Priors Field versus Farnborough Hill

[Atkdy]

Interested in how one might distinguish between these two schools? Looking for a school that is supportive of SEN and provides a nurturing environment, but that is also able to stretch a bright academic girl and where she will find some peers who are similarly academic.

I can’t comment on PF but Farnborough Hill has been brilliant so far for our academic daughter. They have really stretched her but without undue pressure, and she loves going in every day. There’s a mix of abilities including extremely bright girls. As well as in class, the most academic girls get stretch during special lunchtime sessions where they focus on different skills and topics. On the other end of the scale, one of her friends has needed academic support and according to her mum this has been outstanding too.
It’s a lovely school - very friendly and unpretentious. Can’t comment on sport as DD isn’t very sporty but music is strong too.

So I have been doing a lot of research on PF and it focuses on the whole child, whether that’s the more academic or less. There is great SEN support but also the girls are streamed from very early on so they are stretched. Small class sizes and streaming does work.

I suggest arranging a private tour and a meeting with the Head. I think their next open day is in September?

It will be one of our choices for this coming year.

I don’t know about Farnborough Hill as not near us.

I would consider extending your search to some of the other schools in the area too, lots of choice in the Surrey area and all have different offerings. Lots of schools cater for SEN and do it well. Also, in this challenging market, check the school finances as it’s an important consideration right now. Good luck with your search!

Thank you for the responses.

@Evergreen52 do you have any specific schools in mind?

Depends on the specific SEN profile of your daughter. If you’re looking for a girls only school in the Surrey area then the usual options as well as the two you are considering are St Teresas, St Catherine’s, Tormead and GHS. All excellent schools in their own right.

Strange choices. These are geographically a long way apart. Missing out, arguably, much better schools located in between? What's your motive to choose between these two?

I don’t know Farnborough, but PF is one we are seriously looking at for our DD. The ethos as a whole looks great, and I like they take each girl individually and encourage them to achieve to the best of their own ability. I was very impressed with their Senco and personal responses upon my enquiries. Additionally, there seems to be many opportunities to shine in a variety of extra curricular or sporting areas if that suits too. From my own research, I would beg to differ that other schools are “much better” in the vicinity, unless the Times’ top 100 schools is more important. Ultimately, it’s all rather personal and subjective as to which school suits a child.

I had a look at Farnborough Hill and the biggest difference is the ability to board at Prior’s Field and the religion. It really depends on what you want though.

I quite like the idea of flexi boarding as they get older.

I think @Dittousername is correct and saying a school is not as good is not comparing like for like. Prior’s Field, and I assume Farnborough Hill, take a broad spectrum of girls. Some who choose to go there and some who wouldn’t get in or thrive at the more academic schools. Need to look at results in the round and what the school can achieve for your child.

This is such an important point re financials in the current climate. When we first started looking for Year 7 a few years ago, we discounted a school based on its precarious financials, and it has since unfortunately closed. You can look at financial history on the Charity Commission website to check financial health (assuming the school is run as a charity, which FH and PF both are I believe).

Honestly, I’d avoid both. I am not sure how either of these schools will survive in this market for the next 7 years. Look at St Cats instead.