Any experience with Thomas's Fulham? Does it feel too big?

[bettyday]

We are currently considering Thomas's Fulham for our 4 and 7 year old daughters but I'm unsure if the school will feel too overwhelming for them. We are currently at a smaller school (Francis Holland Prep) and the school itself is great but we are moving to Fulham and feel it could be better to move to a closer school for ease with commute and social lives etc.

We really liked the vibe of the school when we viewed it. It has a great reputation, although have heard the academics aren't as high however, that's not a huge concern for us in junior school. Our main focus is that they have an enjoyable school education with plenty of exercise, drama and things to keep them excited by.

My main concern when visiting was whether it feels at all overwhelming for young children, especially my 4 year old daughter. She is not the type to throw herself into big groups and can take a while to warm up - I wonder if she would find it overwhelming and chaotic?

Are there a lot of dominant characters in a school like Thomas's? Or do they support those quieter ones to help them come out of their shell too?

Any experience of this school to help put my mind at ease if we do make the move would be much appreciated!

Why not Ken Prep..? It would be much closer to FH in character and academic expectations…

@Londonmamma22 To be honest, we are not too set on a super academic school. FH had a nice balance of being challenging but also nurturing and not too "hothouse-y" which we liked. Perhaps I'm wrong but from what I hear from other parents that attend Ken Prep it can be a bit pushy and stifling.

We are much bigger fans of a school that will provide a nice balance of education with other all round activities like performing arts, sports etc and felt Thomas's has that but it did also seem a bit chaotic which put us off but I'm keen to know if that is the general feel for others or if I am just used to a smaller school and actually it is not so bad at Thomas's?

I have a few friends at Thomases F and they like it but they admit it’s a very big busy school which is great for outgoing confident kids who don’t mind all the hustle and bustle.
Equally I have friends at KP and they don’t find it too academic or hot-housy - the girls are nurtured and well cared for.
Both options are great - so maybe go on your gut feel and location

@Londonmamma22
Thank you so much for your input on this that is very interesting to hear that your friends have had a positive experience at Ken Prep. I might consider it provided there is space for an occasional place and they can pass to get in.

It's interesting to hear your friends comments about Thomas's as that was exactly my gut feel when looking around. Loved the ethos of the sport, dance and drama focus being bigger than where we currently are but, also felt like a bit of a 'get stuck in' approach for the kids needs to be taken. Nothing wrong with that but my girls are more circumspect unfortunately so I wonder if Thomas's would overwhelm them or whether it would challenge them to bring themselves out of their shell...

I've heard mixed reports of the social side of Thomas's - some have said it has a bit of a reputation for partying and lots of get togethers for the parents. But also quite a strong community feel. Not sure how much of that just depends on who you talk to to be honest though as you will get different groups wherever you go...

We ruled out Thomas’s for the same reason. My DD didn’t get a place at Ken Prep and we weren’t keen on Fulham Prep. Ended up doing the bus to Eaton House The Manor which our nursery recommended and DD love it. You have to be ok with the commute. It’s about 20-30 mins but also quick enough to drive yourself (15-20 mins) for assemblies or concerts. There are quite a few Parsons Green children.

@pinkkoalas did you rule it out because it seemed too big/overwhelming? My gut feel is telling me know but I feel it’s the only viable local option…

interesting you are at Eaton House the Manor. I never considered clapham as always assumed too far but just seen they have a bus that goes from
right by our house! Is your DD very happy there? And does the distance from school impede her social life at all with playdates etc?

We don't go there so can't give you first hand experience, but we considered it and in the end ruled it out based on some criteria specific to us. I do think it is an excellent school and many, many families love it. But you have to trust your gut about whether it is right for you, and do believe what the school tell you. They describe themselves as big and busy for a reason!

Why don't you stay at Francis Holland and just do the commute down the Kings rd? It's totally do-able and plenty of families from Fulham commute in to the Chelsea/Kensington schools.

Just to add - if the school bus makes commuting more appealing, Garden House also have a school bus from the same location as EHTM. Another option for you!

@ChelseaLDN I think you're right, it may make the most sense to stay put for now. Think we were enticed by the idea of having more friends from school as neighbours and a bit more of a community. Currently a lot of the families are based Sloane Sq and Belgravia and it's mostly nannies at pick up and drop off so hard to get stuck into a community and wondered if being at a school in Fulham might be better suited especially social-wise.

I haven't looked at Garden House before so I will check that out too!