A rural prep school has much to offer increasingly pressurised pupils, writes Richard Merriman.
Many parents agree that children today are under more pressure than ever, and medical experts warn us of the negative impact stress has on children?s health, behaviour and learning.
It is surprising to see the lengths to which some families go to prepare young people for the application process used by some senior schools. Recent years have seen procedures for London?s senior schools in particular become more competitive, with even very young children being intensively interviewed and parents and peers pressing them to prepare and practise.
Some have described the situation as reaching a ?crisis point? and parents are starting to talk openly about their concerns. As a result, they are taking action, looking at what Prep schools outside London can offer; and discovering an ?escape to the country? for their children. What those looking further afield are finding is that the majority of these rural prep schools provide more space, clean air, a wider range of extra-curricular activities on their doorsteps if not within their own grounds, plus an outstanding academic outcome with specialist teaching.

rECENT YEARS HAVE SEEN LONDON’S SENIOR SCHOOLS BECOME INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE AND COMPLEX, WITH EVEN VERY YOUNG CHILDREN BEING EXTENSIVELY AND INTENSIVELY INTERVIEWED

It is obvious if you think about it, the cost of land and availability of space means a London prep school is ne...