West London free school

Can I also comment on concerns about the deputy head. He is actually is very approachable. But he is very keen to get the message across to parents that if they don't agree with the school rules then they better look elsewhere because based on past experience if the parents are not on board, the pupils themselves will break the rules.

I also like the assessment techniques used. I won't go into the details but basically pupils are encouraged to do their personal best, based on data gathered using an online test carried out at the beginning of Year 7 - rather than compete against fellow pupils, which can demotivate the less able, or make the most able complacent. Apologies for that hideously long sentence!

I'll put it another way - my daughter entered secondary school confident but with fairly low self-esteem and her greatest ambition was to be a model. A year on, and she wants to be a lawyer!!!

I think the academic level is overall very good at the WLFS. The small size class of 24 students works well, streaming is being introduced to stimulate further the talented children and support those who need extra support and help, but above all I think the school's ethos and approach is across all abilities and social backgrounds. I think this also works thanks to the attentive group of teachers who are motivated and committed to make this school a stimulating learning experience. Parents are also actively involved and encouraged to play an important role in participating and supporting the school from fundraising, to music to school trips across Europe and other social events.

The school is only 1 year old and in my view has been doing remarkably well. There are of course still some teething problems that are being adressed. Issues involve the homework flow which can at times be uneven, and could be more rigorous at times (particularly maths), the logistics of getting the pupils to the various sport activities is not always efficient, IT or lab facilities are limited etc. and we all can't wait for the move to the Palinswick house new building which will happen in September 2013. Overall I really believe that the foundations for a good and successful school are in place.

He is actually really very nice....I think he wanted to make a point to parents about how strict the school is and if you don't like that then don't apply. He does so much more than the Headmaster......

Hi, I am also a WLFS mum. Both my daughters are there - Year 7 and 8. I think the quality of teaching is excellent and I am also happy with the level of discipline. Both girls are settling in very well. Contrary to what you may hear in the media or by word of mouth, the school is not a middle-class enclave but a real microcosm of West London with children from all over the world and of all different abilities which in my view is a 'good thing'. My one gripe is the school sometimes fails to communicate certain information to parents, relying heavily on the children to let us know things like when they will be late home (from after-school sports, open evenings etc). But I think a lot of secondary schools are like that and as a parent, when you are used to regular and frequent communication at primary school, it comes as a shock when you have to rely on your children to let you know what time they are finishing! Are you thinking of applying?

I have a 12 year old daughter at the West London Free School who is in year 8. She loves the school. It was a risk to send her there as it was a brand new school but it has completely paid off. She has made so many lovely friends,she plays hockey, netball and rounders, sings in the choir, sings in a band, has gone on many cultural visits, has had french breakfasts in french restaurants and is going to Holland for a 3 day hockey trip. The teachers are very friendly but very strict too. I like the discipline in the school as i feel safe in the knowledge that she is safe and working hard. She's never late, always does her homework (which there is a lot of), and makes sure she is wearing the right uniform. The end of year exams were hard but she managed to get the grasp of revising and passed. The amount of progress she has made in one year is amazing both academically and socially. It was also a very easy transition from primary to secondary because of there being only 120 kids. This year, another 120 kids have joined, and so far they seem to be coping. They are in a temporary building until next September and I think once they have moved into Pallingswick House, it will go from strength to strength. Hope this helps and good luck. Please ask any more questions...am happy to answer.