Cranford House, Brockhurst and Marlston, Elstree

[Emilia33]

Hi, interested in these 3 schools and very grateful for any views on them from people with kids at the schools- what is the ethos like? Looking for all rounder approach with good academic results but not a hothouse, which is nurturing and friendly. Thanks!

Bump

Elstree is more of a smart, traditional prep and, I would say, is more academic. They really focus on behaviour and manners and it has nice, homely atmosphere. The headmaster and his wife are wonderful. Facilities are good but not as good as at Brockhurst.

Brockhurst must have some of the best facilities of any prep in the country - and the range of extra-curricular activities is really quite amazing. It's a little more chaotic, probably because they give you so much flexibility in terms of the length of school day and the activities available, and the children are a bit more "free range". It's less "smart" than Elstree and I would say less academically rigorous - although having said that they have had some truly brilliant pupils in the scholarship class. I have heard very good things about their learning development centre for children who need more support.

Despite looking very similar and being so close to each other they are really quite different schools in terms of how they feel. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Thanks so much, will pm you

Elstree is a really traditional country prep, more widely-known and respected. Has successfully been sending pupils to top senior schools for generations. No more to be said.