Dodderhill School, Droitwich

[lexie01]

Going to look at this school for my DD this week. Has anyone been or know anyone who has been? Any feedback good or bad would be most welcome. Many thanks.

[lexie01]

Anyone?

[lexie01]

Surely someone knows something about Dodderhill?

[lexie01]

Starting to worry that no one seems to have even heard about this school.....

[Mrscog]

I've heard of it but don't know much about it as have boys and using state. When I was at school I think the senior school was seen as one for more sheltered types due to its size compared to say AO (now rgs) or kings.

[lexie01]

Thanks for replying Mrscog. We have now visited the school and I feel we now have a difficult decision on our hands. My DD loved the school because of its small class sizes and lack of boys! I liked the school as well but am concerned about its size. In year 4 for example there were only 7 children ( although another 6 are joining I was told). I think there were about 24 children in year 5 split between 2 classes which was fine. Do we take a chance and hope that numbers increase? It is such a hard decision to make and there is very little information on this school from other parents. We have visited Edgabston High School for girls (not keen) and are visiting Winterfold House School next week at an Open Day. If anyone can offer any information on any of these schools it would be much appreciated. Many thanks x

[Mrscog]

Winterfold is meant to be excellent, are you also in a position to consider RGS The Grange? I know people who gave liked it there too.

[crazycrofter]

Are you thinking of it just up to 11 or for secondary too? My SIL went there, but she left about 15 years ago, so my knowledge isn't up to date. She's very negative about it, partly because of the small year groups. There were less than 15 in her year group and it just wasn't enough for her to find likeminded people and make good friends.

[lexie01]

Thats exactly what I am worried about Crazycrofter. It seemed to have a lovely warm, friendly environment which may suit DD now but it may be very restrictive socially in years to come. I have searched MN and the general consensus is that very small classes are a big no no. DD loved it however. She struggles with noisy classrooms (hence the move from 30 in a state class) and saw these small classes with no boys as a big positive.

Mrs Cog - I have thought of Springfield (which I think is the old AOS) but it is a little far out and I would have to deal with city centre traffic.

Fingers crossed for Winterfold. I am very confused!!!

[Billben]

Winterfold is very good. I would definitely recommend that over Dodderhill. My only personal experience with Dodderhill is looking after two children who went there and were treated appallingly. One is severely dyslexic and the other one is just not very academic. I would definitely choose Winterfold if I could afford it (I can't, so I just drive past it every day to go to Chaddesley Corbett). Fantastic little school with the new headteacher.

[lexie01]

Gosh that sounds awful Billben. Worryingly no one seems to have any positive comments to make about Dodderhill. It all seemed so nice as well! It will interesting to see how it compares to Winterfold. I live really close to this school so location wise it is perfect. I just thought it seemed a little pricey for a small rural prep.

[espangnol]

Dodderhill is an excellent school, my DDs loved their time there. The small class sizes meant that they had a lot of attention and they made great progress. They felt part of a big family and were looked after really well. In the news ..top of the league tables for second year running. Most of these msg seem to be gossip from people who don't know the school! I cannot recommend it highly enough

[kjb05]

I agree with espangnol, Dodderhill is an excellent school. My DD have been pupils for 8 years now. Results are outstanding, but more importantly my DD enjoys going to school. The variety on the timetable ensures every day is interesting. As far as we are concerned its money well spent on the school fees. I find the parents, teachers & school staff very friendly & supportive. I view class sizes a bonus because they are not lost in the masses, so teachers pick up quickly if the child is unsure. I too, like the previous thread, can not highly recommend this school enough. I have seen alot of postive changes over the years, & feel it will continue to keep getting better & better.

[knackeredmum11]

Hi There
Both my daughters are at Dodderhill (since reception) and my son goes to winterfold. I live in Droitwich so know both schools very well and have knowledge of the others. We looked at all the private schools before deciding and Dodderhill is simply ideal for girls and in particular my eldest who at the time of joining had severe hearing problems and although very clever, quite isolated through the deafness. From that start Dodderhill have nutured her and she recently won the academic scholarship into the senior school. No 2 is also doing very well there, although would rather not go to any school given the option (!) but all of a sudden has taken it upon herself to start leaning Chinese (don't ask me? - at least she will be useful at the takeaway) and has also decided to voluntarily join the language club , who happen to be looking at Chinese. Coincidence? Mmmmm. Seriously it is a fab school that punches way above its weight and is regularly at the top of the tables but will also bring out the best your daughter can give if she's not academically minded. Boy-child is at Winterfold and is like a pig in mud - literally. Sometimes the mud is so ingrained he has dirty knees for the whole of the summer term! I love winterfold for him - it has proper old fashioned values with lots of PE and Winterfold will caringly (is that a real word?) drag my reluctant son through an education - homework is like pulling teeth. Either school will provide an excellent caring environment for your child and really you do not need to look any further.
Small classes - Big girl's class went down to 3 at one point but we hung in there because the school is so good; wasn't ideal but now the year is so big they need 2 classes with a waiting list!

[knackeredmum11]

ps - just seen earlier thread - winterfold hasn't got a new headteacher Mr I-P has been there a good while. He teaches my son air rifle shooting and is a lovely chap.
My friend also has 2 girls at Dodderhill one of whom is outstandingly clever whilst the other struggles significantly but her mum has been amazed at her progress at Dodderhill and the patience and support of the teachers. She has also really come out of herself socially.
Personally I think that you have an excellent shortlist of these 2 schools.

[lexie01]

Thank you all so much for your positive comments. What a relief. It is such a massive decision to move your child to a different school half way through primary but you have made me feel much more confident. I feel Dodderhill will be a good fit for DD - she is bright but really struggles in noisy classrooms. I have completed the forms today and will post tomorrow so she can go for a Taster Day. She can't wait! I will definitely still go to Winterfold as a comparison but I would prefer not to move her again to another school at 13. I will let you know how we get on. Thanks again.

[BusyMum28]

I have a daughter at Dodderhill and a son at one of the large Independent local schools. So I have good knowledge of two schools. Dodderhill has the most amazing environment for girls to be confident, learn with no distractions and be themselves. All the children are treated as individuals whether they are academic, musical, artistic or sporty they will not be overlooked and they will shine no matter what. My son's school although they advertise the class will only have 25 in, fail to so say there are 4 classes of 25!!!! So has to work so much harder to be selected for teams and other school activities. In one way it is quite nice that not 'everyone' knows about Dodderhill it is unique and very special.

[pepy123]

hi my daughter started at dodderhill last september and absolutely loves it ! Like you, we could find no feedback at the time,but liked the school and felt being smaller would suit her better ...and it does !Lots of friends in the class... absolutely the right choice for her,so at the moment ...no regrets x(sorry late reply ,just joined and saw the forum .)