St Martin's school Mill Hill

[stella1356]

My daughter's school has just informed us about 2 weeks ago that the school will be closing down. So I am looking for a school for my child. I visited St Martin's school in Mill Hill , its very small. Does anybody have children in this school? I have also visited St Hilda's in Bushey. Your views on these schools would be appreciated.

[LePetitPrince]

Which school is shutting down and how old is your child? i would be iinterested to hear..

[stella1356]

Hi LePetitPrince, PSM in Stanmore is shutting down in July and my daughter is 7.

[LePetitPrince]

Hi Stella, I hadn't heard that.. I do not have a child in St Martin's but someone I know withdrew a child after a very short time. Basically there is very little room on the site and the school itself is cramped. But there have been some people on here who have raved about it.

Have you thought about Belmost in Mill Hill? A lovely well rounded school and really beautiful grounds.

[Kitchencupboards]

It's tiny and cramped with absolutely no facilities but academically good. Personally I think there are better options. Have you tried Aldenham?

[fishtofry]

Hi my son is at St martin's and he is thriving - depends on your daughters character if it suits. have you thiought about The Mount School - just up the road form St.Martin's?

[fishtofry]

meant to say they have spacious grounds and is much bigger

[FredRidgemont]

hi

may I ask in your opinion what sorts of children would thrive there? i've heard it is sort of place where "you get a hug when you come" and as it is very small so it really has a family feel. I found this rather appealing.

the facilities and space are not major issues I wonder if they are academically good at the end of the day, and considering that the fees are >20% cheaper ...

do people still take their children out after year 1? seems they no longer enrol new pupils after year 1. was it just the nursery/reception/year 1 that were not so great?

[Sistersweet]

They've just had an inadequate ofsted and had over 25 children removed from the school over the summer holidays. You shouldn't have a problem getting a space but it doesn't sound positive there.

[FredRidgemont]

OMG, many thanks for pointing that out, I didn't realize that at all.

By over 25 children removed, does it mean that parents take their children out, after seeing the report?

[FredRidgemont]

Does anyone know if there were changes in teaching staff recently? seems no longer there's PE coordinator?

according to ofsted the fee has increased from £6,069 to £7,790 in the last 4 years, however looking at their fee sheet it only increased £100 in the last two years, was there a big increase back in 2012/13?

Many thanks!

[FredRidgemont]

Now I've just had a good read of the report...Have to say this inspector seems more fussed on non-soft things such as process, procedures and standards.

The main issues seem to be procedures, as they get inadequate Leadership and Management because: 1 safeguarding procedures, fire assessment; 2. Parent's concerns are not heard and are not informed adequately about children's progress. However it says despite these failings, pupils do feel safe

It's still appealing to us reading the Behaviour Section: all children are courteous and considerate, no disruptions in classes, no bulling, strong community spirit, respect and tolerance, strong spiritual and moral awareness

Teaching and Achievement are good, not outstanding, but I've not seen any schools in the area with outstanding Teaching and Achievement. From Y1 they focus on extending vocabulary and fluency, from Y4 start preparing secondary school entry and most gain their 1st choice of school.

In 2011 report, the inspector mentioned about "Pupils’ undoubted musical, speaking and dramatic skills ", "family feel", but words like these were not seen at all in the new report.

I guess what really concerns me is that from what Sistersweet said above, that's about 20% of the students there, this could result in huge impact on their financial matters and staff moral.

[Summydays]

Hello,
I felt compelled to write my own opinion on this thread due to the fact that my child currently attends St Martin's School.
This is a completely unique school, my child is one of 16 children in her class with two amazing teachers. Children get a lot of attention from teachers, on a one to one basis in class. This is alongside the high levels of academia, which children are taught subjects French, Maths, English etc at a level where they are challenged as individuals.

In answer to the question posted by FredRidgemont, "in your opinion what sorts of children would thrive there?"

I think that all young children girls and boys alike, do thrive at St Martin's. Each child has there own personality with there own unique qualities. St Martin's is a school who will work with the parents to bring the best out of your child, encourage confidence and bring a sense of being grounded, supporting each child to focus and enjoy school life.

Perhaps come and see the school on one of their working open days the next one is actually tomorrow, Thursday 5th May. Get a chance to see the children in class and also talk to teachers.

[ananga]

@1luckygirl and @summydays.

Just wondering how you feel about the school with all the recent changes?

[happypeeps]

St Martins Mill Hill is a dream killer and academically poor. the school is not as cheap as you think, as the entry fees is deceptive , a there are other add ons . look for another school

[happypeeps]

i am surprised with some of the positive reviews i am seeing on St Martins, as it is completely untrue, as I have pulled my child out of the school. the school environment is unchallenging and they condone bullying, sad but very true.

it will interest you to know the number of parents withdrawing their children from the school is mind boggling. a school that has a space for 120 pupils , barely have 70 pupils for this 2017 session. this should be a big signal for any parent thinking of bringing their kids to this school.

[darshnaj]

Interesting reading these posts, all of my children go to this school and I couldn't ask for a better school for them!
Just 2 weeks of my boys moving to this school 3 years ago, the teacher was able to tell me more about his educational needs then any teacher ever has previously. My eldest passed his 11 plus with flying colours to some of the most prestigious high schools in London and Hertfordshire.
Anyone interested in sending their kids to this school should know that the school has gone through a massive management change in the past three years and it is amazing. I couldn't recommend it enough. I recognise some of the people on this thread and some are frankly just out to slander- not cool, nor is it required. I am proud to have had my children at this school and my youngest is still there now. Happy to speak to anyone and have an honest conversation about the school.

[Chemistry9]

Hi Darshnaj, it was great to see a much more recent/current review that also provided factual and actual information. So my dilemma is we've been offered a relative "ok" state school in saying that I was highly impressed with the school tour but stats and performance are not as great and we are considering taking up a place at St Martin's but ofcourse is a huge commitment and want to ensure its the right decision. Do you mind if I reach out to you. One of the main reasons I am for private is to ensure child gets into a top prestigious secondary school as exactly what you mentioned in your post above. Does St Martin's focus on this aspect? Did you need to get further tuition as many parents still end up doing this.? Although the school is small did you find your children strived and got the opportunities a private school has to offer etc? In terms of management changes anything in particular to be aware of? Always nice to hear from an actual parent with child currently attending. @darshnaj

[darshnaj]

Hi, please feel free to get in touch. My son who is in year 6 got a place at Merchant Taylors and City which were the two we sat him for and practically every child in yr 6 got their school of choice. I can not stress how impressed I have been with the schools support of theae kids who done exceptionally well. I did not tutor my child, some parents do but it is a personal choice. I want my children to be where they are with their natural ability. If I was going to start to tutor them to get into the school then I would have to be prepared to continue that support throughout their education which doesn't make sense to me. Luckily the work the school did and my to my sons own credit, he did really well. The size of the school has nothing to do with the what the are able olto achieve with your child. Their dedication to the kids is secound to none and they know them like the back of their hands and so can really puah each child to the best of THEIR ability which is what mattered to me. Admittedly, my kids don't care about massive sports facilities, so that wasn't something i needed to consider.
Like I said, I am more then happy to have a chat so message me and we can have a call. X

[Chemistry9]

@darshnaj.. the feedback and information you just gave in your reply is amazing and once again so precise and accurate ashame some of the others are out there to slander because its quite daunting to read such mixed reviews without real evidence or accuracy. I will private message you shortly if thats ok? A huge Congratulations to your Son on such a fantastic outcome and I completely understand your view point on the additional tuition and once again shows a reflection on your Son and the school having such an effective partnership. Thank you for taking the time out to reply. Look forward to speaking to you!

[lrachevsky]

Thank you for @darshnaj for your comments on st Martins school. Indeed good to see recent reviews. We received an offer to go to Nursery and I really liked the school during my recent visit, however got worried when reading earlier reviews. Not very worried about lack of sports etc facilities, but bullying and being picked on by teachers is more concerning obviously. Would love to hear your views on that if you are open to chatting. Also if there are any other parents with kids currently attending that can add to the recent improvements, would be amazing to hear.

[Doina89]

Hi, my little girl has now entered St Martin, and I was honestly scared with so many ugly words, please tell me, is it okay at this school?

[CCC8]

@Doina89

Hi, my little girl has now entered St Martin, and I was honestly scared with so many ugly words, please tell me, is it okay at this school?

Hi @Doina89 - just wanted to see how your little girl is doing at St Martin? We are looking to start my son there next year for reception. We really loved the family feel and close knit environment so would be keen to see how your daughter’s doing so far?

TIA!