Personally I think that if you can afford it then just go with the independent from the beginning, then you don’t have to worry about it. At the same a lot of schools have a 7+ or 8+ assessment so should be quite doable to move then.

In our case we just asked for a last chance place in year 4 back in June. And they had a place so he did the assessment and got in.

Perhaps that is more to do with the current climate where people are more cautious about the costs rather than normal.

Hi parrat- was it hard to find a spot at a private school at Y3 following a few years at state? Does it make sense to take this route vs starting at an independent school right from reception? We have a similar situation with another independent school so we would love your advice! Thank you in advance!

Thanks so much for your reply! So my son has gotten into the prep school (year 4) and now we need to make a decision. So really helpful to hear from you.

We have a son in year 1 at Eaton House and have been very impressed with the school. The teachers are brilliant, and while they celebrate hard work they also place a lot of emphasis on positive ‘learning habits’ such as empathy, kindness, perseverance, open mindedness etc. The boys do a lot of sport both on the common and in the school, and also music, clubs etc. The online learning was fantastic, which I know won’t be relevant but I think is a good testament to the school. My son was in year 1 he only did half a term but they typically had 3 live zooms per day teaching, plus option of these pre-recorded in case the timing inconvenient, work typically marked within 24h. And it wasn’t just the ‘core’ subjects, if you wanted to they also had music, French, art and games via Seesaw too.
Re where they go after the pre-prep, I think it is a mix. The vast majority go on to the Prep school, and I think most stay till year 8 but some leave on the 10/11 plus route- worth talking to Mrs Seagrave the head of the Prep school who is lovely. They have very impressive leavers destinations, both boarding and London schools (St Paul’s, Westminster, Eton, Radley at the academic end), but with lots of emphasis on finding the right school for the child.
Good luck with your decision making!

Hi I am thinking about moving my son (currently in year 3) from a local state school to Eaton House in Clapham from September.

I would to get some insight into the school and the culture and your own experience. Also wanted to understand when the boys tend to move on (ie 9+, 11+ or 13+)

Thanks