Bournemouth Collegiate Prep or Buckholme Towers

[Gdpvd]

Hi there
We moved to Poole recently and our DD is enrolled in a local, well regarded primary. Trouble is she is being bullied and has lost a lot of confidence. It's breaking our hearts. We've obviously talking to the school about it all the time but her behaviour at home has really changed and we are now thinking of going private. It's a massive decision for us and not something we'd intended on doing but we have to do something!

We've looked at Buckholme Towers and BCS.

Can anyone give me a hand with working out differences between the 2 please? We don't really know anyone we can talk to about it and obviously the schools will be biased!

Our initial impression was that BT was really cosy but didn't have state of the art facilities but that BCS did but maybe wasn't as academic. So hard to work out. I've read some terrible reviews of BCS online (and some good ones!) But not very much about Buckholme Towers.

These are the only 2 we're considering.

Would love to hear from any mumsnetters with experience!

Thank you x

[Lulu1919]

How old is your dd

[Gdpvd]

Hello
She's 4 and in reception. We're thinking of moving her for the start of Jan term.

[pombal]

I’ve only heard about BCS and nobody seems to think it’s better than state alternatives.

However, they are only talking about academics.

[Gdpvd]

Thanks Pombal!

Hmmm... That's good for thought.

[Lulu1919]

Private school doesn’t mean no bullying
Private school school doesn’t mean better
You do usually get smaller classes and often a longer day and longer school holidays
BCS does go all the way through....although the campus changes.has plenty outside space and a pool
BTowers ....much much smaller very little outside space
Maybe give the state school a bit longer it’s still ealrybdays and it can take children a while to feel settled..which could be why she’s not her best at home too...

[Lucy112]

Buckholme Towers' Ofsted was from over a year and a half ago. Under new management they have followed a strategic development plan and have recently become ISA and are compliant in all areas including good quality teaching etc. Both my children went to Buckholme, it's a small and warm, friendly and comforting like an extended family. All the staff know all the children and nuture them in all areas of their learning. They have a very dedicated SENCO and Pastoral teachers. All the children appear very happy and no one seems to 'slip through the net'. They have the best KS2 results in the whole of Poole if you look at the recently published ones.
In terms of facilities, yes they do have a smaller outdoor space however they are always using places like Poole Park and the local tennis clubs or gymnasiums and swimming pools for sports.
My favourite part about the school was the performances from class assemblies/Harvest and Xmas... every child gets a chance to shine unlike lots of other schools.
I would highly recommend BTS to anyone wanting a more personalised learning environment for their child!

[Gdpvd]

Hi lulu and Lucy

Thank you very much for your responses.

It's great to hear from someone whose kids thrived at BT. I'm going to get in touch with a parent at each school to see differing opinions.

Warm and cosy would definitely be a big plus for us. Our little girl's confidence had absolutely plummeted and it's so hard to watch.

I guess the difference in the facilities is pretty stark though. Just wish BT had the same layout and facilities as BCS!

We'll do some more investigating but thanks so much. I really appreciate your thoughts.

[user1483972886]

My godson and his sister go to BT and his mother also went there. They seem very happy with it and the plan was to get into Poole Grammar which he has managed to do so they are very pleased.
Have you toured both schools? Why not send your daughter for a taster day and see how she gets on?
I went to Talbot Heath in Bourne mouth and was very happy there.

[VioletHornswaggle]

My daughter is at Buckholme Towers. She started this year and loves it. She gets focussed support and it's done wonders for her confidence.

Although the physical facilities don't look as good as BCS, they make the most of the local environment such as Poole Park for sports inc sailing, local gymnastic centres, local swimming pool etc. Because class sizes are small they are able to transport them easily by minibus, making them flexible.

It's pretty affordable too and doesn't have the same big hikes in fees BCS does. The teachers are all very friendly and approachable and the whole atmosphere is 'customer focussed' if you see what I mean.

I'd be happy for you to pm me if you'd like to discuss more.

[Paddingtonthebear]

Both are local to me, I think BCS has the better rep.

Very interested to know what infant school your DD is in currently

[Hugo23]

There has been a lot of issues at Buckholme just recently so wouldn't recommend. Head no longer there with no explanation given to parents. Lot of children leaving and classes now too small. Have you looked at Park or considered some of the village schools. I do think it is important for children to be happy so have a good look round.

[ReaganSomerset]

In reception? Have you had strong words with her current school? Children shouldn't be left to their own devices enough to buily others in reception. They are literally always under close supervision. Do staff know about the problem?

[Stopyourmessingaround]

Both mine went to BT for a couple of years. They loved it but it is incredibly small. This has its plus points as it is nurturing (many children move there as they have struggled in bigger schools) and offers very individualised learning but can be limiting in terms of friendship groups, sport etc. Yes, their academic results are good, but it's worth bearing in mind that the vast majority of children are tutored privately as well to get through 11-plus. Talking to other parents, they're very, very low on numbers at the moment, which would worry me. I've got friends who have had children at BCS - their facilities are good and sport especially so, but academically not so great. In your position I would definitely be looking at Talbot Heath - lovely nurturing atmosphere, fantastic grounds and really strong academically. Equally, I would be trying to do everything you can with her current school - if it's one of the two infants schools in the BT/BCS area, they're both large, so could she be moved into another class, or are there places at the other infant school?