East Surrey preps - Hazelwood or hawthorns

[Surreyprepschoolshelp]

Hi,

We are planning a move to east Surrey, location tbc but anywhere east of Reigate, through Oxted over to Westerham (will decide school first and then find a house).

Does anyone have recent experience of the two prep schools above? They seem to be the main two in the area. I know Hawthorns are now part of the Caterham group which seems an advantage, but anecdotally have had better feedback on Hazelwood from friends of friends who live around the area (not close friends so info to date is very limited!). Thanks!

Hi, I have had both my son and daughter go through Hawthorns from age 2. My son left last year after Year 8 (age 13) and daughter is in Year 3 (age 8). Feel free to message me any specific questions. The dance facilities are brilliant if your child is into Dance. My daughter currently does ballet, tap, modern and street dance. My son also did dance when he was younger too before he got more into his sports.

Both my children have been through The Hawthorns (the youngest left in the summer), and I can't recommend it more highly. I've been delighted by the quality of teaching for both (my children are quite different academically) and they were both prepared brilliantly for their senior schools (as was I - there was loads of support for both children and parents!). I know that the school has now partnered with Caterham School and I believe that children in Year 5 will get early offers without having to sit entrance exams, although there will still be the previous level of support for families considering other schools. My children loved the huge range of activities available. They both loved the sport, drama, art, music, computing, DT etc. My youngest did lots of dance (ballet, modern, Latin & Ballroom)...their dance shows are epic! Their facilities are great (the DT workshop rivals anything I've seen at senior schools). It's a really lovely, warm and welcoming community with great pastoral care. If you haven't already, definitely arrange a visit and a meeting with the Head. Good luck with your move!

Which senior school destination would you prefer?

I have three children currently at the Hawthorns. Two very sporty boys and one very creative and dramatic girl! I agree that the dance has been brilliant for all of them. As well as dance and all the usual team sports, my boys have really got into cross country, judo and swimming. The school seems to have enjoyed lots of sporting wins recently!
Forest school is a big one for my daughter as well as brownies, gymnastics and LAMDA. The clubs and opportunities have been amazing.
Academically, my children are all quite similar. They have needed some support here and there with specifics which the school has been quick to pick up on. They've all made really good progress thanks to some truly wonderful and dedicated members of staff. They have also been recognised for things like core values and kindness.
Although it's early days, the merger with Caterham seems to have had the desired impact and has been dealt with really well from my perspective. I would highly recommend the school to anyone. Happy to answer any questions if you want to send me a message!

Having had two children at Hawthorns I can’t recommend it more highly. It’s been an incredible school for both very different children and they have had fantastic sports and extra curricular opportunities. It’s a really happy school. It’s also a really caring school and lovely community. Sports is absolutely brilliant as is swimming, really well run and unbelievable opportunities. You don’t know what will be your child’s thing when you start the journey but they will find it there from music to chess to drama or dance. Academically it’s fantastic and plenty of children get scholarships. Now there’s the new connection with Caterham which will help many parents to decide but I get the sense the school will still prepare children excellently well for all the schools and will help you choose the right one. Both mine stayed until year 8 and that was also a great experience. I get the sense that the Hazlewood scene is slightly wealthier and quite Oxted based whereas there’s perhaps more diversity and greater pool area for Hawthorns, so in that way it perhaps feels a bit more real. It still sends children to a huge array of schools in Yr 7/9 - some local state schools and then Kent Grammars - top local day schools and kind all rounder schools - also top public schools like Brighton College and Tonbridge. I think you’ll always be able to tell a Hawthorns pupil, they will be kind hearted, enthusiastic, polite and open a door for you! There is a wonderful Old Hawthornians community and many OH’s send their own children there which says it all.