Kew Primary Schools - Broomfield vs Kew Green Prep vs Kew College Prep

[DotingDaddy76]

Hi all,
We’ve been looking at independent primary schools in Kew for our (2.5 yo) daughter and have looked at Broomfield School, Kew Green Prep and Kew College Prep (ruled out Unicorn School). We have some initial thoughts below (which also might help other parents with their decision process) but would really appreciate any thoughts or comments from current parents to see if there are any potential issues we might not be aware of or (ideally!) recommendations if people are happy.

Kew College Prep - we felt they seemed to focus the most on academics at first blush (without leaning into hothousing) and this school was also the cheapest of the three. It’s also the only one that is fully independent vs being part of a group like the others.

Kew Green Prep seemed a little more relaxed than the other two with regards to academics and more focused on making sure children are well-rounded and confident when they finish. The open day we attended was very polished with some of the children welcoming us and a presentation and chat with the head girl and other teachers. We loved the look and feel of the school (it’s much newer than the other two, having been formed in the early 2000s and the head teacher is a just two years in and seems to be vivacious and ambitious with new ideas so we can see the school continuing to improve over the next few years under her tenure). The new nursery they’ve just put in is lovely and we had a good feeling overall. We also understood this to be part of the Gardiner Group who seem methodical and careful in how they operate, and focused on long-term sustainable growth (vs a more financially focused owner).

Broomfield House School - seemed halfway between the other two in terms of both academics and extracurricular / well-roundedness. We really liked the head teacher and they’ve got plans to invest in a science lab with a focus on emerging tech etc. This school is part of Dukes Group (for better or worse) and I understand there are some concerns as to the owners’ intentions when it comes to filling their secondary schools and the investment in their teachers and schools.

They all seem great and it just seems to be a choice of gut feel but does anyone have any other suggestions on what we should be looking for, anything we might have missed or concerns / recommendations if you’re a current school parent?

In a similar situation for my son and would love to hear from others what they think?

I am a Kew College parent. Many are attracted by the academic results, but when we first visited we also liked the brightness of the school buildings and the happy atmosphere. The fact that the school is a charity was also important to us. You definitely need to visit all of the schools in person to get a proper feel for things. Kew has excellent school options!

Thank you so much for the reply. 😊

I think you have summed up the three very well!
The joke was you need to play rugby for England to get into Unicorn....so I guess you don't ;-))
An an ex Kew College parent (3 years ago) we loved it.The gut feeling on open day was it felt right. Yes its more academic than Kew House, but it suited dc .
As said above, we found it a very happy school with great staff and teachers.. Space was tight when we started, and it was packed lunches.......but whilst there they bought and converted the "new extension" and I believe they now offer a hot lunch?
I note the Head changed just after we left.

lol re Unicorn!

Thanks for confirming our thoughts! Really good to know. Yes - Kew College now has food on-site and a new Head as you mentioned (who seems very nice). I think we’re a bit torn between KC and Broomfield (as the new Head seems very competent and his daughter is going to start attending in the next year or so (so he’s eating his own dog food so to speak!). They all seem like good schools in their own way so very happy to be spoilt for choice! 😊

Whilst it's many years away, most kids I know from Kew College have private tutors at home, Broomfield have their own tutors for which they charge separately, so don't be too impressed with school academic results on secondary school transition....having links to secondary schools in their group takes away pressure from 11+ with guaranteed places, but they are less academic schools

I previously had children at Broomfield and do not recommend the school. Not at all to anyone. Seriously, stay away. It was a very toxic and unsupportive environment. The leadership and pastoral care is lacking, more for show/all talk, rather than any meaningful action. Don’t be fooled by the image that is portrayed. Most of the teachers are very shouty to the point that kids cry, and discipline is not taken seriously. They cover up/twist many issues that should be reported as they don’t want to be seen as a school with behaviour issues.

I also echo the point about the academic results- the children that end up doing well at Broomfield House School, do so because of the extra tutoring they pay for and the huge amount of parent input and support. The 11+ prep is very limited and does not prepare kids to maximise their abilities.

Gosh - that sounds appalling. Thank you for commenting.

Could I ask how long ago roughly you kids were in attendance? Was it relatively recently as there seems to be some changes going on. Thank you.

Yes we were there recently and for a good amount of years to really know the school. There is always mention of changes, but we felt this was often more about things like facilities, lunches, uniform etc than the improving the quality of teaching and care though. I know there were many unhappy families at Broomfield recently, with many moving to other schools. However, like with any school, there will be some parents/kids that enjoy it, others don’t. Hopefully you will find the school that fits your family’s needs well. Just thought I’d share our experience.

Thanks so much and I wish you and your family all the best. 😊

If it helps to have another viewpoint, I feel really lucky to have and have had a child at Broomfield House School. In my personal experience, the school goes above and beyond in all aspects of its provision. The academic results are really good but also the sport, art, language and drama offerings are excellent. Extra-curricular activities are also fantastic with things like Time Travellers club, cookery, science and dance to name a few. My children love the school and have been supported and encouraged at every stage. I can only praise the staff for the care they have received. With regard to the 11+ preparation, I have found it to be dedicated and specific to the child and the school they want to go to. It is also in careful balance with pastoral support, given that exam time can be a worry for some children.
I completely understand that people have different opinions and experiences, I just wanted to give a different point of view.

That’s massively helpful - thank you. It’s great to get different viewpoints and I know there’s always a bit of a gamble as it’s dependent on how the child in question fits within the school. Thank you for the information and chipping in with your view.

We are looking at Broomfield House and Kew College Prep and finding it to be a tough decision, which we will make shortly. All these views are really helpful, thank you! If anyone has any further thoughts and wants to share, please be in touch.

I am in a similar position trying to navigate between the different schools and just wanted to know the thoughts on Unicorn school? As I don’t seem to find anything recent about it :/

I am so shocked to read this comment. This is not my experience of the school AT ALL and I have never heard this from anyone else.

My son is at Broomfield House School and he loves going to school and enjoys all the opportunities the school provides. He always speaks affectionately about all the staff. They are very nurturing and create a homely atmosphere for every child. In my opinion, the school goes to great lengths to support each child's progress, offering a well-rounded education. The positive environment is something our family cherishes, and we feel so fortunate to be part of this school community. While I understand that perspectives may differ, we have only had happy memories at Broomfield. If anyone were to ask me, my response would be an absolute YES!😊

@Valleystar it depends what you want to ask about Unicorn school - it’s small and non selective but they work hard to find the right 11+ destinations for the children. There are lots of creative events, award winning chamber choir but also inclusive music and drama. Sport is strong, lots of hockey in upper years. Nursery is now full days and there is longer wraparound care than there used to be. The emphasis is on children being kind and reflective, good mental health etc. In response to the previous poster I am not aware of anyone playing rugby for England there atm!

The "rumour/joke" on here, goes back as far as 2006! 😂

Tutter · 21/11/2006 16:12

kew college very good

unicorn excellent but unless your dh plays rugby for england you've got no chance

We are an ex-Broomfield family. My child moved to another Kew private school after a couple years and we haven’t looked back. It just wasn’t the right fit for our child, who didn’t settle well there and have a positive experience as other kids. It is a bit of a gamble sometimes, you don’t know how your child will like the school.

Both of our children (one in Reception and one in Year 4) are at Kew College Prep and are thriving. The academic provision together with extra cirricular activities form a well-rounded experience and the children are encouraged to challenge themselves in their learning. The environment is nuturing and respectful. We only have good things to say.

From a practical perspective, there's a breakfast club, hot lunch offering plus a good variety of after school clubs and wrap around up to 6pm.

We have friends who have moved their children from Broomfield House to Kew College Prep and much prefer it. The leaver school destinations are impressive too.

Definitely not Kew College if you want your DC to do 7+/8+/10+. Parents got told off by the head if they do so and not even one piece of advice/help. The school starts putting pressure on DC from summer term of Year 2 after 7+ ends.
The year 6 results are good but 100% of the children had private tutors. The head is running a business rather than a school. The staff turnover is getting higher in the recent years. My DS is in year 3 now, all his teacher from reception, Year 1 had left.

Ha 😅 here are the facts. of all those schools, Kew College is the only one that is not a business, it is not for profit.... for what is worth, none of these will like 7-8+ etc (including Lew College indeed) but also Broomfield will be pushing kids at 11+ to their newly minted secondary school for which they need new students and Kew Green's owners are the same as Kew House secondary.... you can draw your own conclusions about motivations here.
(Sorry to state blatantly obvious facts but it is probably helpful to save time to others )

Broomfield used to publish their results years ago now you get some "crosses" 😬. Lots of parents left after ownership changed as someone said below.

I think for various reasons (covid, Brexit, families under more financial pressure) things have become a lot tougher for prep schools in the past few years - and therefore makes sense for schools to become a bit more savvy with marketing, websites, offerings for working parents, etc. That being said - I have to disagree with the comment about Kew College being a business - it’s definitely a charity and I feel that shows. One of the reasons why we chose the school. Also not sure if any true prep school would encourage 7+ … 😉

There is always a certain amount of tutoring at 11+ in all schools! It's London!
For the record we were advised not to at Kew College as the children are given enough/the right prep for secondary exams. We didn't and it worked out really well.