Milton Abbey

[CharlieApril2017]

Does anyone have current views on Milton Abbey? Thinking of it for DS for sixth form but see different and wide opinions on the place. Much appreciated.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

I once sat on a train listening to a Milton Abbey pupil complain bitterly to her mother about how her classes were disrupted by pupils who had been excluded from 'all their other schools'.

It is pretty much bottom of the barrel I'm afraid. Have you no other options?

[BareBum]

Could be ok if he's not very bright.

[salsamummy]

I also hear a mixed view of it. I have friends who have children there who are very happy and doing well but sadly its reputation has not been good in the past so even if it is improving it will take years to shake off its previous reputation. It's a shame really as looking for a good day school for my son.
If you are local I would send him to Thomas Hardye sixth form.

[salsamummy]

I am going to the open day on Saturday as the only negative things I have heard are from people who haven't actually been there. Our headmaster said to me that it is changing so I am going with an open mind. :-)

[Jessopy]

I wouldn't recommend Milton Abbey. The kids don't have any work ethic, are bored at weekends so get up to all sorts, and there is bullying. Moreover, the new headmaster is appalling. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[salsamummy]

Jessopy can I ask where you have got this information? You can PM if you prefer.

[MuminHampshire]

Jessopy I would also like to know more details about this as relevant to us, particularly comments about the headmaster - also happy for a PM.

[Jessopy]

MuminHampshire - We have recently had a child at the school. What other details would you like to know? I presume you are considering the school for your child... With regards the headmaster, the reviews on uk.ratemyteacher appear pretty accurate.

[cherrypye]

Just unearthed this post and wanted to present another side? I moved my perfectly bright but lazy DS for 6th form to Milton Abbey and its been the best move we ever made. He is So happy, doing so well and has made so many super friends. I recommend heartily. Happy to PM anybody who wants to discuss further.

[petrova]

We have friends who moved their son to Milton Abbey for sixth form. He is very happy there and it has been a great move for him.

[cynhall77]

I read with interest Jessopy message concerning Rate my teacher. Headmaster at Milton Abbey school had 11 bad reviews since 2014-2017 Rate or Rank my teacher website should be ashamed of themselves. Rate my teacher is being very dishonest in removing all bad and truthful reviews by parents and only showing good reviews, wonder if they are made up with the help from his colleagues??? Parents are becoming misled into thinking Milton Abbey school is a great place for your child. Think again my grandson left the school with few others due to poor education and mainly bullying that is on the increase. I wonder if the true genuine reviews on this man and the school have been removed because he is due to start as headmaster at a school in Hampshire Bedales??? Jessopy is telling the truth as the school has many problems. Claysmore, Milfield, two who have a very good learning support.

[cynhall77]

Jessopy. My grandson still gets messages from friends at the school, they are due to leave soon as one parent commented to my son Thank God never again. I heard it is very bad in the girls dormitory, a friend messaged that two particular girls which my grandson said are very nice and the most sensible ones have been bullied again few weeks ago. His friends say nothing has changed. Pupils believe the new Head won't make any difference. I wonder if she is employed as a scape goat, for any past wrong doing if it rears its ugly head.

[Dorsetmumof2]

I would like to add some context to this thread. My son started in year 9 in September and the change in his confidence is enormous. The school have been very nurturing and supportive. I have seen children come from bigger schools where they have fallen through the cracks and appear to be much happier. We haven't witnessed bullying first hand. The current housemistress - there is only one girls boarding house until a second is created in September - has been there for 3 years, with no changes so the information is incorrect. My advice would be to go and see the school and meet the children and make your own mind up.

[Jessopy]

Dorsetmumof2 - I'm afraid you're mistaken with regards the housemistress situation. During the three years my daughter was there, there were indeed three different housemistresses. Perhaps you didn't take maternity leave into account?
Archie17 - I feel your pain. My daughter also experienced bullying from the older girls, and I know of another girl that recently left due to this. Damages children for the rest of their lives. The school should be ashamed. It needs seriously reviewing, as does Bashaarat.

[mutti454]

Good for you! There are always two sides to every story as I'm sure you'll appreciate. I live locally and know so many happy children at this school and parents who love the school. One friend told me her daughter has 'found her place' after many years of not enjoying school.

[atom240]

I was a student at milton abbey it felt like a living hell the student hierarchy is unheard off!!!!!

[cynhall77]

Jessopy. We know the exact true facts. Dorsemumof 2 is either a member of staff or an investor or possible doesn't listen to her children and turns a blind eye. Out of sight out of mind. My husband is a CEO can't name the company, Sorry. So he is well experienced in searching into companies affairs. Company House and the freebie Company check make very interesting reading, where you can view their status. We were amazed how they've got themselves in such a mess and Dorsetmumof2 is advertising misleading information. Thank goodness we got out of Milton Abbey. We were told my one parent who was involved with the school that the last headmaster Mr Doodes left the school with a debt of £3.5m but he did bring the school up to date and done brilliantly, he was very well liked by both parents and pupils. This present headmaster has never been liked at Milton Abbey school and more so in the latter years at his old school according to Rate my teacher which the negative true comments over the last few years since 2012 have since been taken down. During his term up to December 2017 the schools debt was raised to £4.8? In December 2017 their debts has shot up to the amazing £8m in liabilities, which must be equal or near to the value of the estate. Milton Abbey school.