Pimlico Academy? Chelsea Academy? Holland Park?

[Cleopatra1]

Does anyone have any children at any of these? If so what are your thoughts on the school? Or Chelsea Academy?

Any info would be really appreciated!
I've left it all really late! Need to apply by 31st October...
Thanks

[DiaryofaHollandParkParent]

Holland Park is good (if you discount the narcissistic head) and academically superior to Chelsea because the latter does not use the banding test. HP in the top band has very high achievers and some really gifted teachers throughout. (Some useless ones as well). Chelsea has some very disruptive children; HP is much more robust at dealing with miscreants. The former Head described the governors at Chelsea as completely out of touch with reality though they are at HP too to be honest.

I have no personal knowledge of Pimlico.

[doorkeeper]

I think HP is terrifyingly strict, but I've been impressed by the work they do, my kid is really enjoying it, and I'm really grateful they got in. I get the distinct impression that life is a little easier for HP pupils who are academically a bit more able, so that might be a factor in your choice. Also, there's not much social bonding time at HP - it's work, work, work, work and not much else - so if your kid is the only one from their school going there, how good are they at fitting into new social circles and making friends might also be a factor.

[IsabellaMumsnet]

You might want to try asking locals of the area on our Local site for Westminster and City: local.mumsnet.com/westminster-and-city
We have local talk boards as well as hundreds of listings, including listings of schools, to which you can add your own reviews to help other MNs.

[Cleopatra1]

Thanks for your replies. I received a letter today saying my son will be considered for a place through art aptitude, which i'm delighted with. But I can't find out what happens after this. Does it mean that distance from school is then discounted or does

I would like to put Holland Park as 1st choice but feel that it may be too far if it then depends on distance.
I'm in a real panic. Any advice would be gratefully received!

[Abitannoyedatthis]

Yes if he is admitted on art aptitude distance is discounted. I would think carefully about travel though if you are far away.

[Abitannoyedatthis]

Just a thought - do you know how high he is ranked for art a

[Abitannoyedatthis]

Sorry
... for art aptitude? They take 6 from each band to begin with and then work down the list.

[Cleopatra1]

This is why I am confused... The letter says "He achieved in excess of 20 marks from a possible 40 and will therefore be considered for a place through aptitude." There is nothing to say how many marks he actually got.
It then goes on to say that to complete the application process for consideration I must name Holland Park on the Secondary transfer form and he must attend a banding test.
I'm confused by the wording... Ie. 'considered'... where does the 'consideration' come into it? Maybe I'm being a bit dense but the letter seems very ambiguous.
Obviously, if Holland Park returned my calls or emails I wouldn't have this confusion!