Any suggestions for a not-too-academic indep school nr Richmond/Kingston?

[stillfeel18inside]

Looking for a secondary school for my son who's average academically and loves sport. So far have come up with: Halliford, St James, Ibstock and possibly Claremont Fan Court - all are a bit of a hike - does anyone have any other suggestions, or experience of getting a child into the schools listed above (eg from a state primary, roughly what level should they be in english and maths to get in?) Also, any views on Reed's school - is that hard to get into?

Hampton?
Ewell Castle?

Kingston Grammar?

Go to the book shop and leaf through the good schools guide would be the first thing I would do. Kingston Grammar now very academic. St James moving out of Twickenham this year so wouldn't be local. Have you thought about sending him to a local prep school for 11-13 as a (cheaper) alternative - Twickenham Prep/Newland House (good at sport)/The Mall (prob too academic) although not brilliant at sport?

I second that KGS is academic..

Reeds is easier to get into than KGS for example. It is very sporty. A friends DS2 is there now, and went at 13 via common entrance.

It is part boarding, but I'm not sure what the ratio is. Our friend's oldest was a weekly boarder there, but the younger son wanted to be a day boy, but has to leave before 7 am to ge the school bus. It is much more expensive than KGS or Hampton though, even as a day boy.

Halliford harder to get into now, St james more whether you fit there profile, Other to think of Canbury in Kingston, Thames christian college in Clapham on the train, Hampton court House. St Benedicts, might be a hike in the wrong direction! Emmanuel Same

Mebaasmum - wonder if you have any more information on Thames Christian College as it is a school we are considering for DS?

Hi . It was on our radar when we were looking for DS1 but no experience directly

Claremont Fan Court is a fantastic school and I think they run bus services from Kingston/Wimbledon area

out of all those schools i would say Halliford was the best, in terms of small school ethos

my DS1 is going to Halliford in Sept. He is dyslexic, has Aspergers and ADD - he is not very academic, but got a place there. Reeds is becoming more academic (and very competitive). Hampton and KGS are very academic. Ewell Castle and Claremont Fan Court and less academic as is St Georges, Weybridge. Not sure about St James'

Reeds School is lovely - very pastoral.

St George's Weybrige is increasingly academic - looking at 65% at CE.

St James is moving to Ashford Surrey this year. It is the same distance out as Halliford, but a lot more accessible.

St James, and Claremont Fan Court, have 'unorthodox' views, although I have friends at CFC who are able to overlook these.

Radnor house?