Pembridge Hall 4+

[bayesian]

Applied in late 2024 for 2027 reception entry and have only been told my girl is now on the wait list. I thought Pembridge Hall isn't as popular as Glendower/Falker/Bute/KenPrep and also operates a rolling admission, so was expecting to be offered a place within a few months. I applied almost 3 years prior to entry to an expensive nonselective not-super-popular prep and was still too late? What's going on these days.

I applied for my daughter the day after she was born (crazy!) and still was placed on a waiting list so that doesn't surprise me...this was quite a while ago though. I am not sure how popular PH is these days vs the other girls preps you mentioned above. She ended up getting a place there (c. a year before she started reception). If you're really interested I'd call/email them early next year

I am interested but not that interested given it seems very arrogant, by not replying to admission inquiries and calling itself Prestigious and Premium.

People put their DCs names down for loads of schools so places often become available nearer the time. Lots of people are happy to pay registration fees for multiple schools but their child can only go to one.

I guess that would put me off as well! I can't fault the teaching staff and the head is, in my opinion, very good. My daughter received a very good education but at £30k per year I would expect that! The crowd is definitely Notting Hill-esque and let's say I won't miss the ballet of chauffeur-driven limousines and big SUVs (that people are not able to drive on those narrow streets) during drop-offs/pick-ups... with hindsight I'd have saved the ££ and sent my DD to the local state primary. Feel free to PM if you'd like more info on the school

My order of priority is: Bute, Glendower, Ken Prep, Pembridge. I am not a fan of posh schooling, as education is supposed to be about igniting the fire inside, rather than superficial external poshness.

I’m not sure any of those schools are a good choice if you’re not a fan of posh schooling!

Agree with you. But all of these schools are "posh" in my view (Bute maybe to a lesser extent but you need to be lucky to get in at 4+). Not so much the schooling/education but more the environment. Adding VAT (to the already extortionate fees!) is making the whole system even "posher"...

Posh is fine as long as they produce results..posh for posh sake is not my thing

I sent another email chaser to enquire about the application status, and no replies whatsoever. This school is as arrogant as Liz Truss. Will not attend.

According to the website, you only get an offer one year before the entry point ?

A spot will likely come up as a child can only go to 1 school following the 4+ assessment processes so many drop out also but we felt Pembridge Hall was way too posh and rich for our liking. Same as Glendower despite it being selective (I wouldn’t want my child to be the only one not donating at a black tie event).

Bute is so hard to get the lottery and Falkner is the hardest 4+ to get in with one class so they can pick and choose the brightest to make up the class. We have friends at both and they have said the school is very mixed with some wealthy but mostly working professionals (maybe with VAT this might change).

Pembridge Hall said it is on rolling admission and some people received offers 2-3 years prior

I would be weary of Pembridge Hall. I know of several parents, who have pulled their DDs out of the school.
The entire Inspired Education umbrella is crumbling. The nursery hires temp teachers, who do not speak proper English. This lack of quality trickles up to their primary schools.

I am surprised how many teachers do not speak decent English in London preps,,I cannot imagine the situation in public schools

The poor grammar the teachers use is frightening.
Inspired Education is just relying on their portfolio schools’ reputation. Parents are now having the wool removed from their eyes.
The Wetherby Pembridge Nursery class size has shrunk this year, as several children left.

@RioMamma which schools have the children gone to and what grade did they pull them out from? Is it the nursery or higher up? Thanks

@Rosierosie2 parents have pulled their children out of both Pembridge Hall and the nursery. Children have gone on to neighboring nurseries and primaries in the area.

The nursery now is full of boys, as the parents hope they get a spot at Wetherby. Only a few girls remaining in the nursery.

As I mentioned, it is not even about the teachers and internal staffing etc, the utterly arrogant attitude of the admissions officer (which reflects its PR) says how poorly the school is run.

Yes - clearly resting on their laurels.
At one of the events, the Nursery Head was speaking about Prince William & Prince Harry attending Wetherby…okay…
Who cares about this, as this happened decades ago and the event was not even at Wetherby!
Seems like Inspired is making their employees repeat this aimlessly.

Given the extremely poor (literally lack of) communication, I want a refund and withdrawal

We didn't have a problem with this at our state school. Teachers were almost all highly literate. Maybe try a state school?

I see. You are a racist. Probably best to move out of London then.

😂😂😂😂 seriously trust me love there are a hell of a lot of Muslims richer than you. They don’t want you either.

With this mindset, you need an education.

What a disgusting thing to say.

Wow! I commented earlier on the thread giving my honest opinion as a (former) parent there. Now I regret it. You look/sound like one of these uneducated rich entitled families that I always avoided!
btw I reported that post. This comment is not acceptable