Edgeborough or Amesbury Godalming area

[FormerLondoner]

Can I please have opinions on local prep schools with flexi boarding option later on. We like Aldro but if we don’t get an offer we need some options. Not St Hilary’s please as we are there now and it doesn’t suit our son. He is sporty and Academic. Christian values will be very welcome. Please share your opinions.

Edgeborough is owned by Charterhouse. It doesn't mean your DS has to go onto Charterhouse, but I think they try to take lots of edgeborough children so it's a nice insurance. The link has also brought good levels of investment/more funding to the school.

Aldro is brilliant and seems to be doing well with the co-ed switch.

Amesbury has gone through some rocky years with changes in headship. I haven't looked recently and don't know anyone with DC there anymore. I personally put the other two ahead of it.

Thank you so much AlwaysFlamingo. I am going to Edgeborough on Friday. How are there academics?

In a similar boat and making decisions for year 3 - what did you think of edgebourgh?
Have you considered highfield?

Hi Netsurreyuser,

Visiting Edgeborough this week. Yes looked at Highfield and Brookham and it was not for us. They kept referring to the proprietor which cheesed me off. Petty I know….

I second reconsidering Highfield. I know you have looked so ignore if it is a 100% 'no'. The new Head is from Thomas's Clapham (a great London prep school) and has a brilliant reputation.

Thank you, I will go and look again. Nothing lost by visiting again.

Think they are owned differently to most schools - private owner.
We liked it a lot but it’s a significantly longer journey for us…..
There does seem to be a lovely feel about Aldro - like a big family. Wonder if the kids feel pressure given it’s selective?!

That’s the thing about Aldro one will never know. I suppose they know what children will thrive there hence the selection test 🙈It’s really early at 6-7 to know for sure and a child is like, especially boys as they can be a bit late to the party

Just to say visited Amesbury and Edgeborough and I think Edgeborough has the edge and Amesbury is a very very happy school.

We have two at Amesbury and would agree it is a very happy place with kind, well-rounded children (including several children of teachers at Charterhouse for what that's worth) who go on to a huge list of senior schools. Leadership is also on an even keel these days.

We turned down a place at a super-selective London indie without regret after viewing Amesbury, and it was a key point in us making the move out. These things are so personal though, with movement between all the schools on your list. We really are spoiled for choice in the local area so hopefully you can find the one that suits both your child and you best.

@Agapanther I totally agree, having gone back to Aldro today, I really didn’t get the caring feel I got from Amesbury and Edgeborough. I am torn between the two. Although I thought I wanted Aldro I have totally changed my mind, despite it being close to our home. Amesbury and Edgeborough are 20/25 minutes away.

I have been a nanny for years and have picked up and looked after children from all the schools mentioned . The children from amesbury and Edgeborough are always so happy and well grounded . They nurture the children and bring out the best in them .

Our DC moved from a local primary to Aldro and has loved it. As a reticent child prone to anxiety, they have thrived and have grown so much in confidence. In our experience, the children appear to be happy and well adjusted without being pressured. As pp put it, there is a lovely family feel and parents are kept in the loop. But as with everything, what works for one child/ family may not work for another. Most of the schools you are considering have lots of great things to offer, hope you find the right school for your son x

@lemondrizzl1 Thank you, I agree that Amesbury and Edgeborough are very caring schools and Aldro seems to expect the child to fit into the school and not the other way round. We will arrange taster days for both and feed back. There is also the Saturday school at Aldro which the other two don’t have.

We have a child who moved from edgeborough on basis they were not academic enough and in their words “a
bit sloppy”. Being a feeder does not seem to result in a massive uptake at Charterhouse and in fact our observation is the children are less “Charterhouse” mould than some other schools. Other local preps have a higher intake at Charterhouse. It’s a lovely school though. Very much the Farnham set