South Oxfordshire prep school. Which one?!?

[QuaintDreamer]

We are moving to South Oxfordshire. We need to choose a school for children (Y1 and Y3) to start in September. We are considering Moulsford, Rupert House and Oratory Prep. These are the only ones within reasonable commute.

One very able child and will need to be pushed and challenged - thrives in a competitive environment. The other very capable and lots of potential but definitely needs a bit more time and nurturing; more threatened by competition. One child v sporty into team sports, the other less so but loves activities as opposed to sports (mountain biking, swimming etc), also creative and arty.

Children at different schools not an option. We know there are lots of good local states, but not what we are exploring at the moment as we want lots of activities/ after school clubs/ breadth of learning for them.

Any recent recommendations and insights into these three schools gratefully appreciated.

The rumours we have heard and first impressions:

Oratory - VERY catholic, struggling for numbers a little? But seems very sweet and nurturing. Worried our super bright will not be challenged enough here, and worried about class sizes being too small?

Moulsford - is it too pretentious? We will be sacrificing a lot to pay fees and can't be bothered with the keeping up with the Jones types. But seems top runner in terms of what it offers, the space and the learning. Really impressive facilities.

Rupert house - the site is very small, and from a glance seems to offer little more than a town primary? Is it really worth it? Also someone mentioned historical bullying and ultra competitive parents - is this just hear say, or a real experience? It has been bought by a big umbrella company - rumour it will merge with the other Henley prep.

Any recent insight would be appreciated as everything online seems rather outdated. THANKS

Not experience any directly as a parent but I used to teach in an independent in that area and Moulsford definitely by far the best reputation all round.

If Chandlings is commutable that would also be one I’d consider.

Thanks for response. I know of Chandlings - seems lovely but unfortunately too far for us. Moulsford seems to be front runner but I am worried it might be a little too competitive/ pushy.

A friend had kids at Moulsford and didn’t mention finding it like that but I might depend on the child. What about Cranford House? Or Manor Prep in Abingdon seems lovely (I know someone who works there). They have a bus network if that helps.

Thanks for this. Reassuring to hear about Moulsford. We don’t think Cranford would suit our children. Manor is too far, we don’t want them relying on the bus. Husband and I go in opposite directions to work so adds to complexity of drop offs/ pick ups etc.

I have a child at Rupert House and we are very happy with the school. It is small but very nurturing with lovely staff, a very inspiring head, strong involvement with the local community and good academic results. Moulsford definitely a better choice if doing lots of competitive sport is important but I found it a little soulless when I looked at it. A lot depends on the child and whether you would like to pursue a 13 plus or an 11 plus route - though children do leave RHS and go on to another prep school for Years 7 and 8.

Rupert House - Poor on sport, high on pretention. Definitely a certain type goes there

Moulsford - had a good reputation for sport, know some kids who went there and it suited them.

Little O - DD went there & it suited her - wide range of subjects taught, very good for sport & music . We are not catholic and didn't find any pressure to follow catholicism at all. They used to split the year group into 3 classes so that may explain the smaller classes. Had a good reputation for getting children into good quality secondary schools.

As an alternative - have you looked at St Andrew's in Pangbourne? Good rounded school.

Thanks for this insight. We were really impressed by the head at Rupert house.