Newton Prep or Hurlingham

[FlyingPiggy]

DD have received offers for reception from Newton Prep and Hurlingham School, and we now have a "good problem" of choosing one as we like both of them following the school visits.

Hurlingham is local to us and the commute only requires a short walk. However, Newton Prep seems more academic and bustling - we feel DD would thrive there (DD seems to be a bright / inquisitive child and likes numbers).

We are just wondering if there is a big difference between the two schools (in terms of academics / pastoral care) to justify the 30-min one-way daily commute by train to Newton Prep. Would appreciate any thoughts from parents who have experience with either or both schools. Thank you.

bumping for you.
I am also interested to know if Newton is worth travelling to comparing to another local Fulham private prep.

My son is in Y4 at Newton. I'd really recommend it, it's a fabulous school. It is quite fast-paced academically but not in a way that seems to stress the children out. Despite being a big school it's very friendly and supportive. The staff seem to know the children extremely well, and in my experience are very pro-active about offering extra support where needed. There's an excellent focus on mental health too. The enrichment opportunities for the children are superb, they do so much fun stuff on top of the standard curriculum.

We also have a half-hour commute each way and manage ok. It is tiring on nights when my son has extra-curricular activities so we don't get home till 6 and then have to do homework, dinner etc. But this is our choice as the extra-curriculars are not compulsory.

My children attend NP and they LOVE it. One of my children is in y4 and has been there since nursery. It's academically challenging but in a good way and not so crazed as some of the other London prep schools. It's got a really happy vibe and Mrs.Fleming the head and Miss.Smith head of lower school are just outstanding. Lots of choice for after school clubs and sports etc. there really is something for everyone. Couldn't recommend it more. My children beg to go to school which says it all really!

DS went to Newton and he loved it. We really liked the school too - the head is lovely and the facilities brilliant. We had a 40 min commute but it was definitely worth it.

@KittenKong ,@teatea1 and @NewScenesOfJoy : it is reassuring to read good reviews.
Would you know if Newton offer wrap around care from Reception?
Also interested to hear how they treat pupils/families who want to try for 7+ exams to senior schools?
I know Newton does not prepare for 7+. Would they give positive references to senior schools?

@FlyingPiggy : just wondering which school you have chosen? Or still not decided?
Newton gave us deadline till 3 February. Has Hurlingham got the same deadline for deposit payment?

I’m not sure about wraparound - you should call the office and ask. Why are you looking at 7+ and not continuing through to 13?

i alway found them to be very child focussed rather than her the feeling that ‘it’s a business’ (like some other schools).

what was your gut feeling when you visited? Maybe ask for another tour in the new year. I always found it useful to see what the children are like (do they look happy, friendly…) and what the school run looks like ( children being dragged in or skipping in, parents being friendly…).

good luck - I don’t think you have a ‘bad’ choice between the two! Maybe one is easier for commute?

Thanks @KittenKong !
I was looking into 7+ because it seems easier to get into top senior schools if the child is ready to sit exams and performing at the required level.

I really like Newton. Parents I saw at the school tour and at the assessment all looked down to earth, working professionals. I like the option of staying till 13+.
My DS has also liked Newton assessment. In fact he did not want to leave it and wanted to go back for the 2nd round. :)
However, my partner has already paid quite a large deposit to another school. It is a small school and closer to our home. It will probably be better for a 4 year old. This schools admits ~30 children in Reception but 11+ destinations include ~15 pupils only. I guess quite a few families realize at some point before 11+ that the school became too small for their DC.

Newton does do wraparound care - they're very good at understanding that most of the parents are working. You have to pay for some of it, but there's also lots of after school clubs and paid activities. They will pretty much look after your child from 8am to 5pm if you want.

DS did go to (and for offers from) London ‘top schools’ from Newton. I’m not sure what the recent destination results are like but they seemed to be very good at getting children to ‘the right’ school.

Thank you so much everyone for your kind response and valuable insights! All the positive views on Newton here are really helpful and we are also trying to get some feedback on Hurlingham offline. Still have not made a decision at this point, but the deadline in February is around the corner. Thank you all again for your input and wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy 2023!

I don't know Newton at all but knew lots of DCs at Hurlingham and all seemed happy. Looked around it a long time ago for DD.
I can't imagine the differences would be enough to justify a 30 minute commute rather than a short walk at primary level. Much more important to be able to walk to school, have local friends, be able to get to school easily for all the things parents need to be at. Good luck with your decision!

@Lily7050 , have you made a decision yet on Newton vs. others? We are still undecided but have only two weeks left before Newton's deadline. We also have the same question regarding how Newton treat pupils trying for 7+. Have you got any feedback on this point?

@FlyingPiggy : yes, I informed Newton that we will not be going there. It took me one month to come to terms. I thought it is unfair for families on waiting list.
My DS will be going to Parsons Green Prep. There is one girl in my DS's nursery who is going to Hurlingham. Hurlingham is a bit far for us. Thomas's is the closest to us but we did not win the ballot.

@FlyingPiggy Forgot to mention, I found some old threads about Newton where people were saying Newton does not mind if children sit 7+.

I think Newton are nonchalant about whether children sit for 7+. They won’t help or hinder. From experience, one or two boys each year transfer to Westminster but otherwise few leave at that point.

Parsons Green takes 30ish at Reception but in Y3 they have 15ish staying. Where the other 15ish disappear I am yet to find out.