State or Private-Doesn't Matter,What...

[whooosh]

....are the most important features of a school for you/DCs?

If you are really happy or unhappy with your school-can I be nosey and ask why?

Have to write a presentation and would like a good old Mumsnet broad view...Thank you.

I have loved DCs prep school and am sad DD is leaving this year.

It has so much to recommend it...

1. Breadth of curriculum. Doesn't worry about the NC and SATs etc

2.Excellent academic standards despite being a mixed ability cohort. It's just assumed everyone will do very well. 3.Great music department - choirs, orchestras, guitar groups etc

1. Sport everyday and competitive matches from around 8. A reaL highlight.

5.Green space - acres of it. 6.Zero tolerance of bullying, rudeness etc.

The one thing tat has been disappointing is drama.
Yes, they have lessons each week, but there haven't been the opportunities for large productions.
A few, but not one a year like I would have expected.
But I realise that this is a quibble.

I agree with so much of what has been written on this thread. One vital factor in choosing DD's next school is that the school needs to have organised a bus pick up within easy reach of our house each morning/evening. Our favoured school means having to drive 20 mins to catch a 30 mins bus. Going into Cambridge involves going on the train which we aren't keen on at the moment.