Hornsby House v Finton House Post Reply

[NewMum86]

Hello, we potentially have a choice between Finton or Hornsby House for an occasional place entry (Year 4). We've done the tours and can see both are lovely but would welcome any additional insight, advice. Thank you!

[Nightingale1]

Both are lovely schools.  Finton has a down to earth approach and my son went right through from Reception until moving to Felton Fleet.  Heard good things about Hornsby too and a friend's son is in Year 6 at the moment and just went through 11+ process unscathed.  Hope that helps a bit.  

[Twoboys32]

My son is currently in year 3 at Hornsby House, having been there since reception, and I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s a truly lovely school which as well as having high academic standards makes a real effort to nurture the whole child. Year 3 ar Hornsby is a lovely year group and your child would settle in very easily - all new children who have joined the school have quickly made friends. We also looked at Finton House but felt it would be too small for our very sporty son. We could not be happier with our choice of school and we are highly confident the school will get my son through the 11+ and into the right secondary school for him.

[Labellalavanderina]

Nice problem to have!

We have had two boys at Finton House and have friends with boys of the same age at Hornsby House, they are both very good schools. However, if I had to pick again, knowing what I know now, I would go for Finton again. Their approach to the last 3 years is very child-centric, child-friendly and structured, and delivers amazing results not just in terms of next schools but also, more importantly in my view, in terms of helping the children remain happy, become more confident and independent, do their best and still thoroughly enjoy their time at school. The preparation is very balanced and steady, with a good mix of academic work, plenty of games, art, trips and other experiences that help the children be more rounded and more grounded. We got great advice on a range of schools that might suit our boys and the advice clearly showed how well the teachers knew them (and us). With one of the boys now being in secondary school, we are very happy with the support that he received throughout, including in making the transition, and could not recommend Finton more.

[NewMum86]

Thank you both for your insight. You are positive about the two schools which is great to know. I agree the Finton site is smaller while Hornsby is more purpose built. But the essence and approach of the school is what is important and seems here they are both winners. 

[RubyTwoShoes]

Hello,

We moved from Broomwood to Finton into year 3 and year 4. Given the circumstances (Covid, lockdowns, home schooling etc) in the first year it has gone extraordinarily well. What makes Finton stand out (and is one of the reasons we swapped school) is their prep for secondary school, which is so kind and gentle, yet thorough and tailored to each child. Happy to chat if helpful.

[Starr]

We didn't choose Finton House but considered it. Having been through the 11 plus at an academic prep I really wish I had chosen this lovely school. The leadership are really kind and emphasise tailoring prep for the child and finding the right school for them.

[RubyTwoShoes]

Just to note, re: the PP, Finton is still plenty academic, and actually does very well in the 11+, but it is a mixed ability school, so not a pushy or hot-house environment. For those who are bright, they are stretched and achieve great 11+ results. Those who need a little extra help, get it. They all learn from each other and their differences are what makes it a lovely place.

[Starr]

Exactly. It's a school which caters to the child and will tailor prep accordingly. I also like how secondary schools are selected and targeted early on. I think that's the way forward at primary level.

[Choosing]

Bumping this thread as considering both schools

Does Finton still shrink in Y4 upwards?

[London347]

No, not in our experience. Year 5 still has three classes and has remained a steady year group