Does anyone have any experience with New Hall, St Cedd's or Widford in Chelmsford?

[december2020]

Hi all,

We're quite new to the are and looking at schools for DS for Reception.

We've toured Widford and New Hall and due to see St. Cedds soon.
I'm absolutely at a loss on what to do and where DS would thrive the most.

I don't know anyone in the area, or who has any experience with the schools so I'm hoping in the power of MN wisdom and experience.

Please let me know your thoughts and if your kids or anyone you know who is at, or has gone to, any of these schools.

Hopeful bump

What are you thinking for secondary? My sons go to New Hall and have done since pre-reception / nursery. They have thrived. I wanted somewhere they could stay throughout though and it real helps with the transfer to secondary school. New Hall is definitely better if they are likely to be sporty as amazing facilities and more clubs / training opportunities. It’s a very caring school too as both my boys had SEN in prep and eldest now on most able and talented group in the senior school. School made a huge difference in helping him catch up. They really were amazing in terms of the support he received. I couldn’t recommended them more highly.

I went to NewHall, now in my 40s. I have ex school mates that have also sent their kids there in recent years and are happy. We would consider it for secondary if we were in the area.

This is so helpful, thank you!

For secondary, I have no idea! It was a toss up of either KEGS (if DS would get in of course) or then New Hall and maybe Felsted.

We're not religious, and while I know New Hall accept all religions or no religion, I'm not sure if that will be a bigger factor in not 'fitting in', while of course we would accept it is a Catholic school.

I think DS has an inclination to be sporty (from what we see currently) and he also is really into music and drama, so having the variety on top of academics is important to us.

It just feels like such an important decision to find what could be the best place for him to thrive and I really hope to get it right.

I have experience of New Hall and Widford. I know people who have worked at both too.

New Hall has amazing facilities, is very expensive and is moving the Prep School to Boreham House this September. It is very much run as a business.

Widford is family friendly and all about nurturing the whole child. It is cheaper and the staff have only positive things to say about the school.

We moved our DC from New Hall to Widford. They went onto Grammar school for secondary.

Hello OP! Was wondering which school you went with in the end. I’m considering New Hall for my daughter.

We ended up picking New Hall and DS starts next week.

Great! Thanks for letting me know