St Benedict's in Ealing

[alcatraz]

What is it like for non Catholics

[alcatraz]

There is a dearth of local school places for boys in Ealing. Have been considering St Benedict's as it has a good reputation as a kind and caring school. However although they welcome all applicants it is obviously a Catholic school. So what is it like in reality for those who are not Catholic or even, dare I say it, atheist!

[zanzibarmum]

westendgirl - what is it about the school that particularly works for your DS

[frakula]

My brother went there - we are Christian but not Catholic - and thrived. When my parents moved house he had to leave and his new school was nowhere near as caring or supportive. Their SEN support was very good when he was there too.

He thought Mass was very boring but loved the Rugby. He chose it at 11 because it offered Latin (strange boy...). He's quite musical and enjoyed the opportunities the school had in that area too.

[bodycolder]

2 of my oldest friends have children there and def not catholic.Lovely kids though and have all done really well

[seeker]

Julian Clary is an Old Boy!

[Judy1234]

And do look at this jolly little missive on their web site. ..

www.stbenedicts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/abbot-parents-letter.pdf

[alcatraz]

Thanks for all these comments, really helpful. Still feel apprehensive about the Catholic side of things, it seems to become so embedded in people's personalities, not always in a good way. However, that said, as a fee paying school St B's has obviously had to let in various types they would not have considered but for comp from all the free Catholic schools round here.

Xenia where do find this info! I agree it actually shows the present school body in a good light for facing the situation and apologising, quite unusual in Catholic institutions. I remember at least 2 pervy teachers (one of whom was later arrested) at my non-religious state school!

[Judy1234]

I found thei nformation on their web site. Most schools do not have child abuse like that. I am a Catholic. I support Catholic schools but most do not have something like that in their midst and yes it would put me off. But much more off putting is just that they are nowhere near top league compared to schools like St paul's, Haberdashers, merchant taylors or girls North London Collegiate, Habs etc . They are for the less clever child who wouldn't get in anywhere else.

[zanzibarmum]

Xenia - with views like your (if you haven't got any money you are a failing mum) then if you are a Catholic I am a banana!

[alcatraz]

Well you are right about the league position but as a Catholic surely being 'less clever' than the top league isn't a sin! What are your thoughts on eugenics....maybe people who don't get into St Pauls should just be exterminated!

But seriously my DS is reasonably clever and his sister goes to NHEHS but there is simply no equivalent for boys, the higher achieving schools are really oversubscribed. There are many more options for the girls and hence it's not quite as competitive. If there was an equiv of NHEHS, which was not that hard to get into, but still v sound academically I would def send him there, his sister loves it even though she was deemed not 'clever' enough for any of those top league schools you mention.

Anyhow St B's did manage 10 to Oxbridge in the same year that my 'top league' niece was turned away and not even interviewed there or at UCl despite her crate loads of As and A*s! A few to med school too, so it would seem that you can aim high if you want to.

Relying on you to keep it MEAN Xenia, you're telling it like it is for all the parents negotiating private schools' admissions systems.

[LetsEscape]

It is very worrying that there is such an attitude that if your child isn't in the 'top league' schools then they are a Nobody. There are children of all abilities and of all different interests and talents, needing all kinds of different schools.

I applaud a head teacher such as Mr Cleugh, who celebrates everybody's achievement whether they are straight A students or C's and openly states this at his open day talk and also a school who does not weed out its weaker pupils after GCSE like so many do. St Benedict's is like that. I know many parents with boys who attend and they all say how happy the children are. It is true that it does have a more comprehensive intake, both very able as well as those clearly needing support. This may be because the school has a very strong reputation for its pastoral care and learning support department. But for an independent school it seems to be much more inclusive.

[rosieposy1]

removing both my children from this school this year after 4 yrs of attendance much to their annoyance - we are totally dissatisfied very sad and very disappointed - complaint to the head far from satisfactory. My opinion is far from the caring school it appears.

[goodcitizen]

Hi My daughter currently goes to Nursery in St. Benedict and She has been offered a place there. She is extremely happy and has shown significant progress in last 4 months . We may get her admitted to Montpelier but I was seriously thinking to continue in St. Benedict. I really headmaster Mr. Simmons in two to three meetings I had with him. He comes from humble background and really is caring leader.

I was really surprised with some of the strong negative feedback. Can some parents help me to make up my mind.

[poisonedbypen]

Ask why at least 2 teachers have been suspended at the moment. Ask to see the English results. Ask a lot of questions and then send your child there when you have all the answers. (zombie thread)

[acuday11]

poisonedbypen do you have kids at st benedicts?