choose between cheadle hulme school vs lady barn house school

[qqfish]

Hello all, my DS just got offers from cheadle hulme school and lady barn house school for 2024 reception entry, I attended the open day for both and have very good impression for both, now feel it's quite hard to choose, anyone has some advice? Cheadle hulme is a all-through school (3-18) and lady barn house is standalone prep school.

Hi, my DS goes to LBHS and his best friend from nursery goes to CHS. DS also goes to a swim school that uses CHS's pool.
They are two very different schools imo. CHS is all through so not sure if school will prepare 11+ for other secondary schools. LBHS is a prep school so the pupils move onto many secondary schools including CHS.
It really depends what you want from a school. LBHS is more academically pushing (that's the reputation) but CHS is also working to a standard higher than the surrounding "outstanding" state schools. In terms of academic pressure we don't feel the two schools are that different. LBHS
has slightly longer free wraparound care than CHS which works for us better. LBHS teaches all children keyboard in their music lesson. Both schools have excellent extra curriculum activities and often play sports games together.
My DS had an offer from CHS for reception. We chose a local state primary before moving him to LBHS at year 2. For us it was the best decision. DS's friend and sibling both go to CHS and seem to be happy.
To me, CHS has a funky cool vibe whereas LBHS is more traditional but still fun.
Maybe take a second visit to school? Open days can be so brief. I know LBHS also do other open events that give more insight.

@Nbobun Hi, many thanks for your reply, it’s quite helpful. I know LBHS is academically strong as half of their students will move on to the very top secondary school. If so, do they give lots of pressure for students to achieve that and how much homework do students have each day? Like for how long do students spend on homework everyday?

LBHS is known as a great school but a hot house. That's what people are paying for. CHS - some use it as then no need for 11+ and almost automatic entry to seniors. Both have big catchments. Which is closer?

Do you prefer a school with a wider mix of different cultures and races among the children? That would be LBHS.

@CoughForWeeks is correct. CHS is almost all white without a doubt

I used to teach at Ladybarn...as others have said, it is academically very rigorous and 'hot houses'. I left as I prefer a more rounded/balanced curriculum (I now teach in mainstream).

It's a very personal decision though OP and depends entirely upon your expectations and preferences. Also...your child's academic disposition will be an important factor too. It suits many, but not all. One of my girls would have thrived there...the other would have been a nightmare as she's such a 'flighty free spirit' 🤦‍♀️🤣

I have recent and historic experience of LBHS - grandchildren and children.
It really isn't a hot house of pressure now and I'm not sure it ever was?
The newish head thinks happy children learn happily - sounds good to me.

The CHS cohort seem a bit...vanilla?

@qqfish sorry for the late reply.
Homework is set daily which DS spends about 15-20 min to do. And weekend homework is similar. There are other projects/initiatives kids could take part such as science projects last year but it's voluntary.
There is definitely an expectation of academic achievement - they have extra morning sessions for the children that may need additional support. It's done in a nurtured way and we haven't felt any pressure from school.
DS moved over from mainstream and couldn't be happier. The curriculum is richer, the days are packed fuller with lots going on everyday.

We have put a reservation fee for LBHS nursery 2025, found this and two other preps very good. We haven’t looked at CHS as not interested in an all through school as want to provide him with as many options as poss and LBHS have very good destination stats.

Probably a little late now but LBHS and the other schools of our interest have various days/taster sessions.