Berkhamsted / Claire’s court /Thorpe house

[Yogalover71]

Hi there,
We wondered what people’s experience were of these two schools ? We are thinking of moving out year 4 son out of state to the prep school or one of these next year -with the intention that he will stay on for seniors . We don’t want him to do the 11 plus and want to avoid the stress at 10 of getting a place as we did with our daughter.
Do you know - what are they like / if boys get automatic place to seniors ? We are in Chalfont st giles so know the travel won’t be fun . Thanks for any replies .

Berkhamsted culls children every year (not just at 11+) if they are not making the grade. However, if your son passes the assessment at the later stages of primary then it should be an indicator that he will be fine and probably fly there.

For an average to bright child it is an excellent school but if you’re not then I wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole.

Thorpe House is much gentler and once you’re in you’re in I believe.

Claire's Court have buses which ferry the kids in from a wide radius...

Berkhamsted has a direct bus from Chalfont St Giles. Don’t let my previous comments put you off - it is an excellent school, but there’s no flexibility on their half if your child is struggling.

That’s great Info . Thank you My son is v much middle of the road so I don’t think berko will work .. need desperately some views from Thorpe / CC...

Do you have a child there ? X

@Yogalover71hi. Realise this is an old chat but very interested in your experiences. Which school did you go for? Would you recommend?
Anyone else have any experiences on these 3 schools?
Thanks in advance.

Well . I have one at Berko and one at TH now . Impossible to compare as they are so so different but happy to tell you my experience

Great to hear that you're happy with both. Would love to hear the detail if you wouldn't mind? Or PM me? Thanks so much@