Newland House - how academic?

[Lucky7799]

We have recently moved into the area and I am looking for a place for next year for my Year 3 boy. Any views on Newland House versus the Mall schools? Trying to decide for my DS for next Sept. the threads on here are a while ago and things can change. DS seems academic (although early to tell). Any help / views appreciated.

[After8itsgrownuptime]

Hey, I have 2 at NH. It was going down hill until recently but the new head is really turning the school around. He’s only been there but has made some amazing and much needed changes. It’s also an inclusive school so no child is eve asked to leave although it might not suit those that have severe learning difficulties (a few in each year with dyslexia and mild SEN) . Basically go and see both. I just didn’t take to the mall but have friend who are very happy tenet. The deal breaker could be whether or not you want your son to leave at 11 or 13. NH goes through to 13 for boys (and now girls) that want to stay for common entrance. The mall end at 11

[After8itsgrownuptime]

Should say that I have a very bright girl and Middle of the road son and both are being catered for academically. Also very impressed with their COVID provision after a shaky start

[Lucky7799]

That’s great to hear. I had some mixed reviews But all friend of friend stuff and thought from the tour there was quite a heavy focus on SEN and sport and less emphasis on the academic side of things. New head did seem very nice. Thanks for responding.

[After8itsgrownuptime]

No worries. One of my kids is dyslexic and one of the first things new head is doing is totalling revamping the SEN (he announced the new measures and plans recently).
He’s very proud of the ‘inclusivity’ of the school. Academically, they are still there to prep for 11+ and they do prep hard from year 5 onwards, but pastoral is really on the up . Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

[TWmum28]

I have had two at NHS. I would say they have been happy (which is a big big plus and key at primary level and pastoral ok - strong pastoral for SEN who are a large focus). For example online learning was the whole year group of 60 to one teacher (with one observing) to allow SEN children 1:1 time each week. If your child wasn't in the 1:1 group then they were expected to just get on with it.

In our view it's not been strong for an academic child - English has been quite weak and there doesn't seem to be a clear thread of covering things between the years or building on what is done before. How well your child was taught was heavily dependent on class and teacher (with many with children up the school warning against specific ones etc). Results for the 11 and 13 plus for the very top schools have been weaker in recent years (they have been bleeding the 13 plus leavers with the 11 plus so harder to see each year group) and children need to be tutored for any competitive school (which might be the case more widely but we were hoping to just pay once!). Sport has an A team culture of favourites and is boy heavy in focus. On the positives the parents are nice and most of the children are happy ... the lack of academic focus just leads to quite a stressful 11 plus process in Year 5 and 6 if you are aiming for a top senior school - you'll have to do much of the prep yourself.

[Lucky7799]

Thanks TWmum and After8, really useful to hear from actual parents.