As a mother of three children, I remember how daunting it was choosing the ‘right’ school for them. How on earth did I know what sort of child they would be by the time they were four, especially as number three hadn’t appeared as the decision was being made! Unlike senior school, where you should very much base your decision upon your child’s ability, personality and interests, prep school is more of a decision guided by your heart as a parent.

 

In London you are spoilt for choice, and the options are all very good schools. They provide brilliant education in small classes with amazing co-curriculum programmes. Do you dust off the crystal ball then to help you make that choice? My advice to you is to spend some time visiting schools and getting a feel for them. There will be something, intangible, which helps you to decide which school will make your child the happiest. When they are happy, they will engage fully and work harder which, in turn, will lead to better results.

 

I am delighted to be leading Notting Hill Prep. I have worked in many different schools, and I can genuinely say none of them have been anything like NHP. We have a brilliant staff team, we have supportive parents and we have simply brilliant children who refer to NHP as ‘no happier place’. But it is the culture within the school that makes it so very special. The ‘Thinking School’ approach is fully embedded and it is tangible when you talk to the children. They know how to learn as well as what they need to learn. They can tell you why their learning is relevant and how they can use their skills and knowledge to develop further in other academic areas. They ask as many questions as they answer and are in control of their learning. It is very special to experience.

 

The children here are privileged to have such a great education, but for me the academics are only part of what we do. A yearn to learn is amazing to see and excellent academic progress means that an ever-increasing number of pupils are moving on to highly selective schools at 11 and 13. However, to me, one of the most important things that a school can do is to work in partnership with parents to help their children to become thoroughly decent human beings. Individuals who recognise that with the privilege of such an excellent education comes the responsibility to give back.

 

Choosing the right school is a huge emotional investment. You are moulding your child in these formative years and the friends they make will often be part of their lives into adulthood. There will be squeaky violin rehearsals, sporting successes, fluffed lines in plays, friendship fall outs and some shocking art work that has to go on the fridge door! This is all part of the journey.

 

My three have now all finished at school, and you could not meet three more different young adults but, they all loved prep school and I loved watching their enjoyment and confidence flourish.

 

Come and see us and then choose with your hearts, NHP is full of big ones!