Snaresbrook Preparatory School

I posted the following review was on Google some time ago and it looks as if the school managed to have it and other negative reviews removed! From what I understand, the option to leave reviews has been disabled – which is a warning sign. If an establishment is doing its job properly, there should be the option for satisfied clients to write positive reviews – and indeed, these should follow naturally as a matter of course. It should not be necessary to disable the account to avoid negative postings. Facebook also seems to be restricted, unlike other schools whose transparency and up to date information/results tends to inspire more confidence. Be wary of fake reviews which are easy to write. It is for this reason that it is never advisable to make a major decision based on one or two reviews. Always cross reference with other sources to check the accuracy of what you read.

In general, this school does not seem to promote and reward outstanding achievement and caters more for the average child. Below is an updated version of what I wrote and it is still applicable.

At the moment I cannot recommend this school. As it stands, the last three respected and established teachers have gone - which completes the exodus. I am very disappointed. There were excuses to explain their departure, but if the teachers had been well treated and happy, many if not all, would have remained. Most specialist teachers have gone and existing staff taking over these roles. No Latin now? Why teach philosophy at this stage? How about focusing on the basics first, that prepares for entrance exams. Year 6 couldn't leave the school for the last time through the front doors. This was a much loved SPS tradition that was stolen from the children. Instead they exited the school in front of Y6 parents only, instead of the whole school community and went to the church to listen to the 'merits' which are nothing spectacular – certainly not worth thousands of pounds per year. The head teacher claims it is all about the journey and not the outcome. Rubbish! It's qualifications and achievement that opens doors for the children - not the 'journey'.If the school did its job properly, the journey would take place automatically and positive memories follow, as a matter of course. Incidentally, other private schools have published their destination data on their websites – together with several years' results (which are useful for comparison purposes). These are commendable and the respective schools should be proud. SPS has not yet published the current year's results. Only last year's (2022), are displayed – why not display results for the past few years? The results they do show don't add up. How can they say that there were fifteen offers for Forest when there were fourteen in the class – and some of them did not even apply. Private tutors enabled some children to achieve good offers - not the online learning and teaching assistants who taught many lessons. In short, your money would be better spent elsewhere. Things were much better when we had Ms Fourie, a PE specialist teaching games. She had a passion for the children which was second to none, and at least Ms Douglass who taught French could actually speak the language! (Again, when paying for an education, one would expect specialist teachers to take charge of music/languages etc). She was also brilliant and dance and drama. Those were two teachers that the children will never forget. In short, the school is not the prestigious establishment it once was – when it was being run properly and by people who knew what they were doing, and had the ethos one would expect from a fee paying school. The management is inadequate, as are the directors for putting up with it. They don't recognise high achievers. Why does everything have to be dragged down to the lowest level? The head teacher does not actually teach the children anything himself, WHICH MAKES IT ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT FOR HIM TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THOSE WHO DO. Since 2018 there has virtually been 100 per cent staff change! Without being unprofessional, previous staff members have indicated that they were 'made to feel unwelcome' and not 'supported' when they wanted to teach the kids extra things. If you are looking at private schools, do check that they provide a sound, general education and leave the children well grounded for their entrance exams and senior school. Don't be fobbed off with a load of vague flannel which sounds impressive, but means nothing! Look for evidence of achievements such as trophies, cups, commendations for exam success etc. Ask what is done to highlight the gifted children. They are as much special needs as those who struggle. Schools do change and reviews prior to 2018 are obsolete. In a couple of years, this review will be outdated. Also, don't just read reviews, speak to a selection of 2022 Y6 parents (who have been through the school and saw the changes since Mr Curl left) which will also help you get a feel for the place. Always look for up to date information before making a decision. Basically, it depends on what you want for your child. If you have aspirations towards academic excellence and success, you would be better off elsewhere.

Snaresbrook Prep School - The Journey
Primary/Prep School should set the foundations for a child’s education, equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for secondary school.
There is no disputing the value of this process but what happens when expectations change? The onus moves away from academic success and by the end of primary school, the child is left wanting and in fact, is nowhere near ready for what lies ahead. Despite all the lip-service from the school stating your child is on the right track and on par with peers, and is above the national average. Then, at the last parent/teachers meeting before your child sits their 11+ exams, you are regaled with an almighty revelation. “Your child is not on par or ahead of peers, they are below them. In fact, your child is just below the national average.” I ask what the school can do to help me get my child ready and back on track and “nothing”, is the reply, “We don’t do that…” Suddenly, in an instant, your child and your expectations are managed downward by the school via the verbal disclaimer.
This is further reinforced by the lack of place offers from your target secondary school(s) – grammar or fee paying. And the additional expenditure on private tutors to get your child up to required exam standard.
The above scenario actually happened.
Snaresbrook children used to be at least a year ahead of their peers, and above the national average. The school had excellent year six exit results and all children were studious high achievers. Children were rewarded and recognised for their efforts during the end of year trophy/certificate awards ceremonies. Parents were aware of this, and Snaresbrook Prep was a popular, thriving school. New leadership ushered in a change of attitude and mantra. Instead of children being ahead, expectations were managed down in terms of them being on par with peers and in line with the national average. In addition, recognition became based on class collectivism and a round of applause being the reward, educational competitiveness became a naughty word, and brighter children were no longer intellectually stretched as it 'undermined those that are perhaps struggling'. It was claimed that children should not be put under pressure, it’s about the journey, not about the entrance / 11+ exams or the secondary school badge.
Snaresbrook Prep is no longer about preparing children for the dreaded entrance exams.
It is frowned upon to have high expectations for your child – these now must be managed downwards.
There is very little recognition for individual achievement other than a round of applause (that will not look good a CV)
Educational competitiveness is taboo and brighter children are not stretched.
Some parents are having a pay additional tutor fees to get their children where they need to be on top of school fees.
For a number of parents, this story was their harsh reality. The children in year six, namely the class of 2020/2021 became victims of this change in attitude that manifested just a few months short of COVID 19 lockdown (online teaching was poor).
There is much anecdotal evidence from current parents at the school to support this statement.
Do not sacrifice a child’s education at the expense of the woke view point of the Head and Faculty. Every child has the right to targeted educational provision whether they are bright or struggling. Smaller class sizes should be utilized to accommodate this. In the past – as with me - parents selected SPS for its outstanding educational provision and exit data. Sadly, that is no-longer the case. SPS of today notes – a ‘fudging' of exit data, lack or Head and faculty responsibility, parent expectations managed downwards, a faculty revolving door culture and lack of specialist teachers. My advice is to research carefully before choosing a school.