Wimbledon High / Surbiton High (Reception) vs Sutton High School (Nursery)

[workmumma]

Hi, this was regarding Primary education and our DD who is currently planning to start Reception next year. We prefer Wimbledon HS, Surbiton HS, Sutton HS in that order and hope to get at least one of these. Our other back ups are Seaton Prep and The Study in Sutton/Carshalton/New Malden area. I had 3 questions.

1. Sutton HS actually begins at Pre school or Nursery and could start as early as this year (age 3) but Wimbledon and Surbiton HS actually begin at Reception next year (age 4). Does it make sense to go to Sutton in case we get it this year and then switch to Wimbledon or Surbiton at reception next year (in case we get it)? Has anyone done that? Also does the application to Wimbledon and Surbiton gets impacted in case DD is already in a GDST school like Sutton. Do the dates allow for that to happen and do the schools allow a switch at reception?
2. What is the acceptance rate of these schools and how do kids get selected. Wimbledon says its a Ballot but what does that mean, it seems more like a lottery or worse a black box where things we dont know could be considered, Also surbiton is a stay and play assessment so will be good to understand how that works, in case anyone has been through it?
3. Finally any thoughts on these schools in general will be greatly appreciated as well.

We have our reasons for not considering state schools as of now and we also are keen on through schools.

Any thoughts, thanks so much

workmumma

@workmumma , it's well known that the pre prep sector is short of pupils in SW London due to a variety of factors. Yes Wimbledon is a ballot so its luck of the draw but I would be amazed if Surbiton High or Sutton High were full even up to a month before the start of term in reception. There aren't enough dc who want to go to a private school to fill all the reception places at the endless list of pre prep schools. Take a chance on Wimbledon and then sign up to your next preferred choice.

Thanks Tennisquare that was very helpful.
However, question 1 still remains. If we get Sutton high school for nursery (age 3) then do we put our DD there. And then wait for Reception (Age 4) results in Wimbledon / Surbiton and move her an year later.

or simply dont put her in a nursery (age 3) and wait for all reception results.

or schools dont make a difference and if she gets into sutton at nursery (Age 3) then keep her there.

Regards,

@workmumma , it really don't matter, any pre prep school will welcome you with open arms for a Reception place, there are not enough dd of your dd's age to fill the private places. Do what is best for your family.

It makes no difference to Wimbledon High School or Surbiton where she is if you apply for reception , even another GDST school.

As @tennissquare mentions, none of these schools, apart from Wimbledon High School, are terribly difficult to enter at 4+, and spaces come up. (including your back up preps)

Wimbledon High School is seen as the most desirable, but your DD will be just fine in any of these 3 schools.

I think the prestigious KCS helps elevate WHS school also, as ambitious parents with sons at KCS can send their DD to WHS , a few minutes drive away.