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Tunbridge Wells Prep Schools thoughts

30 replies

TWCurious · 20/06/2025 14:16

Hi all
We are looking to move to Tunbridge Wells in the next year and I'm hoping for some up to date thoughts on local prep schools. Any up to date info on Holmewood House and The Mead would be very much appreciated. We haven't ruled Rose Hill out completely but we've heard some quite unsettling rumours via friends of friends about viability and the popularity of the Head - as in she's really not! However, I'm keeping an open mind.
My children are currently in Reception, Year 1 and Year 3.
Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
SunshineTW · 24/11/2025 19:40

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hogwashington · 25/11/2025 10:46

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SunshineTW I recognise you! It wasn't anywhere near 15-20 leavers but I agree there were issues when the school was lacking a Head.

2 hours RE a day is incorrect. They had one 2 hour slot a week, not a day so that is quite the exaggeration. Much of this involved analysis of text, comprehension and other English language skills so there is a cross over of curriculum. It is a faith school, there is going to be faith teaching. I think it is positive to teach values, and was happy that my dcs left the school understanding all faiths and respecting all cultures.

I don't recognise filling in worksheets and not much else. That doesn't match with my dcs experience. We all think our dcs have something extra. If anyone is interested in the school they should go on a tour and ask to look through some of the exercise books. You will see much in depth learning covering a wide range of subjects. They also try with limited facilities to offer extras such as bush craft, forest school, STEM club, musical performances, participation in sports tournaments etc. As a parent I was very happy with the school.

Neither of mine went hungry in year 6 and were offered 2nd helpings if they wanted them.

To some extent I agree with your comment of fitting a box. The school is seen as a grammar feeder and seems to be a a destination for parents who haven't been happy with The Mead. It is best suited to dcs who enjoy learning and who settle well in class. If your dc will struggle with that, if they need acres of grass to burn off steam, or find it hard to sit still during lessons then maybe try Skippers Hill which has a very different vibe.

No school suits everyone so if you are paying fees you need to pick the one that is right for you. I Loved Sacred Heart, SunshineTW loathes the place, it's the same school, same teachers, same lessons but for us as individuals a very different experience.

SunshineTW · 25/11/2025 11:15

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hogwashington · 25/11/2025 11:51

I really don't recognise the picture you are giving. Definitely a case of 'Recollections may vary'.

I hope they get a few tours out of this debate, out of intrigue!!!

OneRealWriter · 07/01/2026 08:40

We love Holmewood and have found it very inclusive for neuropspicy kids or those in the asd pathway who need free movement and free choice. We found some of the other schools mentioned very unwelcoming when we shared DCs learner profile but Holmewood have always been open minded and creative. Our DC would have been miserable in a hothouse. Ruth really understands the importance of a holistic, low pressure education that still lets kids be kids whilst feeding to an excellent range of schools . Facilities amazing, parents fab, cocurricular excellent, kids fab and still a great academic grounding. The only minus is was phonics teaching as we didn’t find them as strong at supporting literacy differences, but they all get there in the end! Can’t recommend it more. Yes, there are parents at HH signing up for Mathnasium but that says more about those parents than the school. If you are setting your heart in Tonbridge/Sevenoaks/Brighton at age 7 (before you even know what your kids like) you need to give your head a good wobble.

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