Surbiton high boys/Hampton Prep/Willington prep

[Karina1256]

Hi lovely mums,

My son, now at independent pre-prep, will start year 3 next year at the new school (his current school only goes up to Year2)
I have visited all the schools mentioned above and kind of liked them all for various reasons.
I was impressed with Hampton prep boys, strong sports and academics. Really liked surbiton high too with great 11+ results and extra curricular activities. The head seems to be very hands on and down to earth.
Finally I really liked a family feel of Willington school, very nurturing and inclusive. However I am not too sure about their academics?

We are looking for a small school, with good academics/sport/art, not a hot house, co-Ed or single sex.
Could you please share your opinion on these schools? Good or bad, I would really appreciate it! Many thanks

I agree with the post who said the school let's in anyone. It does let in boys with many issues to get bums on seats, I'd be absolutely be fine with this if there was adequate support but that's isn't the case and those boys who could shine, don't because of this. This really isn't private school standard but more like a state school with small classes.

The teachers are young and don't really take on bullying seriously. Pleas from boys have gone unnoticed. You really have to kick up a fuss with the head to be heard and then follow it up as it simply won't happen.
I do think there is no one checking up on the teachers and what they are doing. Miss management, lack of accountability and general not 'giving a shit' attitude from the teachers. Teachers ignore emails from parents and have to be chased for an answer.

There are good boys there but a lot of boys are SEN and EAL, have behaviour issues, I would say 50% which really change the dynamic of the class. When you get to the upper building the boys only go out and play with their year groups which mean they only ever get exposed to play with 30boys for the next 3 years which is very abnormal. They then have to go to high school and have a daunting experience and play with over 200 boys.

Personally I wouldn't want anyone to be fobbed into going into this school unless your boy needs very small environment up until the age of year 6, has additional needs I or has been excluded from their school. That's the only upside to this school.

Part of me is wondering why I’m replying, I’ll admit, as we left last year. I’ll probably put myself as well. However, I’m mindful of doing this as I really valued Surbiton. I did not have a child with any additional needs, indeed he left to go to Hampton Prep due to location and the rest of the family and has a place for Hampton seniors now and I’d still consider moving him back as (as a mum and psychologist if it makes a difference!) if circumstances changes as I really liked what it had to offer. The differentiation of work across the year was great (and evident) so I was happy even for those who needed some more challenging, that that was available, as academics are important to us.

However, life in general at school is as important - we wanted good pastoral care, high EQ from staff and good sports etc. We thought this was all exceptional and didn’t find the form teachers young at all (no offence!) but they were definitely older than me and I’m over 40😂). Not that I think anyone younger couldn’t be great at all, just responding to the poster. Emails were responded to on the day so I’m not sure what other experiences people have had.

happy for anyone to PM me x

Just to add, I think the teaching is fantastic at Surbiton, the teachers are devoted and professional. But there are a few boys with half day 1-1 assistants for special needs (really needed for all day) and a child who was excluded from another school before coming to Surbiton. This is in Year 3. I don't think there are as many behaviour issues in Years 4-6.

Surbiton boys is a funny school. They have always had as problem with bullying. Can't say too much but we had an awful experience with my boy there and I know I wasn't the only one. We took him out in the end because the teachers did not follow anything up. Awful experience here.

I just wanted to quickly update- we sent our child to Surbiton high and so far have been very happy with our decision. Academics, sports opportunities, after school clubs and pastoral care are truly amazing. We had one small issue with behavior of a child there, which was dealt very quickly and efficiently. Our child has blended in extremely quickly and made lots of lovely friends.
Thank you very much for all your reviews (good or bad). I truly appreciate that opinion of the school is very personal and subjective but I felt compelled to share our recent experience with SH. I also understand it’s still early days, but so far we didn’t regret our decision and our boy looks forward to going to school every day.