Advice on prep schools in Ealing

[cozzie]

We are in a lousy catchment area, our house isn't selling and consequently we are looking at prep schools.

My son is due to start reception September 2010. We're looking at Aston House and Durston House. Anyone out there with kids at these schools?

Having read the propectuses and done the tours, I would love to find out more about them from parents!

My brother was at Durston and hated it (about 10 years ago though!). He then went to St Benedicts and was much happier there - stayed until my parents moved away from Ealing and didn't want to leave. And for a 14yo (I think...) that's saying something.

Thanks Frannikin - that's very revealing.

I nannied for a boy at Durston but that was a bit over 10 years ago too. Knowing the parents I think it was a good school but you really need more up to date experiences.

Durston House - excellent school.Do not know anything about Aston House.

my daughter is at Aston House

nice cosy school with very happy children. Ownership has changed recently and I think its still up in the air a bit about its impact

its not super slick or super focussed on really high level academics but it has many strengths and gives the children confidence which counts for a lot

and its teaching is good but my feeling is Durston is probably a bit more pushy - so just depends what you're looking for really

Thanks MittenKitty

That was certainly my impression of Aston House. Though I was a bit concerned that it seemed fairly chaotic but as long as this doesn't affect the kids that I would be fine with that.

I would prefer them (have another ds too) to be happy at school rather being under too much pressure.

I've heard Durston is great. I had a tour there when ds was about to start reception but we didn't take up the place.

I always thought most of Ealing had good state schools?

Most of Ealing does but we are only just in the catchment area for one of it's worst!

Durston is not "pushy".
Ealing has loads of crap state schools, just like any other area.