Which school for DD1

[Kitsilano]

DD1 could go to one of 2 primary schools (both private) and I am worried about making the right decision for her.

School 1 - selective, all girls, very academic, "challenging" - she has been offered a place based on 1.5 hr assessment (at 3.5 yrs old, madness!). A 20 min drive away, no parking outside and I will have dd2 with me for drop off.

School 2 - , really good review in Good Schools guide, girls and boys, great facilities and grounds, relaxed atmosphere, 5 min walk away, 6 other kids in the road go 2 of whom will be in her year BUT has reputation for "rich, thick kids".

Basically I am glad that she has been offered a place at School 1 but I prefer the ethos of School 2 and I want her to mix with boys too at such a young age. Plus it'll be harder to get to. But am I limiting her if she is bright and I send her to a school that might not challenge her enough?

Any thoughts or opinions really appreciated.

[Kitsilano]

Thanks - all good advice. Yes, Putney High is a GDST school - and the fees are susbtantially cheaper than the Harrodian which of course is another element to add to the equation - especially in the current climate when who knows how "safe" any job is.

But reassuring that I'm not being totally bonkers by not taking up the "academic" options at this stage.

[louisbunuel]

kitsilano

Coming to this late.

Did you never consider Lowther? I know it's a - cough - state school but I would say a better school than the Harrodian.

[sprinklycheese]

Constantlycooking - am intrigued as to which school you are talking about - we are in the same area....was it MH?

[Kitsilano]

Louisbunuel - we have considered Lowther and have applied for it. Not sure if we would get a place. But my concern is that DD is extremely articulate (to an almost freaky degree) and the reports I have heard of Lowther say language standards start out low and are brought up to "almost the national average". This worried me - that DD would be v frustrated.

Do your DC go there? What do you think?

I'm not anti state by any means (in fact before moving to Barnes never even considered that we would go private)

[constantlycooking]

Sprinklycheese - yes - a bit worrying that the phrase identified it so easily! Are you considering it for your DCs/are they there already?

[sprinklycheese]

It seems a lovely school. We had a place but decided to go elsewhere as it is just so eye-wateringly expensive and we couldn't see what you get for the money at the pre-prep stage given they don't need the theatre, the impressive facilities that much at that age. We might consider it again at 11 or 13 for ds though.

Everyone I know (about six people of varying ages) who has gone through the MH schools foundation is a well-rounded, nice person to know. That says it all for me.

Apparently there is a new head who is keen on getting the exam results improved - is that true?

Ds spent the whole of the little meeting with the head of pre-prep at MH asking for a drink as I'd forgotten to give him one beforehand....good job it wasn't selective.

[sprinklycheese]

Second sentence there was a bit ambiguous - I mean it in a positive way - it seems a lovely school.

[louisbunuel]

Kitsilano

My dc do go there and before I moved to Barnes I always assumed they would go private (went to two allegedly top private schools myself and was prejudiced). I was astonished to come to the conclusion that Lowther was by far the best school in the area for a 4yo.

I've been far from disappointed. Have you been to look round? It is a lovely school, with an inspirational head. They use the facilities of St Paul's and Latymer too, which is a bit of a plus.

On the language front I really wouldn't worry - without sounding too competitive mum I consider my dc to be freakily advanced in that department too . She's been far from frustrated,, the school really does bring out the best in everyone's potential. I think the language comment refers to the fact some children come from a home where English is not the first language and have to catch up. But that's all changing fast. The esatate nearby is far, far less rough than it used to be and the middle classes are invading in droves. There are plenty of very bright, articulate, extremely happy kids there. Very happy parents too. Plus, because the school is oversubscribed, they're currently running two classes of 18
in parallel, which means you get private school sizes for free (money wasn't an issue for us, as it obviously isn't for you but it's always nice to get a bargain!).

I am not a fan of the Harrodian but don't want to go into specific criticisms - these choices are very personal and things I dont' like about it may appeal to you and vice versa. However, there was a post on mn not long ago from a former teacher from the Harrodian who has a son at Lowther, saying she thanked her stars every day for chosing the latter. Anyway, I don't want to pressure you further - it's your decision but definitely look at Lowther if you haven't yet, in the knowledge that if you chose it your dd and you will have plenty of friends on your doorstep and you can move her to a private and more academic school if necessary at either 7plus or 11plus (as I plan to do).
Good luck.

[constantlycooking]

SprinklyCheese, DCs started at the preprep and DS will start at the main school in Sept.
The prep is extremely good imho. Great head - very down to earth and tries to get the children to understand that they are in a bit of a privileged bubble. Also some outstanding teachers and a sense that everyone is valued for something that they bring to the school. It is a very warm and welcoming place. We had our doubts about the main school as DS is bright, but he is in a group of bright boys all of whom are moving up with him and the new head seems charismatic and is trying to raise standards. We will see how the credit crunch impacts on admissions!
CAT me in a few years if you are still interested and I can give you the lowdown!

[Kitsilano]

Thanks for your message Louisbunnuel - very thought provoking...