What are Harris primary schools like?

[Mar3u5]

Would love to hear your experiences given it is the only real choice for us.

[CloseToAllAmenties]

Harris have really turned around Kent House (what was Royston). Feedback from Harris Shortlands and East Dulwich parents are both really positive - they were both new in 2014. Harris Beckenham which opens in 2015 should be a great school. When is your child due to start? best of luck with your search!

[Millicakes]

I have heard very positive things about Harris shortlands and was very impressed when we view the school. we put the school down second choice but we got our first choice. i would be happy sending my dd there.

which harris are you closest too

[Mar3u5]

Many thanks for your responses.

My son has an offer for Harris Primary Beckenham and Marian Vian. I'm concerned that Harris insist on reception class wearing a shirt and tie. No other local school seems to do this and it doesn't seem to fit with a caring child centered approach. I would like children to be allowed to be children for as long as possible. On the hand, the small school setting does have its own appeal.

[Millicakes]

There is a parent group on Facebook and Harris beckenham also have their own Facebook page too. I believe the ties are the elastic ones. Many schools wear shirts from year 1 onwards. I don't think the children will really take much notice but if the school is anything like Harris short lands then it should do really well. Marian vian on the other hand is also a good school but would be hard to compare because Harris is new

[Mar3u5]

Thanks again. Marian Vian offer came out of the blue with the bulge year. We are going to go with the Harris since the small school setting is one not to be missed at a time when schools are getting bigger. Also a nice walk to the Harris down Kelsey Lane rather than a drive to Marian Vian.

[Gem1anderson]

hi. I went to look around Harris Primary Academy Beckenham yesterday and was really impressed. My son has just started reception elsewhere, but I am looking into a potential transfer. It is so hard to make a decision when the permanent building is not yet finished and there is no data to go on. I would be so grateful for your opinion on the school so far. Thanks. Gemma.

[Gem1anderson]

Or the Harris Shortlands for anyone who has a child who attends there too. thank you.

[Mar3u5]

They have been great. Excellent head and teacher. The temporary buildings are better than many permanent ones so I'm not worried if there are delays with the completion. The active parents' Facebook group is great. We are very happy with our choice.

[PettsWoodMum]

Do be careful about choosing a school as you like its small size. What may seem cute and cuddly for reception can be limiting as DCs get older. Larger schools may enable wider friendship groups, curriculum options such as languages and facilities like middle school style science labs which the smaller schools may not be able to offer. Also when it comes to transition to senior school it can make it a very big leap indeed. Small may be the right choice for you and go for if that is what you want but I just wanted to share some of the experiences my friends who have had children in a one form intake school have moaned about. I can't comment on the Harris schools directly.

[CloseToAllAmenties]

I think that's the beauty of the Harris Beckenham school - it will grow with the child and they will use the facilities of the secondary as the children get a bit bigger to help with teaching specialist subjects and to ease the transition to secondary. What did you decide to do Gem1? Hope you are happy with your choice :)

[mikejan21]

Shocking BBC news that Harris schools expel pupils before exams to improve their apparent performance . If that is the culture i think the ethos of the chain is clear to see. If your child needs help at any point you may have a hill to climb.