Another Richmond/Twickenham school question

[MLP]

Hello,

Sorry to add another question about schools in the Richmond/Twickenham area but we only moved there last year and don't know it as well as we'd like. DD (4) has just been offered a place at Queen's CofE school in Kew for reception in Sept 10 but we also have an offer of a place at Twickenham Prep in Hampton.

Does anyone has direct experience of either, please? We have been living in Kew but are planning of moving to East Twickenham at some point later this year/early next.

Queen's has a great reputation as a state school (I think) but big class sizes (30). I don't know much about Twickenham Prep but it seems to have smaller classes (18) and some of the usual whistles and bells that come with a prep. The commute to Hampton would be slightly longer (4 miles vs 2 miles from East Twick. roughly)

We could afford private education (but just about - the cost is a big factor for us) and would only go that route if we thought it was a much better option. We're not looking for a hothouse - just a good school where she will be safe, happy, learn enough to get into a decent secondary school and have reasonable access to activities like drama, music and sport.

All thoughts very much appreciated. Thanks.

[deaddei]

Don't know Twickenham Prep but Queens is excellent.
A new head has come in and given the place a bit of a shake up- I hear the deputy has gone to another school.
Maybe some parents at the school will be able to give you some more info.

[Redwood]

I have 2 dc's at Twickenham Prep and am very happy with it. They are not a hot house however get excellent results, they do care about the emotional side of a childs education of the children and teach caring of others. My 2 are very different accademicaly and this is dealt with perfectly, I couldn't recommend it more

[MLP]

Thanks for the answer so far. Redwood, do you know if most of the kids come from Hampton or how wide they travel? We are about 4 miles away so it's about 25 minutes roughly - not a disaster but I was wondering if most of the kids lived a lot closer.

Thank you

[amidaiwish]

MLP - it might be just 4 miles away but have you done the drive in rush hour? you're going to have to go through Richmond, then down past Marble Hill to St Margarets, through Twickenham high street, through Hampton Hill - all heavy traffic in the morning ime.

personally i think if you're offered an excellent state school in richmond borough you'd be mad to turn it down, esp if you don't have the money for the fees to spare without noticing.

[MLP]

Thanks, Amidaiwish - I think that is a good point. I actually did the drive yesterday (non-rush hour Saturday morning) and it took me 25 minutes, which I thought was long enough (and not rush-hour, either).

[amidaiwish]

seriously, i know the area very well and i think it is too far. it's not that easy to park near Twick Prep either.