City of London Freemen's School (CLFS)

@Motherofkitteys How recently were you there? This is definitely making me worry and rethink.

I'm glad to hear life is better elsewhere. Can you share what other schools you considered. A nice stable head is not easy to find. We are keen on St John's but their head has been ousted, I believe for similar behaviour to what has been mentioned here. We are also keen on Epsom, but their head is new this year so unknown.

I also think parents, current and prospective, should be asking loudly and frequently about these things - approach to bullying, pastoral support etc. that is most likely how change on the ground will happen.

Unfortunately some of the blame for this is on parents who tutor like crazy and to get their children in schools that aren’t really right for them. I know people who have done this, went against prep schools advice/recommendations and then are annoyed when a year or so later they have an unhappy child - this happens at other local schools too, I have a pal at RGS with a child in exactly this position. It makes it difficult for the child, the school and the parents.

I would say robust, independent, resilient types will do best. I don’t believe the issues raised are anything to do with academic failure - it’s about pastoral care. My impression is the selection is pretty sound on the academic front. There are happy children there for sure and some not so happy and it’s knowing in the latter situation that children are looked after. I have pretty happy kids there but I am aware of those who are not. Possibly there is a shift to a more pastoral approach which would be excellent. The ethos is there in theory and it sounds like the words are going in the right direction but is it translating on the ground? - I don’t know. Maybe others can say.

We know lots of parents with kids at CLFS, often with 2/3/4 kids there, who are very happy with it. Agree it’s best suited to naturally academic and robust but suspect you could say that about most selective indies. I think they have learned from previous experience and made an effort to change the culture.

my DS just been offered a place and we are interested although not first choice. we are v local abd know lots of v v happy kids there. I am unnerved by the comments. I will be raising this with them tbh but the parents i know with kids there from yr 7 to yr 12 have no complaints at all. it is for academically robust kids without a doubt and those who are competitive and like a challenge.

I agree that it appears they have learnt from past incidents and the emphasis on pastoral care is strong. No school will be perfect, but listening, responding and learning is a key trait of leadership.
It would be interesting to hear from other current parents whether they are experiencing that shift.

It’s so good to finally hear some positive feedback, after all previous threads about this school. DS is so excited about the offer and I would be relieved to know if those cases were indeed a matter of the past! From what @AC7001 says it sounds like school has taken note and made some good changes for better pastoral care 👍

I did go to the open day and the HM was talking almost only about pastoral care (and almost everyone fell half asleep). So that quite likely had been an issue in the past, and the emphasis on this meant this issue must have been dealt with. I have a friend whose DD is there and she loves the school and nothing negative reported.

That’s great! Is that for y6?

Our DD has received an offer and it is one are seriously considering. Also impressed by open day, friendly staff and pupils.

Our DD has been offered a place too and she’s very happy and excited. She loved the school on its open day, and was also very impressed with the co curricular clubs.
however, we ourselves are in a doubt because of the same comments that you have mentioned. I have spoken to a few people and they are quite happy. Also, another new parent mentioned that they researched well and found out while their visit that the pupils were happy .
Its a very good school, but still confused!!

I would agree, it is definitely a back up school for many applying to the (even) more competitive surrey indies! I am in similar situation with DS. We have been offered a place and DS is thrilled, he loved the school tour especially the DT department. I am still weary about the many, many posts that have stated the rife bullying, racism and sexism that flourishes there. However on the other hand all the school reviews and the league tables present a fantastic school of academic excellence! Are these recent cases of bullying etc and have they been duly dealt with or is there still a recurrence of such behaviour within the school, without being addressed properly. I would love to hear from current parents as this would help with my decision ☹️

I think there is movement- as people can put it in as 2nd choice.

How did people go yesterday? We got waitlisted? Does anyone know if there tends to be much movement at CLFS?

I do have concerns around some of the comments on here but I was really impressed at the September open day and my DS enjoyed the assessment day (which I didn't expect).

I think they’ve had some issues with girl cliques - not directly aware of the issues but I think they’ve got some projects in place to try to help. DM me if you want any more info.

Thank you so much for your reply.
that’s good to know.
My daughter is pretty confident and independent, however after reading all the posts regarding bullying I got really worried.

No direct experience of bullying but I’d suggest that robust, able, confident kids do best there. Particularly in the juniors they expect a v v high level of independence- it’s hands off not pastorally nurturing.