Does anybody know anything about Bryony school in Medway?

[Theresomethingaboutdairy]

Just that really. We are looking at moving from Surrey to Kent but the schools seem to be a really mixed bag at primary level. Does anyone have any experience of Bryony independent school in Rainham? Thanks in advance

[RedKite5004]

I've never posted before on this forum before as I tend to just have a quick read during my lunch hour but yes I went to Bryony in the 80's. I can honestly say that it was the most amazing place and if I still lived locally I would have sent my son there without hesitation. It felt more like a family than a school and I still have close friends now who I met when I started there at the age of 4. Obviously it was a fair while ago that I went there now but the head teacher is the same one who took over in my final year so I would imagine the ethos and atmosphere is still much the same. I went on to Grammar, as did the majority of my class with the exception of one who moved away from the area and went on to further private education. In terms of the emotional experience I think it was excellent and I made several lifelong friends there. In terms of their academic success, from my class of 16 I know of a lawyer, an RAF pilot, a national magazine editor, two doctors, a school teacher, a vicar and a head of music department at a very well respected University.
I'd certainly go and have a look, as what it is perhaps lacking terms of facilities compared to some of the more well know independents in Kent (ie it doesn't have the flash sports facilities, the dedicated science labs etc...), it certainly made up for in terms of the quality of care, academic success and the slightly whimsical, Enid Blytonish atmosphere.

[Theresomethingaboutdairy]

Oh wow! That's brilliant. Thank you so much for taking the time to post. We have an appointment to look at the school next Friday and I am quite excited after reading about your experience. I also grew up in Gillingham in the 80s but I went to a (now failing) state school followed by a grammar school. Sadly, I have not kept in contact with any of my primary school friends.

[MadAboutMathsMum]

I wasn't going to post as my knowledge was out of date but I also went to Bryony in the early 80s until we moved away. I still have fond memories of my time there!

[RedKite5004]

Best of luck for Friday, I'm sure you'll love it.

[MrsLV]

My daughter recently started this school and my husband and I are NOT impressed! In comparison to other private schools Bryony has a lot of things to consider. Currently it feels as though we are paying to send our child to a state school. The staff are very unprofessional and some are extremely rude! The teachers are unapproachable and there is a lack of diversity. It's upsetting as it feels we have wasted our child's time sending them to this school. Their teaching methods are questionable and as the Ofsted reports states - their teaching methods are inconsistent through the years. It may have been a good school in the past but right now it is not worth a penny and should be marked as a "satisfactory" state school.

[Theresomethingaboutdairy]

MrsLV I have literally just seen your reply as thought I would revisit this thread as my dd stated at the school a couple of weeks ago and I am seeing similar things to what you have said. Is your child still at the school or did you remove them?

[Rocka]

we are thinking about sending our DD to Bryony, how have you gotten on there since your post? Is your DD still there?