. I think you mean prep schools. I often see the parents and children arriving at Finton House. I am always so thankful my kids go to the local primary!

If you want ‘down to earth, it’s worth looking at the state schools too. Many of them are excellent and provide a more rounded, and in some cases, better education than the prep schools, in my opinion. Due to the high level of mobility in London, there are plenty of spaces in popular schools that have been full in the past.

@IsThePopeCatholic that’s not correct. Primary school just means a school from 4 - 11. They can be state or private.

A Prep school is from 7/18 - 13 and is a very specific private school entity.

OP anything else you want in terms of school? Facilities etc? You should be fine on in year places. London schools have a lot of movement.

As others have said if them being at the same school is important. Think very carefully about the +11 route. You can’t guarantee if one gets in the next one will (even if they are brighter, they just may have a bad day etc). The London day schools are heavily oversubscribed. It’s not just a case of passing an exam.

That's a bit weird about Finton House. It has relatively low fees compared to many London preps and still sends children to top schools such as Alleyns and Epsom, why does it make you 'thankful'? Is there any prep school that wouldn't make you 'thankful'?

OP FInton not really suitable for boys as many go boarding after 8, and it effectively becomes a girl school.

You should look at Hornsby House in Balham for private. It's a terrific school with a nice feel. Good teachers and a lovely head and very nurturing while also having rigour. Nice families there. There are also some really good state primaries in the area. I had kids at both. Had to move one of my kids mid-year because of severe bullying at his state primary. But, I would't discount the state option. Sometimes schools don't work out for kids. There can be bad year groups or the leadership is in flux and that can change a school entirely. That particular state primary was great for my DD, she went on to State Secondary in the area and has excelled. Definitely look at Hornsby. It saved my DS in many ways.

Hornsby house and finton house have a more diverse flexible approach. But look into state primaries as many have spaces - depending on age of your child