Eaton Manor vs Thomas Battersea vs Finton House

[mumpunch]

Our DD currently has offers from Eaton Manor and Thomas Battersea. She is also on the WL for Finton House.

DH is keen on Thomas Battersea as he feels it will give her a more rounded experience, instead of just being focused on academics. However, we both felt Thomas seemed suited for extroverted kids. Whilst DD is not necessarily shy, we are a bit apprehensive as to whether the experience might be too overwhelming for her.

I personally really liked Finton House and would be keen for DD to join if we were to get an offer but wonder if Thomas is better suited for reason mentioned above.

Hence, looking for any personal experiences / views of parents who have kids at any of the above schools.

We are at Eaton House girls but looked at Thomas's and Fintob. I actually posted a few days ago on another thread. I've been through the school with one DD and got another there. We are so pleased with it. It depends what you want - we felt Thomas's was too busy for my quieter DD and are so glad we stuck to that. She has been really boosted by a smaller environment. Eaton House seemed very traditional at first but there is much more to it. The set up on the site and location is brilliant. We have found it to be both nurturing and very much family feel but also academically ambitious- in a supportive way. We also are very glad we picked an all girls environment in the end despite not initially being bothered by that. They get the advantages of co-Ed from the boys on site and holiday clubs but I can see from older DD that all girls worked well as everything was tailored for 11+. The new Head of girls is from Bute House and is so approachable and knowledgeable. There are small things I wish could be changed, as with every school. I have friends with DC at Thomas's and Finton too. Feel free to DM me.

Thanks a lot FeatheryPingu, that's really helpful.

Out of these I would go for Thomas's or Eaton. Used to live locally so some experience.

Thomas's is larger and you are right about it being good for extroverted kids. However I know quieter kids who go there and are happy. It is quite a factory feel with systems and big cohorts that they are moving though the school. The battersea one is more international and draws children from north of the river too. Thomas's has a strong reputation. It had the safeguarding case with the deputy head which was in the news. It was quickly rectified but I know friends with DC there were not impressed by the recruitment checks and errors in this day and age, given it was 2022 not historic!

We had a few years at Eaton. It can appear traditional but there's more to it in reality and it's a school with a lot of experienced personnel behind it. Friends with DC still there are always positive. We found it a safe, easy school with no drama - things are just sorted out quickly (compared to our out of London prep now!!) They are really communicative with parents being allowed in to the building being part of normal routine and strong staff/parent relations. It isn't as traditional and old fashioned or just academic focused as it seems from the marketing and admissions information. The sports with the common just there are great and the teachers really show lots of care. Family feel and sensible but happy definitely sums it up. We moved out of London so didn't get to finish our time there but we will always hold the pre-prep and girls schools close to our hearts! It is sort of a school where those who go there are very loyal to it.

I just know Finton is a smaller site and more mixed ability including with leaver results. I hear good things but more hearsay than knowing anyone there.

Some concerns with quaility of teaching and pastoral care in Thomas's Battersea..

Who has these concerns?!!

Can you please explain?