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Secondary education

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Anyone applied to Maida Vale School?

36 replies

Usernamealreadyexists · 05/02/2020 21:04

Very interested to hear about thoughts about this school and the admissions process. Seeking a nurturing secondary for my DS and this is on my list. I’d be grateful for any insights.

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Rockylady · 06/02/2020 22:39

@Stircrazyschoolmum should consider Kew House school rather than Maida Vale? You have a direct train to Kew Bridge from Clapham Junction.

Usernamealreadyexists · 06/02/2020 21:17

@Paribus thanks you for the feedback.
@Binterested yes I saw this but I was told it has no library.

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Binterested · 06/02/2020 19:40

There’s also to be a new senior school at Kensington Park School.

Paribus · 06/02/2020 19:14

@usernamealreadyexists, afaik, their prep school is awful- no studying, no “prep” to talk of, kids are not learning anything, more babysitting service than a school really. I know a lot of parents who just took their kids out and left. Has an awful local reputation i must say. Can’t see how their senior school will/can be any different.

Usernamealreadyexists · 06/02/2020 19:09

@Paribus are you able to explain why? I have no knowledge of the school.

@Stircrazyschoolmum there is a direct bus to very close to the school from Victoria otherwise circle line to Paddington and change to Bakerloo and walk from MV station. Or check overland train options to Kilburn High Rd.

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Stircrazyschoolmum · 06/02/2020 11:21

I'm also exploring options for next year and have heard lots of positive things from Kew House parents!

Maida Vale seems to have a similar pastoral ethos to Kew House and on the inside track I've heard they are more likely to have spaces this year and next due to being a new school with no established feeders or siblings.

Ideally we'd prefer not to travel north of the river but we are struggling to find a safe/banker co-ed option as Emanuel has gotten crazy popular.

Is the commute from Clapham Junction doable?

Paribus · 06/02/2020 11:12

Knightsbridge school is deffo NOT worth looking at- take it from a local who knows chelsea schools inside out.

Usernamealreadyexists · 06/02/2020 07:46

Ahhhh I hope he gets the school that’s right for him. Knightsbridge School is opening a senior school and so maybe worth looking at.

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Binterested · 05/02/2020 21:49

Yes also applied to Emanuel and John Lyon. Plus Northbridge House as least favourite.

Already rejected from four more academic ones Sad.

Usernamealreadyexists · 05/02/2020 21:37

Thanks for your reply! I guess they will be using the sports facilities at Paddington Rec behind the school. It has fab facilities. Not looking for a pressured school but would like it to be academic. I guess they need to recoup fees from the massive investment into the school. Did you look at any others? Emanuel?

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Binterested · 05/02/2020 21:32

I have ! On a recommendation from a friend with a child at Kew Bridge House. I can’t say anything about it really as I don’t know anything at this point more than you do!

The application process seemed smooth and not too stressful. I get the impression it won’t be excessively high pressure academically. I am not clear yet what the sports provision will be like (that’s a priority for ds). Also it’s at the more expensive end and I’m not sure why that should be.