Snaresbrook Prep School Reviews 24

My children were both extremely happy and well supported here. They achieved excellent results and both went on to independent schools locally.
The staff and headmaster were superb - caring, supportive and nurturing. They knew all the children so well and helped instill in them such confidence and great communication skills that have helped them as they moved into their new schools. I will forever be grateful to this wonderful school for giving my children such a positive start in their education!

The school has gone downhill during the past few years to the point where it was facing closure. The directors ignored several complaints from established members of staff (who have since left), about the inadequate leadership which did not support the ethos of a private school, reward successes etc - but instead, managed the school downwards towards bankruptcy. Despite the repeated warnings, the disintegration was allowed to continue, numbers dwindled and they were forced to sell the school to a company that knew what it was doing! I think that things will improve now that Forest (with its amazing reputation) has taken over. Forest will never allow senior members of staff to sit in offices all day - supposedly managing a cohort of approximately 150 children; they will want value for money and see managers leading by example - demonstrating good teaching and practical engagement with the children. The current pattern of reviews is unreliable as they have had several negative comments removed whilst simultaneously canvassing and asking people to write positive ones which all appear close together! 'School Parrot' still displays some reviews that highlight the problems in greater detail. At the moment, it may be best to chat to parents directly to find out how they really feel about the school. That would give you up to date information. I would be inclined to wait a while and see how quickly and efficiently Forest will change things, before making a decision. I do suspect they will turn it around, get rid of the ineffective leadership that led to this unfortunate decline, and restore the place to its former glory. The era of insipid waffle has ended!

Both our children attended Snaresbrook Preparatory School and had a fantastic experience. The school is small yes but this allows each member of staff to really get to know each child. My children felt seen and heard and left the school equipped with skills that will not only help them in their further education but also as life long learners. Both children secured a place at Bancroft’s school following their education at SPS. We are grateful to all the staff at SPS and highly recommend the school for both academic success and personal growth.

Snaresbrook Prep is a fantastic school. My children adjusted quickly and comfortably, all thanks to the supportive and dedicated teachers. They are thriving academically, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their progress. I highly recommend this school.

Wonderful school with academic and caring approach. Teachers are excellent and the communication and accessibility of the teachers is amazing. The Headmaster, Mr Dalton is regularly welcoming children at the front gates in the morning. We have been amazed by Mrs Mathison and her team at settling our child into the school.

The level of attention and care from Snaresbrook Prep staff is second to none. I would recommend this School to parents who are looking for attentiveness given towards their child combined with academic rigour. My daughter has flourished into a happy girl who is curious about the world and enjoys school. I am particularly impressed with how her reading and writing has come along.

Snaresbrook prep school is a small but a bespoke school. Staff members from headmaster to teachers and others all are very friendly. Teachers are very knowledgeable. This school has a very positive environment that not only make children feel safe and comfortable but confident too.

It is a bit suspicious that all of these positive reviews have appeared within a short time interval - the past few months. Where are the historic reviews from 2018-2024? They had to ask people to write most of them and some may be fake. Avon House will be charging £5003 after VAT, which is significantly less than what SPS is charging NOW, (£5504 for the same year groups). Avon House is passing 14 per cent of the VAT and hence, absorbing a significant amount. Interestingly, Woodford Green charged £4740 for the autumn term which is also significantly lower than Snaresbrook. As yet SPS have not published on their website what they intend to do, but the falling numbers mean that they will not be able to absorb any of the additional cost and will probably add more to it, so their fees next term will be much higher than other similar schools in this area. Despite this, the education at Snaresbrook is nothing to write home about. Established teachers who did want to give all they could to the children were made to feel unwelcome and pushed out. They were replaced by cheaper, mediocre individuals. We had one who was arrested, a music teacher who didn’t play a note and to top it all they supported a teacher who is still working there, after being taken to task for writing filthy and obscene texts about female colleagues and derogatory terms to describe children in his care. Dedicated, capable and enthusiastic teachers were not welcome and this is the calibre of teacher it wants; it beggars belief. This person, who was not welcome in the state system was welcomed in this fee paying school where parents will soon be paying the guts of 20k per annum to have their children taught by someone with this rather unsavory history. One would have thought that private schools would be seeking to employ the cream of the teaching profession, not the dregs. I can only agree with other reviews (that have been removed with copious others from Facebook, Trustpilot, Google etc) which also object to a school employing someone who has been participating in filthy, disgusting and grossly inappropriate behaviour. It defeats the purpose of reviews in the first place, when establishments can easily get rid of those that do not suit and invite/fabricate the rest. (They did not get reviews removed from SchoolParrot, where a couple of parents expressed concerns. I cannot vouch for all of these, but do know the person who wrote ‘Disappointed Parent’ review. This was a while ago, but I am privy to what went on and know they write the truth). As mentioned earlier, several talented teachers were pushed out, and their replacements were inexperienced and arrived with a selection of problems. The school has to take anyone who will pay now. so the calibre of the pupils is also not what it was. There is nothing wrong with this in any way, every child is entitled to an education. The reality still has to be faced, the school is now geared towards the average child - not the gifted, with high aspirations. There is not the same onus on academic achievement. No one is rewarded for academic excellence - or achievement in any area, which is contrary to the ethos one would expect for 20k a year. The so-called ‘merits’ that are handed out at the end of the year. are stupid to the point where it is embarrassing. After paying the guts of 100k for seven year’s private education, parents deserve a bit better. I cannot recommend the school as it stands now. Several members of staff approached the directors with their concerns, and these were ignored. It looks as if they are not really interested in the success of the school. If that is the case, they should sell the business to someone who is, and populate the establishment with staff who have the ability and desire to give parents value for money. Revert to the standards expected and associated with private education and it won't be necessary to canvass for and manipulate recommendations. That is a short term fix and will not prevent the overall decline.

A small school with so many positives. I am so grateful to the teachers Mrs B and Mrs Mathison for all the support they have given my child and I especially during some very tough times. Before choosing this school I did my 'homework' and got wonderful and honest reviews about the school from friends and family who have or are attending the school. I feel I made the right choice. It is also lovely to see that the headmaster and other staff know all the children. My child loves all the reception and and admin staff too. Nuturing, supportive and always there to help.

The school excels in providing exceptional service, showing great attention to detail, and exhibiting genuine care for its children.

Our children absolutely love going to school each day - what more could you ask for!

Fantastic nurturing school with an incredible bespoke approach to learning and life skills. Great family feel to the place, with wonderful committed staff and a stellar headmaster. Both my children enjoy attending and are embedded in the schools extracirricular activites, from which they have benefitted enormously.

Fantastic school, our children are extremely happy there. Well lead and with a real emphasis on meeting the individual needs of the children.

The school is excellent. Every child is treated as an individual. The school ethos is very tangible from the outset. Every effort is made by each and every member of the SPS team (teaching and administrative) to ensure the children are happy and feel secure and this ultimately allows for parents to feel their child is in good hands.

Compassionate, kind, nurturing and warm atmosphere. Excellent communication between teachers, parents and children.

I have my daughter in snaresbrook prep i am very pleased with her progress and the support what she receives form the school.The headmaster is amazing with the little ones special when they are a bit upset on the drop-off . Amazing school with lovely staff.

We couldn’t be happier with SPS. Our daughter is so happy here and has come on so much academically and in all areas of her development. The staff are second to none.

My daughter has been going here for a few terms now. It’s such a lovely and caring environment, perfect for the first time starting at school.

The school is small, but we like that. Book a tour so you can come and see for yourselves

Both our children love the school. They are happy, the teachers know them well and always look out for their best interest. Being a small school the family feel is very obvious with the care and attention they receive.
Any issues have been immediately dealt with by the Headmaster himself. All staff from Mr Dalton to the TA's are fully committed and show great dedication to ensuring our children get the most from their school day. A clear example is at school drop off, both my children stand eagerly at the gate and rush in without a goodbye. To me this is true sign of happiness and comfort at being with the school.

When you walk through the door, you are immediately enveloped in a warm, welcoming embrace, reflected in the thoughtful details that make a significant difference. Mr. D’s (the principal) personal recognition of each student each morning and the exceptional kindness of the office and teaching staff create an environment of genuine care. The quality of teaching has been outstanding, affirming that we made the right choice, and the nurturing of our children into wonderful young individuals is a true testament to the school's excellence.

Positive behaviour is actively encouraged, and children's talents are celebrated, fostering a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. The emotional and mental well-being of the students is a top priority, with any issues addressed promptly and effectively.

The unique blue and brown uniform distinguishes the school in a sea of navy, from other local schools, adding to its charm. Despite limited facilities, the school compensates with creative initiatives, offering external sports days, exciting trips, and a variety of clubs on the premises, ensuring a well-rounded experience for the children.

When the children are away from home, the care provided by the teachers is akin to that of a loving parent. We parents, deeply appreciate knowing our children return safe, with smiles on their faces, albeit exhausted—a sure sign of a day well spent and an early bedtime!

I believe that some of the teachers and supporting staff could improve their soft skills. There have been instances where, as a parent, I felt the teachers' behaviour was harsh or lacked consideration of the bigger picture. However, I appreciate that the school is committed to learning from these experiences and is making great progress every day.

Lastly, Our only wish is that the school extended beyond Year 6, allowing our children to continue thriving in such a wonderful environment.