Little Wetherby / Wetherby Kensington vs Eaton House Belgravia

[GlobeTrottingMove]

We are relocating to London this autumn and have places for our DS at Little Wetherby (with reception at Wetherby Kensington the following year) and Eaton House Belgravia. Has anyone made a similar decision or thoughts either side? Any and all advice is welcome!

Sorry not much help but you probably know the head of Wetherby is moving to Eaton House in Sept, he is meant to be very good. But otherwise go on distance to where you want to live.

Thanks for your response. I did see that! Any idea on how Wetherby Kensington compares to Wetherby (in Notting Hill)? There doesn't seem to be any separate exit details on the website.

We don't have direct insight in Wetherby but at WUS the intake from both Wetherbys seems fairly balanced.

Location is honestly the most important aspect of your decision. There aren't really any locations that are an easy walk to both Belgravia and Gloucester Road.

Current parent at Wetherby Kensington; there are 2 classes per year of around 18 boys per class vs 4 classes of 24 boys per class at NH. Other than that, little difference when it comes to ethos/curriculum. Ms McLoughlin has just started at WK today sowill see how it goes but I doubt she will rock the boat too much. No idea who will replace Mr Snell at NH, he was great but not everyone's cup of tea tbh.

@thereslegoeverywhere How do the exits to WUS and St Paul's look from the Kensington School?

I heard Paul David will replace Mr. Snell in September 2023. He was former Head of Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, former Head of Eaton Square School and former Deputy Head of Colet Court (SPSJr).

@GlobeTrottingMove Speaking for WK. There's usually 2-3 boys per year going to SPJ or WUS, plus a few more to King's/Sussex House/Latimer. 50% of each year go straight to Wetherby Prep, which actually has quite decent 11+ results. Results are published on their website.

Have a friend who has boys at Wetherby Kensington and they really love it. They’ve been there since reception and believe they were pretty happy with exit results for their oldest who got an offer at St.Phillips school in Kensington which is near where they live.

honestly that is quite a trek for primary..assume you are due to start reception in Sep? you plan to drive or change tubes? have you looked at schools near you?

very sorry am not so familiar with your area...I hope you find something suitable soon

Have you considered Connaught House school which is in Marylebone- perhaps not as academic as Eaton House Belgravia, but closer to you. If you are willing to travel you could check whether Wetherby Notting Hill or the Hall has space?

Wow, looks like Mark Snell is staying / going back. Alpha Plus was acquired and he is heading the UK for the new entity.

That makes more sense. The group that has bought Alpha owns Fulham school already. The Eaton House group is of course owned by Dukes Education. Someone is making money out of private education!

Any thoughts on what this means for Alpha Plus schools? If anything?

Alpha was always meant to run quite a "tight ship" especially if they were getting ready for a sale so maybe more capital investment for the schools?
Also Inspired own Kings Inter High which is a leading online school so at least the online learning will be good if it's ever needed again!
So many of london's prep schools are now owned by private equity groups.

Of all the PE evils Alpha was the lesser of the evils. So a shame it has been acquired now by Inspired, but they have been owned by PE for a while so I guess the exit was going to happen at some point.

The guy that owns Dukes also owns Cavendish education which is a large group of SEN schools. The SEN schools really are incredible though.