It is a very underperforming and toxic school. Children have problems and the teachers don't listen…read moreto the children.

Hampton Hill Junior School is a large (360 pupils) junior school nestled on St James' Avenue not…read morefar from Hampton Hill High Street. It is housed in a rather picturesque building dating from the 1920s, though it has been expanded and improved since. Hampton Hill Junior School educates pupils from years 3 - 6 (ages 7 - 11), and is linked with Carlisle Infant School (meaning that in most cases, pupils will finish Carlisle in year 2 and progress fairly seamlessly with their classmates into HHJS). The headteacher, Bill Jerman, is excellent. He is a strong leader, taking no guff from the children! He impressed me particularly when my daughter attended. I was writing a paper (I was a mature student doing a part time degree) on religious education and collective worship, and asked, after a parent teacher evening, if I could attend a 'normal' (as opposed to harvest) assembly. He told me I could, and we arranged a date. It occurred to me afterwards that I hadn't told him who I was. I arrived on the appointed day, worried that no-one would be expecting me, but sure enough, he greeted me, got me settled before the children arrived, and then discussed the yearly assembly programme and RE scheme of work after the assembly. My daughter had good teachers with a couple of truly excellent ones. The school runs extension programmes for gifted children which benefited my daughter, and also taught French (in a fun, non pressurised way) to its year 6 pupils. All in all, this is a very good state junior school, which prepares its pupils admirably for secondary school and beyond.

Staines Prep Provides a Happy Foundation For Life…read more The area's longest established co-educational school, Staines Prep offers an excellent all round education for boys and girls from the age 2 1/2 - 11. It isn't just about passing exams, though pupils do well at that too. It's also about developing a positive, confident attitude to life, good citizenship, physical well-being and a hunger for knowledge. Personal development is key: every child is treated as an individual and given the chance to explore, to ask questions and seek answers. This happens with the help of great teachers, superb classroom, IT and laboratory facilities and excellent play facilities. Staines Prep creates enthusiasm and encourages a positive attitude and interest that extends through art and music to the environment and the world outside. As headmaster Peter Roberts said recently, "It remains vitally important to focus on the whole child and provide wide-ranging opportunities that help develop their confidence and general well-being. At Staines Prep we provide all of this in a nurturing environment that enables the pupils to flourish." Further information can be found at www.stainesprep.co.uk, by contacting the Registrar on 01784 450909 or by email via registrar@stainesprep.co.uk. For assistance with fee planning and other fee information please contact the Bursar. Means-tested bursaries available subject to assessment.

We wanted a Catholic school for the education of our girls and our experience was that adherence to…read morethe Catholic ethos was not a priority there, indeed there were occasions when the school went against this. We also felt that when we raised an issue, the leadership tended to 'circle the wagons' instead of looking at the issue objectively and dealing with it appropriately. We had problems with bullying not being addressed which had serious repercussions for our daughter. Our opinion is that this school is more concerned with getting numbers into the school rather than the education and wellbeing of its pupils. We are sad that this was our experience as the opportunity for this school to do so much more is being missed.

Daughter was a pupil here for many years but managed to get her out in good time to prepare for…read moresenior school elsewhere . They deliberately dumb down the girls so they are unable to find alternatives senior schools- they do not follow the national curriculum! Virtual every girl in year 5 has external coaching (on top of school fees) - but coaching does not work if the basic teaching is lacking. The real test of any school is the pupil numbers which decline year on year. The school has been saved several times with big influxes with student from other schools which have closed.

We found Athelstan House School by pure chance - discreetly situated in Hampton. Our daughter…read morestarted when she was just turning three. From day one she loved it. There is a strong family atmosphere which we felt was really important at such a young age. She is now in year 1 and we are very happy to say still loves going to school everyday. The classes are small with a teacher and two assistants so we feel confident she will develop to her full potential. The teachers have a strong belief in what they do, a great school, a lovely learning environment!

From the owner: Independent pre preparatory school for 3 to 7 year oldsread more

Our son transferred to this great school from Hampton Juniors. Our son is doing very well and…read morereally enjoys this school. Munchies pre and after school club is inside the grounds, so your child does not have to travel far and the staff pick up.