Ralph Thoresby School, Leeds

[nonicknamemum]

Does anyone have recent experience of Ralph Thoresby School, good or bad?

[Loshad]

yes am working with someone who taught there, he speaks quite highly of it. apparently the head isn't too keen on rules but he said the kids were great and he clearly had enjoyed himself teaching there. The new build is pleasant too. What are your alternatives? - horsforth - very good rep, always full, Lawnswood - steer clear - i went for an interview there and withdrew my application during the day.....they didn't even dare give the applicants a whole class to teach but hand picked 8 kids, sat them at 8 different desks and we were still constantly interrupted by students wandering past, opening the door and shouting abuse in, place full of litter etc etc.

[nonicknamemum]

Thanks Loshad. Horsforth would be our first choice. I am hopeful that we will get a place living where we do, but it's not guaranteed. Ralph Thoresby is our nearest school, so I think we could definitely get a place there if that's what we want, but I have a couple of qualms about it. My son is bright, into science, not really into drama type stuff at all. At Ralph Thoresby there seems to be a huge emphasis on performing etc, which I appreciate could be great for some kids, but I wonder whether it will get the best out of a boy who is more science oriented and who is clever, but could choose to cruise through rather than work hard if he isn't pushed. The Ralph Thoresby GCSE results don't look great considering its catchment area. Do you know whether the head who isn't keen on rules is the current head? I think there's been a change of head in the last couple of years. The other possible choice would be to go private. That would take a big chunk of our income, and there's no way I would go private if we could get a place at Horsforth, but I would pay to go private if I thought that the alternative was really wrong for my son. So what I'm trying to work out is whether RT would be really wrong for him, or whether it would be an OK second choice. Sorry for length of post! Good to have choices, but it does mean I worry about making the wrong decision!

[nonicknamemum]

Anyone else?

[nonicknamemum]

Anyone?

[nonicknamemum]

Thanks Teacher - interesting.

[Loshad]

nonickname, but Lawnswood still starting from unsatisfactory. Most schools in leeds have one head of year that stays with the students for the whole 5 years.

[nonicknamemum]

Thanks Loshad. From what I've heard there is no way I would choose Lawnswood over Ralph Thoresby. However, I was interested in Teacher's comments about the transition, as if Ralph Thoresby don't take much care over that, it makes me wonder whether there are other important areas that aren't given the care they deserve.