Bromley school preps

[BeNimbleWriter]

I’m looking for feedback on bromley preps. We live in Keston and so far
we’ve viewed;

*Braeside
*St. Christopher’s the hall (Beckenham)
*St. David’s prep (west Wickham)
*Bickey park

Were keen on Bickley or Braeside as we found the other two underwhelming for different reasons, so looking for some info if anyone is happy to share?

TIA

Appreciate its early days but do you have any idea where you’d like for secondary? Unless it’s changed Braeside finishes at 11, Bickley 13 - I’d be looking at how many leave at 11 from Bickley and where they go against where braeside children go.

Competition in Bromley for grammar is fierce!

In the same position a couple of years ago, we chose Bickley Park and have never regretted it. We are all so pleased with the school.

We are also aiming for the Bexley Grammars and were reassured that the school helps the boys with Verbal and Non-verbal skills in year 5.

As well as its academic record, it is a lovely nurturing school.

i assume you have visited all the schools you mentioned, as a PP mentioned, I would definitely avoid Farringdon, but otherwise you just have to go with your 'gut' as to which school you feel suits your child best.

sorry, edited to add, we just didn't like Breaside. Couldn't put our finger on why, but just didnt like it.

AVOID ST DAVIDS PREP

Why?

What's wrong with Farringdons, btw?

Also PP refers to boys at Bickley Park, but it's worth noting they have gone co-ed recently (although that may not affect older years).

I don’t have experience with Bickley or Breaside, but I wouldn’t recommend St David’s Prep in West Wickham.

We didn’t have a good experience there. Teaching quality was poor, many staff seemed inexperienced and not enthusiastic. Lots of other issues but in summary it didn’t feel like good value for money.

There also seemed to be a high number of pupils leaving, which suggests other families may have had similar concerns.

I know people often get criticised for sharing honest opinions here, but I think it’s important to speak up.

Bickley Park is only co-ed in Reception (or Year 1 now) and will work its way up so hasn't been an issue for existing boys.

Could not agree with the more.
The management team let the school down badly and wishford - who own the school- should be sorting this out, unfortunately it’s all very corrupt and when complaints are filed the school is inspected by FRIENDS of the head teacher, so a fair outcome is never reached.

Hiya, just to add another perspective on st David’s prep onto here….i have 2 kids there at the moment-1 in an older year, 1 in a younger year and are very happy with it.
we have seen a huge amount of change in the last year-both from a facilities perspective and also teaching.
the new building will bring the school right up to date when it opens in September.
I agree that the temporary classrooms were poor-although the kids loved the air con!
teaching has also gone up a notch and every child is going to have time each day for a personal development plan from September. The new deputy head academic has really worked wonders to bring things up to prep school standards.
sports wise, also agree that previously it was mainly running….however, in the last year, team sports have been much better organised with fixtures not just for ‘the best’ children.
all in all, I wanted to say that there has been a huge change in the last couple of years and we’re very happy!

For anyone reading, this person has copied my username ‘cleverly’ adding an extra r so it looks like me 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷‍♀️

they do not attend st David’s prep - as was evident from posts on other feeds

.

Wow

Hi @BeNimbleWriter I was just wondering if you made a decision in the end and if you’re happy with it? We are looking at the same schools and I’m completely stuck as to which to choose. All seem good for different reasons! Thank you 🙏