Queens College prep

[Alyssa2018]

Our school recently announced closure due to VAT increase. We loved the school so much that we feel so heartbroken. The community is amazing and we know one and other so well due to school size been incredibly small. 74 children in total across all class years. We don't come from a wealthy background and there were many parents who was struggling to pay fees but took up any additional jobs and side jobs like dog sitting and some were on 50% bursaries. Like many private schools we have wealthy parents too but very down to earth and wouldn't see the class difference. We have been offered places in many private schools including Queens College prep. We are very worried about our children as i read a few comments about very healthy parents and that you could feel left out due to the class difference. Our children are devastated with this news and I'm so worried to make this transition far worse if this is the case with the school. She is currently in year 1 and if we did accept a place at Queens college prep she will be starting there in September year 2. Please could people kindly share your experiences with Queens College prep?

We joined QCPS when my DD was in year 3 (from a state school). She adjusted really well as there were 6 girls that started at the same time. The school is very welcoming and supportive generally, however the head has just changed so you might find the school changes direction according to the new head's vision.

We are by no means wealthy and we work hard just to be able to afford the fees. The increase in VAT is difficult for us to swallow, and like many private schools - there are very wealthy parents who are not affected at all by the VAT.

It is a generally small school so all the teachers know each girl and they try hard to recognise talents and promote them.

Hi -

We are relocating to London and thinking of Queens College Prep as it will be within walking distance of where we’ll be living (at least initially).

Just wanted to see if you had had further thoughts @Alyssa2018 ?

And @GummyNut what do you think of the new Head and her vision?

Thank you!

I don’t want to taint opinion as, to be honest, we haven’t really had the opportunity to get to know her yet.

We have noticed quite a few changes in communication (mainly newsletters) and she appears to be much more ‘traditional’ than the last head, which can be good or bad depending on what you prefer (my view is that she is much more rigid).

My overwhelming feeling though is that she makes decisions in conjunction with the principal of QCL (Richard Tillett) as ultimately, he is trying to increase the academic profile of the school, and this starts at the prep school. Sorry I can’t be of more help than that at this point.

Thank you so much @GummyNut - I really appreciate you getting back to me. Sounds like your DD is happy there?

Very happy. She really thrived with the small class sizes and attention.

I have only noticed your message! Please accept my apologies. We have decided to go for St Mary's Hampstead. The school facilities are amazing and high academic achievements. The sports, and the clubs are outstanding as well as their academic achievements. We are thrilled as the class sizes are very small too! And it's a very big school with so much to offer. We decided not to go for Queens because of the less academic point and lack of space for children. I wish you and your little one all the best with choosing the right school. X

We have also been offered a place in year 1 . Has there been a lot of kids leaving queens because of old head leaving ?

It's not academic that's why a lot people are leaving also lack of space