Saint Ronans, Vinehall/MHS or Dulwich?

[ThisRoseHare]

Hi all,

We are imminently moving to the area and have looked round each of St R, Vinehall/MHS and Dulwich prep. All are pretty similar distances to us, with Vinehall being marginally further.

We have two children - one would join prep and one pre-prep. Both are somewhat sensitive but not overly so, and relatively bright (we think). Both quite outdoorsy and enjoy sport, though I don't expect either to be the uber-competitive type.

Vinehall/MHS - we are concerned it is an unknown entity post-merger, though school and facilities looked fab. We also heard great things about the MHS head who is moving over. We do wonder about longevity however if MHS children do not move across in the numbers I imagine they are expecting.

St R - beautiful school and grounds. Children and teachers seemed happy and great clubs on offer. However, it seems to be a divisive school and many love or hate it. It's not clear to us why so many seem to take such a dislike - is there something we're missing?

Dulwich - was our least favourite, but that's very much a personal feeling that it didn't quite have the "soul" of the others, rather than anything particularly tangible. Perhaps the best academics of the bunch however?

We would be very grateful for any thoughts from others on this as it is so hard from the outside looking in, particularly not knowing the area very well.

Thank you!

I'm local and know all three, but know MHS the best as have had children there for a long time. Have name changed as it's so close to home!

Totally agree on the lack of soul of Dulwich. It feels too business-like to me. A bit hollow.

St Ronan's definitely wows on the outward facing stuff. Beautiful grounds and buildings. I know several people who have children there and are very happy with it, but also know several who have left because they really weren't. Sensitive and shy children don't seem to do brilliantly there. It's very big for a prep school. Obviously good in this climate for economic stability, but that size isn't always what people are looking for if wanting a nurturing school where everyone knows your child. A new head this year who has big shoes to fill as the old head was well-loved. Haven't heard much about him yet.

MHS is by far our favourite but obviously I'm biased. We've loved everything about it. No point talking about the actual school or facilities because we're moving, but of the things that will still be present - the teaching staff are for the majority fab - nurturing and supportive - there's a great parent community and a very open parent/school relationship. We have honestly had no notable low points in all the years of having three quite different children there. (It feels more honest, or maybe real is a better word, than SR which has a very powerful and effective brand of being magical and almost dreamlike in its perfection, but whether it is really on a day to day level? I don't know).

The MHS head is excellent and we're relieved it's him who'll be heading up the merged school. Straight talking, completely honest with no fluff or spin, and a doer. He has a very strong parent body support and we're confident he'll make a success of the merger. The two schools are pretty natural partners in outlook and values, and fairly similar sites too. Numbers at MHS committing to moving are high - looks like it'll be a healthy 300+ children combined. Can you tell I love MHS? 😂

But as with any area with several decent schools to choose from, you'd probably be perfectly happy with any of the three if there was only one of them here. We're a bit too spoilt for choice which doesn't make it very easy when you do have to choose just one!