St Olave’s Prep, New Eltham - Is private school worth it with good local state options?

[ForCosyDreamer]

Hello, looking into local schools for my DS. There are good state school options including Dulverton school and Wybourne in the local catchment. We are also considering St Olave’s prep and we like the smaller classes aspect of it. We went to the open day and staff all seem lovely. Just wanted to hear from local parents to see if you think is worth sending your child to private school?

Dulverton is an outstanding school and probably good option if he can get in. From my research, is the main difference between private and state schools are the smaller classes and private school would prep students for 11+ which state school wouldn’t? Trying to weighing up the pros and cons and see if it’s worth sending DC to private school. Thanks

I know people that sent their kids to St Olaves - lovely school but not massively academic. Dulverton is brilliant but I’d avoid Wybourne as it doesn’t have a great reputation locally.

So to answer your question, no St Olaves isn’t worth the money if you get offered Dulverton in my opinion but is if Wybourne is your only option.

Thanks for your response. I didn’t know Wybourne hasn’t got a good reputation locally. I thought it is a good school. Is it due the head/ the teachers or the behaviour of the pupils?

My son seems to have a strong interest in music and being outdoor hence thinking of the private school route that might provide him more opportunities. Glad to know Dulverton is good school so have some decent state option locally :)

Wyborne does have a good reputation. It is a lovely, community-minded school with some nice children and families that attend. Dulverton is considered a better school due to its Ofsted rating, it has a larger play area, and more geared towards sports. The families that attend are more affluent than Wyborne. Both are still good state options. St. Olave's is also a nice school, if you can afford to send your child there then I would do it due to smaller class sizes. I have links to all of the schools.

If you can afford it go for St Olave’s

Thanks for your insight. It’s nice to see there are good options locally! I’m leaning towards St Olave’s so will have another visit and see if we still like it then.