Edgegrove, Radlett Prep & St Margaret’s

[Rainbowtoddler]

Hi,

We are looking at a couple of local prep schools for reception 2025 and leaning towards Edgegrove, Radlett Prep or St Margaret’s Bushey.

We would like a school that actively preps for the selective North London 7+ exams.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Have you made a decision? We are in a similar place and wondering if you have any insights so far into RP?

Nine of these schools will prep for 7+ and especially not St Margaret’s as it’s an all through school. They want you to stay until their end point - so 11 for RP, 11/13 for Edge Grove and St Margaret’s 18.

Yes, children leave these schools at 7 and go elsewhere but it’s mainly done with external tutoring. RP is probably seen as the most academic of all of these.

Hi Starmum05!

Thanks for this. Yes, my little one will be tutored for the 7+ for the local selective all through.

Out of the three, Radlett prep seems more academic and their leavers’ destination is quite impressive.

However, I found the director and the head quite rigid and almost cold so not sure if the school is nurturing too.

I am looking for a good prep where my little one will develop in all areas but also stretched academically.

I would be grateful if you can provide any further insight.

Sorry! That was meant for @DibbleDooDah

@Starmum05

We are still deciding. Who knew choosing the right school would be so tough!

Radlett Prep I just didn’t like the vibe but know a few parents who are quite happy with the school.

We are sitting in the same boat, know parents who are very happy but their kids are much older. Such a tough decision!

If you are going to tutor for 7+ then the academic pace at the school is less relevant. Just go with your gut reaction as to where your child will be happiest.

However, the 7+ by nature is a highly academic and pressurised experience - both the preparation and the environment they will be entering.

I think you may be disappointed by what you “get” academically at most private pre preps in Herts. They are miles apart from the London pre preps in terms of academics. You might feel more comfortable with a local state school and then tutoring. I personally don’t think the 7+ is really great moving from one prep to another.

You don’t say if you have girls or boys. If you have a girl then I would look at St Albans High School. The prep is academic but nurturing and ramps up as they get higher up the school. The secondary school is one of the top performing schools in the country and girls applying for NLCS and Habs generally also apply there.

The boys equivalent is probably Merchant Taylor’s.

I have a daughter and we are in North London but not keen on the local preps which are academic but lacking in facilities.

My daughter will sit for Habs, NLCS and a couple of other selective schools. We will relocate if she gets in and if not, she can try again at 11+.

Hi, have 2 kids at radlett prep. I have very anxious kids and all the staff are so warm and caring. The school preps the kids so well but also nurtures them into well rounded, respectful children.

Thanks @Schoolmum38 , are your boys / girls? Which years? I ask because we have been told it’s a very boys heavy school and wondering if you have a view on this? Any feedback in this regard much appreciated.

My daughter is in year 4 and my son is in year 1. The younger years definitely seem more balanced, particularly year 1 and reception. In my daughter’s year, the school has put in a lot of effort to ensure the children (girls) mix between classes and are often mixed up for subjects such as geography/history and games. My daughter has a lovely bunch of girl friends and it’s very happy. I think the reputation of being ‘boy heavy’ is now outdated. The school has a fairly new Principal, who is extremely warm and approachable, and has come from Haberdashers. The school now have hot lunches and wraparound care. Pastoral care is second to none too. Hope this helps.

I realise this thread is a few months old, but I wanted to leave a comment in case any readers are yet to make a decision. I would absolutely advise avoiding Edge Grove in Aldenham at all costs. The current head has shown poor leadership and seems more focused on marketing plans than the well-being of the school community. This has caused considerable stress for multiple staff members, many of whom have since left. I agree with the reviewer above - the school will not adequately prepare children for transitions to other schools before 13+. I would definitely recommend looking elsewhere.

You’ll be pleased to know that the head of a Edge Grove has left and a new one appointed who acted as interim head in the past. He is a breath of fresh air so please do consider Edge Grove as it was an excellent choice before.

Some of these posts appear to be a personal attack on schools and their leadership. I would be very wary of listening to such people and would be concerned about their motives. Visit the schools, meet the staff and the children, get a feel for their values and their identify. You’ll know when you find the right school for your family. Don’t be swayed by the views from the cheap seats.

As recent leavers, we were disappointed with Edge Grove due to its poor pastoral care. Pupils needing support receive minimal help and parent concerns are often ignored. The school should prioritise pupil wellbeing more effectively.