St olaves prep, new eltham - thoughts please

[lolacola1977]

Hello, we are considering this school for dd, we are looking for somewhere in the area with an ethos which emphasises play, creativity etc, rather than worksheets and rote-learning and everyone producing identical drawings etc. Any thoughts gratefully received - thank you!

[Brize]

Hi, I am considering this school as well. Have you been on a open day? My main concern is a lack of space in classrooms and no facilities, except playground. And sports opportunities.

[lolacola1977]

No, not yet, have you? I've only just started looking. I'm more concerned about the ethos as definitely not interested in a hot-house-type environment, however fancy the buildings!

[Brize]

No, I haven't.I think the Open day in October or September time. I am not looking to fancy building, but I had bad experience with private nursery where children were on top of each other so I happily moved him to free nursery in Church hall where they were running freely. I don't think St.Ovales is a hot-house type.

[lolacola1977]

Will def sign up for the open day then and maybe try and get in before then if they do that.

[Det54]

My children went there for a time, it's a wonderful, nurturing school, yes it doesn't have heaps of space but small class sizes mean they don't need it, they use a nearby park as well. Can't speak highly enough regarding the ethos of the school, teaching staff are fab and they help you pick the best senior school for your child to move onto. They get the best out of the child be they be academically gifted or the other end of the spectrum. The head is also excellent.

[Brize]

Hello Det54, I heard that the head teacher of St.Olaves has changed at the beggining of this year. This school seems quite expensive for little school with no facilities and no much sport or clubs, I am trying to justify the cost.

[Det54]

Yes new head but internal promotion so well known to the school and she is brilliant. For us the nurturing environment was extremely important, the fact it is a small school was only an advantage in our eyes. The sports side wasn't important to us but I don't remember being shocked by any lack of sports, I'm trying to remember as it was ks1 a while ago, we moved away from the area, nothing to do with the school, I was devastated to leave it in fact, but I'm sure there was plenty on offer. We looked at several prep schools in the area and it was the one to impress me the most with its real 'family feel' Go and see them and ask, they would welcome your enquiries.

[lolacola1977]

Thanks for the response, that's really helpful. Do you remember how play-based it was? I have a fear of endless worksheets which you so often see in London prep-schools.

[Brize]

Thank you Det54, I can see that this school is quite nurturing and they do a lots of activities, but I have another fear now, about academics. Could you tell me please about teaching and school programm, strong enough or too relax. I expect it to be better that standard state school.

[Brize]

I have seen the st.Ovales today, and it's ok. But it's first private or state school that have not got a computer class with Computers?!? No fields or sport ground and tiny hall/restaurant. I really don't know where money is going. I just hope teaching is good. After school clubs quite limited as well.

[PINKYPg]

New headmistress making A lot of changes... and very approachable- my son has come on Leaps and bounds there- reception and year 1 have tables according to abilities- not that children realise it but means more ability children get higher leval work whilst others get more focussed care as class has 1 teacher and 1 TA so all children get the correct work according to abilities. Any problems are dealt with immediately and the new headmistress is so approachable and the children all love her - but still have enough respect for her!! She is so much better than the previous headmaster and takes time to actually get to know each child and talk to them on their level - which makes the children want to do well so they can go to her office for a special sticker and praise if they do well!! However she is also a massive stickler of no bullying or bad behaviour and deals with anything similar in a very prompt reassuring way ... think school is definitely on its way up under her!! Definitely worth considering!!

[NewElthamMum13]

Late to this thread, but my DC are at this school and I absolutely love it.
It's a non-selective school and they take a lot of pride in providing work for each child at their own level. The more academic children are certainly pushed, BUT the head takes the view that she is not going to pile on stress. The school provides the work but parents decide how much to push it. They have some very academic children there, and some children whose strengths lie elsewhere. If you want the pressure taken off, the school is happy to do that.
Pastoral care is great. The headmistress, Miss Holloway, is absolutely brilliant and the kids all love her.
There are loads of clubs. Absolutely tons on offer, and most are no extra cost - so I'm not sure where some of the previous posters have got the idea that there are few clubs from.
The fees go largely on the high staffing levels. There is lots of individual extra support etc.
Because the premises are small, the staff take the kids out for loads of activities. They go off-site for the main weekly games afternoon, but to very nearby specialist sports pitches with external coaches.
They go on lots of day trips out, all of which are included in the fees.
It's not fancy, but it is lovely.

[Brize]

The list of afternoon clubs is much smaller in comparison with other school in area. But it is good that you like the school. Their fees seems quite high compare to Farringtons for example where 15 kids in class as well, plus huge grounds. I am a bit concerned about the fact that they travel a lot, taking into account that they don’t have school bus.