Sunday Times top independent prep schools Post Reply

[Janet14]

Hi
Does anyone know why none of the local independent prep schools feature? Is it because they don't enter/list their results? Oliver House is the only local one I recognise in there.
Also any input on Thomas's Clapham vs Parkgate?
Thanks

[balhamwilbur]

I know that Newton Prep doesn't feature as it doesn't make the children take SATS which are published and used as the basis for many of these kinds of lists. It was one of the reason we chose the school (my children are older and no longer there, but when they were starting out, SATS were taken in most schools in both Y2 and Y6 and we felt it was too much testing and public pressure). Newton does internal assessments along the same lines as SATS, but there is no teaching to the test, the children just take them one day at school. It used to be that they didn't even tell the parents the results, which I quite liked, but now they do share the info but are very clear that tests for a young child can vary enormously from day to day and that nothing is set in stone about ability or potential from the results.

[daisydaisy]

Yes, above is correct: the ranking is done by SATs results, which for many prep schools is no longer applicable. As for TC vs PG, they are very different schools. I advise you visit to see which is better suited for your child; different horses etc...

[broodje]

This list has been going for years (used to be called "Parent Power", may be it still is). It is indeed based on KS2 results. I am not even sure if it's Level 5 or Level 4 (the latter one being totally meaningless).

Hence, none of the schools that don't SATs are included, of which there are quite a few around here.

I guess it's difficult to have an objective benchmark for preps/primary schools since there is not standardized exam similar to GCSE and A-levels used for secondary league tables.

[mrsh]

Just wanted to give you some input on Thomas's Clapham. I have 2 kids there - a boy and girl of hugely different characters and abilities. I cannot say enough good things about the school! Both kids are so happy there and are thriving. The new headmaster has really invigorated the school and there is a huge focus on values - kindness, courtesy, humility etc. I feel as though both children are well taught and really valued for who they are, not what they have or what their ability might be. The teachers are amazing and the mums (for the most part!!!) are lovely, warm and friendly. I think you'll always get some not so nice mums, wherever you go Do go and have a look at the school and meet some of the teachers and mums there, as only you will be able to tell if it feels right for you and your kids - there is so much rubbish talked about this school...by people who don't have kids there! I wasn't going to try sending my kids there as I was put off a bit by listening to gossip, but I decided to go and visit and make up my own mind and I'm so glad I did. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I think this is an amazing school

[Janet14]

Thank you so much for shedding light on the list and Mrs H for your feedback on Thomas's. We've decided to go for our place there and are very excited now we've made a decision!

[kgarner]

Oliver House (Nightingale Lane) was on there.