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What is wrong (if anything) with this school?

8 replies

Mum72 · 19/11/2010 23:33

My DD is due to move from her boarding prep school at the end of the summer term in 2012.

We still have not registerd her anywhere but at the moment Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls is looking favourite. We need to make a final decision very soon.

We have viewed the school on 3 open days and 2 personal visits and we like it alot and more than any other senior school we have looked at (we have looked at lots).

However, I am getting seriously pissed off and annoyed at the negative vibes I seem to be getting from other parents at her current prep school.

I try to avoid the school name dropping conversations but when cornered and asked I tell the truth about which school is looking most probable. The responses are all similarly negative. A shocked "Oh" followed by a stumbling of conversation. Or the face just drops before an "oh" or "oh really" or "have you not considerd xyz school instead".

And now to top it all this weekend my DD has just come home for exeat and told me 2 of her teachers asked her if she knew where she was going to go and she told them it was PROBABLY going to be Habs and their response was "oh dear. What other schools are you considering?" and my just 12yo DD said the other teachers face just dropped and made some comment about sport not being the best!

Prior to this my DD was all up for this school and now she is asking for another visit - which is fine as I wanted another visit anyway as I have more questions etc.

Last term the head of her prep school asked us if we had decided and we told then that Habs was our favourite and he sounded positive about it despite him previously recommending another school - which we visited and decided against (strongly).

So please - is there something i should know about this school? Our DD will be a full boarder there at age 13. Please, I would appreciate your comments negative or positive - if you know anything about this school. Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

OP posts:
llareggub · 19/11/2010 23:41

Why don't you ask your DD's current school? I thought they'd be working with you to identify the most suitable senior school?

Mum72 · 19/11/2010 23:44

We have had several conversations with the head. He suggested another school initialy that I didnt like.

When we went back to him he suggested 2 others - 1 of which was this one. The head seems OK but it parents and now 2 staff!

OP posts:
mummytime · 20/11/2010 08:33

Its in the Good school guide. I would phone and ask to speak to these teachers and ask them what their reservations are, and then at least you can make an informed judgement.

Parents can get very emotional about schools, and I admit even I have made not the most helpful comments about schools friends have chosen. Some parents may like other schools for exactly the reasons you don't like them, but then by your choice will feel a bit threatened. Eg. they have gone for an academic hot house but feel threatened by your more laid back choice, or you have chosen a place with fabulous sports facilities but they have chosen one with less sport but maybe better drama.

Good luck!

pippop1 · 20/11/2010 17:17

Maybe there was something in the press that you don't know about? I assume you have throughly Googled the school?

MrsGuyOfGisbourne · 20/11/2010 17:37

Why not ask the other parents who repsond in that way why they seem to have reservations?

marialuisa · 20/11/2010 18:54

I know the school and can't help but wonder if snobbery may be a factor? Habs is great but it doesn't have the name drop factor of other local alternatives (assuming you're 3 counties area) such as Malvern or Moreton Hall. And it's in Wales... (exposes slight chip on shoulder after years of patronising comments)

LadyInPink · 20/11/2010 19:05

You sound very down to earth and seem to be choosing a school that you like and more importantly your DD likes and that is what is important here. It seems to be playground politic's IMO and parents more concerned with what other parents think than what they themselves think which is why they are trying to persuade you to go to the sheep following school because that is what the majority are choosing and they probably haven't made an informed choice but are following everyone else. You choose a school that has your DD interests at heart like someone else said, if she is sporty then choose one with more facilities for sport etc etc.

I am having similar debates already and my DD is 6. I looked round a school and loved it but was looked at in horror for not even considering the top fave school. I will make my own decision when the time comes and I hope our head will give us impartial advice.

I really wish you all the best and go with your gut instincts. I also find it helpful to write a pro and con list for both schools and compare them - that certainly helped us in choosing the right prep Smile

ShanahansRevenge · 21/11/2010 00:36

I agree with Mummytime...people get emotional and feel like their own choices are in question.

At my own DDs prep there is always a vague air of stress when it comes to this...maybe the parents are wanting your DD to go to school with their own DDS? Is your DD a popular kid?

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