Which girls prep?

[Bitingnailswithasmile]

Looking for opinions on these schools – Holy Cross Prep Kingston, Rowan Prep Claygate and GHS Juniors Guildford. I have visited two and done a virtual tour of one. What can you tell me about the academics of these schools, and the general culture. While it’s important that DD gets the best education, it’s also important that she enjoys being at school and is exposed to many different activities so she can find her passion. In other words, we’re looking for a highly academic school that is FUN !!! I'd love to hear of anyone's recent experience.

Just to bump up your post as I live locally to all 3 schools,
They attract the same cohort of parents and pupils, if you don't have to be tied to a fast train to London (from Esher or Guildford) and would consider a slow train / village vibe then Rowan is a good option.

Things to note are:
Holy Cross is Catholic
Rowan and GHS are both owned by United Learning who also own Surbiton High and Prep schools - hence shared sports ground.
GHS juniors is a feeder so you need to consider the senior schools too (although Rowan is 1 of the main prep feeders to GHS at 11 helped by Claygate being on the Guildford train line so easy travel to school). GHS is probably the hardest to achieve a place at.

Probably go on where you want to live.

@tennissquare Thanks. Yes, I was aware of all the points you made. But I am still in two minds about which I favour. I have almost ruled out GHS juniors as I don’t get the sense that it’s a particularly fun environment for young girls. This may not be the case, but it’s the impression that I got. However, I still cannot distinguish between Holy Cross and Rowan Prep. They seem to be equally strong in academics. They get girls into top girls’ senior schools. The only difference I can see is that HC appears to get more girls into grammar schools, which is a plus. The other plus is that it’s Catholic. However, Rowan comes across as a more sociable school were DD is likely to have more fun. I also prefer the Claygate/Esher location. Any thoughts?

That's probably correct. For information I had a friend who lived within walking distance of Rowan but drove both dd to HC because she wanted them in a Catholic school. They both went on to secondary schools in Guildford on the train. The Catholic aspect is a big deal to some people so maybe go on that plus where you want to live and the logistics of the split sites for Rowan.

@tennissquare Interesting. Did your friend consider St Paul’s Catholic Primary in Thames Ditton? It’s one of the schools that I’d like to visit before committing to HC or Rowan. But as of this moment, I think I’m leaning towards Rowan. But I’m still hoping to hear from some current and/or recent parents of DDs at either girls' school.

Why not go to GHS? Once you're in the prep, you'll understand the pressure of moving onto secondary school. GHS junior will provide a level quality of education if not more (there are occasionally events these schools collaborate with their senior school for older junior school girls).
I've heard good things about Rowan and Holy Cross too, but many from those schools will try for 7+ or occasional places for GHS or other selective schools in order to avoid 11+, or put their child in a more academic environment.

@lililililililili I didn’t get a good feel for the school – at least not the lower school. I’m aware of its high academic standards, but I think Rowan and HC are on par. I also don’t want to be committed to a senior school at this point.
What are your thoughts on Rowan and HC?

I know some parents in both prep schools, with older DDs, and the pressure and anxiety is high. They are happy with the schools though.
My friends with girls in the junior schools (those I know go to the GDST schools, but imagine GHS will be similar) are much more content and the standards seem higher - in music, sports or academically.

From someone who lives in the area and looked at all the options, we ended up choosing Holy Cross and have both our girls there. It’s honestly a hidden gem. The girls are happy, and they do a brilliant job getting them into the right senior schools. It’s not just about academics either, they’re amazing at developing emotionally intelligent, kind & confident kids. At the end of the day, EQ is the winner in business and life.

@Bitingnailswithasmile
I would consider the following when looking at a prep.

1. if your DD is already starting to read, do phonics - will they support this? When do they start phonics, what scheme/method is used? Is the reading scheme outdated, has it been recently updated. I’d be put off by a ‘we don’t focus on phonics’ - some preps do in their nurseries.
2. The VAT hike has had a big impact. Bigger than a lot of schools are perhaps letting on. I’d be slightly put off by a school that has gone into a social media/open day frenzy as a result as this would indicate struggling numbers. I’d could potentially be put off by a school who has had to put a large percentage of the hike onto parents to pay. Some schools have been financially able to take at least some of the hit themselves.
3. A clear behaviour policy to staff, parents and especially the children. Do they have class rules for example - are they displayed so the children are aware of them too.
4. Senior management who are involved with the children. Are the names of the children known from the youngest to the oldest. I see a trend in schools of SLT being in offices, meetings, on computers and I’d prefer a school SLT who are visible to the children throughout the school (not just focussed on KS2).
5. High staff turnover (so asking a senior manager - how long have you worked in this position?) could put me off.