Newland House vs The Mall + Jack & Jill advice please

[cranbury]

I have a girl and a boy. They have places at all 3 schools and now we have been asked for our first big deposit.

Downsides of Newland House - only a third girls and seems very geared to boys, and fewer facilities than The Mall for boys for sports. Upsides same school and one school run and much closer to where we live a 5 minute drive but parking a nightmare. We loved the pre-prep thought it was very unpressurised and the children seemed very happy.

Downsides of the Mall, Jack & Jill (and hopefully LEH Juniors afterwards) - 2 car journeys and potentially 6 years of commuting to Hampton for the girl. Jack and Jill girls are being groomed to pass the LEH exam at age 7, too much pressure at such a young age perhaps.

I like single sex schools but ferrying them to two separate schools, when they overlap for 5 years may be a waste of time and commuting to Hampton could limit my career options and I need to go to work at some point to afford it all.

Any advice. We have ruled out Twickenham Prep we visited and it wasn't for us. We are very unlikely to get any state school for our 3 options where we live for 2011.

Help we can't decide.

If you look at st marys website they have a special note about 2011 and 2012 entry - basically they say that siblings and church places will take up all the year due to bulge class this year - no more room to add more bulge classes. They had considered going by distance before siblings but decided "it was not christian" to do so.

On my road this year a neighbour got her girl in only in the bulge class. Her sibling will be in at 2011, when my DD needs a place.

oh i see, the bulge class was a one off rather than a 3-form entry.

so apart from chase bridge, what would be your other nearest school?

Thanks after another visit to J&J it felt like mass tutoring for LEH exam, not the place for our DD who is quite spirited and self confident. It would have suited me as a child though but not exciting enough for my DD.

Hi Cranbury

Just to muddy the waters did you consider Athelstan House school in Hampton? Takes girls and boys. DD1 went there (now at LEH junior) and loved it. DD2 also there and DS 3 planned to go next year. Its a small school but really does cater to each indiviual child. The Head is an inspiration and I would highly recommend it.

Richmond

what's wrong with Chase Bridge? There are plenty of people in Hounslow desperate to get their dc in there

Thanks Richmond - I need to give Athelston House a ring tomorrow as really not happy with Twick Prep or J&J. Is Athelston over subscribed - have you used the nursery there.

Hi Both DD1 and DD2 went to Athelstan from 2 and a half. DD1 stayed until 7 when she went to LEH. DD2 in Reception. So yes both used the nursary. I would give them a ring and go and have a look at the school and meet the head Elsa Woolf - its a small school but your child will really get the best attention. Its completely different to Jack and Jill's. I'm not saying Jack and Jill's is not a good school - far from it in terms of getting girls into LEH, but that does not mean it suits every child, and if you do want LEH, as I said, my DD1 is in the junior school and has got a place for the Senior next year.

DD2 is in reception now as although she is 4 she is an August baby. She loves it and could not be happier.

Happy to answer any further questions.

Richmond

Richmond how would you describe Athelstan House's atmosphere and ethos. How focused is the school on passing the exam at age 7 vs developing the childs talents and abilities. Sorry my question mark key doesn't work!

Hi I would say the school definitely tries to bring out the best in each and every child. It seems very good at tayloring its education to the needs and requirements of that particular child. I think you should have a look your self and you will then pick up the atmosphere and see whether it is suitable for your children.

Richmond

Hi Everyone,

Looking for some views on Newland House School Vs Twickenham Prep for my kids looking to go to pre-school and further. Thanks in advance