We absolutely love Hilden Grange, and the new Headmistress is just fabulous! We’ve got two boys and would really like Tonbridge, Skinners, or Judd to stay on the table as future options, and Hilden Grange does a great job preparing for that - not to mention it’s an easy scoot to school. Even though it’s on the smaller side, we’ve found it academically stretching, with brilliant clubs and loads of sporting opportunities, especially athletics. The only real downside compared with the bigger preps is that there’s no indoor pool, so we just organise swimming lessons through Monson.
We also have friends with children at Somerhill, and they’re genuinely thrilled with it - and, more importantly, their kids love it too! They seem to really enjoy the slightly bigger site and what feels like a fuller school day. Our close friends all have girls, though, so I can’t really comment on Yardley Court - only on the Pre-Prep and Derwent Lodge.
Honestly, I don’t think you can make a bad choice. Visit both and see which one feels right for you. If you’ve got older children, you could arrange taster days at each, or even book a stay-and-play session.
@Kentmum84 Happy for you to PM me - we’ve had quite a few families join from what I imagine is the “progressive” TW prep you’re describing. We also know others who have moved elsewhere from there and been really happy with their decision, especially with the added focus on academic basics.