Harrodian

I understand having toured the school that homophobia and racism aren’t tolerated.
i have friends who sent their two sons there and were very happy. The pastoral care following the parents’ divorce was first rate. Both boys are now at Russell Group universities. The school’s academics are very good and competition is strong for places at 11+

From what I can see, they had a 78% A*/A for A levels, and 76% 9-7 for GCSE, this is hardly a school that is underperforming from an academic perspective. Not sure what the purpose of EvaMcGill's post is... However, if you are unhappy at a school, perhaps move your DC somewhere else. You will however find that all schools are required to teach about EDI in the curriculum and LQBTQ+ is very much part of this.
I have no personal experience yet but have heard some fabulous things about this school, a friend's DD is there. I am planning to go to one of the open mornings in the Autumn, and will report back! FWIW, I think there is no substitution for visiting, asking questions and forming your own opinions.🙂

Sorry shouldn’t really have tagged you! It was more from the earlier post about the poor results and the political agenda at Harrodian.

@Ilikelists in no way am I saying their results are bad or good. What I’m saying in my original post is look at the school and go with your gut. If you like the school for your dc then the small class sizes of the right independent school for your child will always achieve the results for your dc

Harrodian subjects and boards may have been different but overall the university results look similar for Emanuel, Putney, Harrodian and Ibstock. Oxbridge is a crude measure but last year Emanuel (2) Putney (6) Harrodian (6) Ibstock (2) and also very similar looking results from all four for top Russell Groups. I don’t think anyone can claim the Harrodian results are poor.

@redrobin75 , they do but the content can be harder from different boards and schools.

e.g Emanuel school did Of mice and Men for english and Dulwich College did Pride and Prejudice a couple of years ago which is arguably a harder text.

@beentheredonethat52 , exam boards moderate their results so that you would get the same result sitting any paper.

Don't just look at A'level results, yes the Harrodian have done really well but the subjects or the board may not have been as academic as say Putney High or Emanuel. Look at the school and go with your gut but also dont be afraid to move your child if it isn't working.

I don’t have a child at Harrodian so I can’t comment on the teaching or ‘political agenda’ however in terms of results I think Harrodian does very well. Last year at A-level Latymer Upper was ranked 36 and Harrodian was ranked 42, ahead of schools like Putney High, Emanuel, Ibstock which all have similar fees to Harrodian.

I’d also add some of your remarks are potentially libellous and you should ask for them to be deleted

Can you explain why you feel that way? Do you have a child there? My son is due to start in September so very interested.

I think you’d find an lgbtq agenda at most private secondary schools

Even the best schools have some poor teachers

as for results: the Harrodian is not as selective as other schools- there’s virtually no selection in the lower school.

I have a DC at Harrodian. The music department is outstanding. Celebrity parents in our year but no change in dynamic at all (we're coming from a state primary). Academic standard appears high.

I know loads of people who've had or have dc at Harrodian and some teachers who enjoy life there - the school is widely mocked for being less academic than many in the area, but it sends kids to perfectly decent universities. The kids seem nice, their parents are delightful. Celebs are all at London private schools - they don't appear much, they're too busy and don't want to be harassed and certainly don't change the dynamic.

@1984Yes They now have 5 forms of 20-24 pupils in Y7, so just over 100 children in a year and they mix them a lot to give them chance to meet find their group of interest.
I'd say the most helpful is to visit your prospective schools, 'feel' them and imagine how your child fits in. There could be more than one right school for your ds. Then you just choose whatever feels best / easier to get to.

@Ifyoulikeitdoitagain is it quite small as a school? I had a look online and can see that I think that it's 4 form entry with 20 children in each class?

So approx 40 girls and 40 boys in each year group?

Thank you for any thoughts. DS is a quiet and sensitive soul. We are looking for a nurturing kind school.

I'm torn between a small school that can keep an eye on him and a big school with lots of different characters who give him more of a choice to find friends.

I do have a child there, in early secondary.
I understand the agony of choosing a school, I would say don't overthink it. It was recommended to your dd, so if it's convenient to get to and you both like it - go for it. It will not close any doors for your daughter.
It integrates new children very well and the teachers know children well. Kindness and friendly relations are strongly encouraged by the school.

Yes, some people choose to drive very expensive cars. So what?
I am not into celebrities - I would not recognise them talking to them. Neither children nor parents talk to about them, so they don't exist in my bubble nor affect my child's life in any way.
From memories, when we visited first it felt a bit too nice compared to other schools, but it's only because of its large, green grounds.

Secondary.

The school is not that easy to get to, so it mainly serves areas around it. The areas are predominantly white (plenty of europeans). So the school's intake is as diverse as the population around it.

If you and your dd liked it - then go for it.
It is a good school. The pastoral care is very good. The school does encourage academic achievement and does have excellent performers at GCSE and A-levels. It does not feel very competitive, but it's not a bad thing for quieter children.
Have a look at the choice of subjects if they are what you expect. (For example, they don't have German or Mandarin).
They now have a bus from SW London (after Hammersmith bridge closed).