South West Prep Schools - advice needed

[Downfromthesmoke]

Hi there, we are moving down from London imminently and looking for a prep school for our three children near Chard/ Ilminster.
I was impressed by Perrott Hill but then my friend said it is too small and then there is Kings Prep at Taunton but it would mean driving through Taunton in rush hour twice a day.
Hazlegrove is 40 mins away. Is that too far? I’m feeling very nervous about the move and would love some insights about local schools. Thank you!

My DS is going into Year 7 at Hazlegrove and would strongly recommend that you visit the school before writing it off. We are very happy there and the school is going from strength to strength, with numbers increasing. Happy to answer any questions about the school if you want to send me a PM.

Perrott Hill is a gorgeous school, but I would agree with your friend that it is a small school and seems to have falling numbers, which is a real shame as I do think it has lots to offer.

Kings College Prep in Taunton (until recently Kings Hall) is another good school to take a serious look at (IMO). Because of its location on the edge of town you may be able to avoid driving through Taunton itself. If not, but I agree that driving through Taunton in rush hour is best avoided. My view is that it is the strongest of the three Taunton schools, as is the senior school (again, IMO).

You may also want to look at Sherborne Prep, if that is not too far for you to travel. It will be interesting to see what difference, if any, the new "Sherborne Group" has on its constituent schools.

The other strong prep schools in the area are mainly further north or east and probably too far to travel each day from where you are based.