Finton or Newton Prep Post Reply

[picnmix]

We have had our daughter's name down at Finton since the beginning of time but spent the weekend with a family who raved about N Prep. Just wondering if the two schools are v different and if it would be worth the journey? We live on Lyford Road. Any insight very welcome.

[HightreesHouse]

I live quite close to you. Both are excellent schools. NP is extremely urban. FH has the Common nearby and uses Trinity Fields daily for games, fixtures and lunchtime play. 

You need to think through the journey. With a primary school child ( which gets very tired in the early years) you might be making that journey three times a day. Twice with a child and once say to an assembly/parents evening/match etc. Your child might attend after school clubs. In the winter term that will mean pick up at 5pm in Battersea. It is almost impossible to park at NP. 

Friends will not be local but a far greater distance including in Chelsea. That also means birthday parties at the weekends. If you have younger children you will be taking them on that journey too. 

Given they are both excellent schools I do not see the upside of NP in your situation and from your location. Walking to school in primary years is priceless.  

 

[dudette]

Lyford Road to Newton Prep is a loooong way. Don’t underestimate how many times you (or a nanny) will be popping to school for drop offs pick ups, various events, coffee mornings, drinks evenings etc etc. Compared to a very short walk to Finton. For me it’s a no-brainer! Finton isn’t so much worse or Newton Prep so much better that it’s worth the extra aggro. Especially now there are so few trains from Wandsworth common.

[Starr]

Finton House as its closer. Also, it's a nice school.
I say this as someone who regretted choosing a school further away because of reputation.
Don't do it! The closest prep will do all it needs and you will all be happier day to day.

[Balhammummy3]

It wasn’t that long ago that we had this same choice. The points others have made are all things we thought about and had to make a decision on. I would say to go and see NP. The two schools are very different and if you loved FH than it may not be what you are looking for. NP is much bigger and has many more facilities especially for when they get to upper school. For us it came down to the fact our children can stay at NP until they are 13 which gave us more options on secondary education. Hope this helps.

[Flowermummy]

I would say - definitely visit both and ultimately go with your gut feel!
They are quite different schools, with NP being much larger.
Distance to home is important in the earlier years, but honestly it’s all manageable. We are close to Honeywell but chose NP and haven’t regretted (and found it very much in line with our expectations from attending the open days).
In terms of play dates and parties - NP families are all spread out, so everyone will travel for these.
Best of luck!

[Moonlightdawn]

Hi

Both are great schools and I am sure your child would thrive at either.

We faced the same decision a couple years ago and chose Newton Prep.

We were impressed with the vast size, facilities and the diversity of the school.

Having said that, I think our children would have been equally contended at FH. We know families whose children have gone and have loved it.

We are based in SW4 so not within walking distance of either. There is a lot to be said about being close to school. Less hassle in the mornings being the main one. If you can walk to your school, fantastic.

Re play dates, they have not been an issue. Kids, parents and carers often meet at battersea park after school. It’s very close to newton prep and so beautiful (and convivial especially in the summer).

I haven’t found families to be that dispersed. Many NP families live around battersea park, Clapham Common, Clapham junction, Balham and Wandsworth common. So not that far.

Sending you my best wishes in making your decision.