Oakfield Prep versus Rosemead

[Vickyg]

Dear All, I have my 21/2 year old son down for Oakfield and Rosemead for next September. He has had an assessment at Rosemead and has one due at end of Jan at Oakfield. Our initial preference would be with Oakfield although it will obviously depend on if he gets in. I was just wondering what experiences others had of both schools and the admission processes. Thanks in advance.

[overandover]

Hi,

Wonder if you received any useful insight on this? We've got an offer of a place at Rosemead and are on the waiting list at Oakfield for nursery in Sept 2013 for our 3 year old. We've heard really positive things about both schools with a little, roughly equal, negative stuff. Annoyingly, from a general vibe point of view, my other half and I are on opposing sides - I prefer the non-selective, more egalitarian approach of Oakfield as well as the school buildings and more generous outside area; whilst he prefers the more traditional, classic feel of Rosemead. Hmmm I know we are hugely fortunate to even have this dilemma (lots of ? sacrifices in other areas!) but if you have any further thoughts based upon your investigations, would love to hear them.

Cheers,

[Adam]

Interested that you're not considering Herne Hill? Which we love and seems to get pretty general praise on the Forum.

They also have a good record (better than Oakfield I think?) of helping children into their first choice schools when they move on after Year 2.

[overandover]

After much consideration we turned down our offer from Herne Hill school. We also loved it when we visited, thought the Head in particular was great (really switched on, caring, involved and knowledgeable about all the children in her charge). We also thought the setting was outstanding, the best of the 3 schools we'd short listed. I guess the one reservation we had (backed up by a couple of comments from various sources) was the sense that it may be a little too hot-housey for us, given the inescapable pressure to do well at 7+ assessments. It's a really personal thing but we like the stability/security of going through to 11yrs, when hopefully we and our children may be able to make better informed decisions about where's right for them next. Of course some may say we're simply deferring that pressure and facing a more difficult set of assessments then, but that was our feeling.

Oh I should also mention that location played a part in our decision too; the other two schools offer a much better school run/work commute balance for us. I guess it's ultimately a bunch of soft and hard reasons that made our minds up but suffice to say I still think HH is an excellent school!

[kjcroft]

I have no experience of Rosemead but have 2 children at Oakfield and we couldn't be happier. Both children settled in quickly and the teaching staff are wonderful. It's a very caring, friendly and warm environment. Very happy to answer specific questions if anyone wants to PM me.

[Vickyg]

Hi, I agree, I liked both schools, but the buildings and outdoor area of Oakfield sold it to us. There was lots I liked about Rosemead as well. ANyway we're in the same position as you, a place at Rosemead and waiting list at Oakfield, both having a decision date of the 15th! We@re based in Streatham Hill, so again for us it was a geographical decision and why we didn't consider herne hill. So overandover, what are you ging to do?!

[overandover]

Ah yes identical position. Will PM you our thoughts.

[preston23]

Have a child very happy at Rosemead. The school really does care, it has a village school feel and our son is thriving.

[Nikkikf]

I adore Oakfield... Really good community, delighted with teachers and son is progressing so well in a nurturing environment. Outdoor space a real benefit too!

[overandover]

Thanks to everyone who has posted thoughts. Really helpful. Decision time (in part) next week....