Chandlings vs Manor Prep

[OneOrTheOther]

From visits, open days, speaking to staff, online googling... we've narrowed down to these final choices but I'm really looking for some parents who are currently at the schools for some opinions please?

I feel like they're both pretty much like for like, with a few cons for each:

Manor - no pool, which means as far as I can tell, swimming only once a week in the summer term? (Which means we'd need to continue with DC's private swim lessons)

Chandlings - new headmaster starting this September who is therefore an unknown entity and have no clue how he's going to lead the school.

They both seem to get good results and good first choices to secondary schools, a similar smattering of scholarships etc. They both go big on pastoral and extra curriculars...

Any honest feedback would be appreciated as we need to make a decision by the end of this year and right now, it's 50:50!

Sorry, should have added;

We really like the headmistress of Manor. We met her a few weeks into her starting the new role last year and she was already all over it, knew the students names, had the right mix of jolly hockey sticks firm but fair. Like the extra curriculars and the holiday camps

Chandlings - like the grounds and the open spaces and the emphasis on care and well being. But the headmaster is completely unknown. But then swimming every week?, as opposed to just during summer. Their trust has also just joined with Radley which supposes a bolstering of finances and therefore less likely to fold in the next 7 years.

For both it’s worth bearing in mind that now Our Lady’s has gone that they are likely to have more demand on spaces. I wouldn’t use the swimming as a criteria for choosing, as that can be done easily enough outside of school

Yes, though this is for entry in reception, so shouldn't be affected by the OLA closure

anyone with DC currently at either school? 🤞🏽

One last hopeful bump for any current parents?

I have 2 DC at St Hugh’s. Well worth a look, they are both so happy there and have weekly swimming lessons with proper swimming teachers. They also have a swim programme after and before school if that’s what you are looking for.

if you are set on Chandlings or Manor they are both very nice schools when we have visited for fixtures, but I believe the Chandlings swimming pool is small.

thank you for the insight @Cuppaandchatter !