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Original poster

Holland Park school. Any updates?

92 replies

malfrale · 22/09/2022 17:37

Hi,

I went to the open evening at HP and actually the new headteacher made a positive impression on me. He is aware of the problems of the school and did not try to play down what happened last year. He briefly explained what being part of UL involves (not much difference to the freedom of the school, apparently) and explained how they are addressing the issues pointed out in the ofsted report.

Having said this, obviously open evenings are some kind of show so I would welcome some insider information to understand better how are things these days in the school, how many kids or teachers have left, etc.

My child would start in September 2023.

Many thanks

OP posts:
PettsWoodParadise · 23/01/2023 21:54

As a parent with a DD at an outstanding grammar school that joined UL a couple of years into my daughter being at the school I must admit I was suspicious and worried at first. It has generally been fine and my fears didn’t come to pass, the best parts of the school have been allowed to flourish and they’ve benefited from software deals and ties with private schools etc. Never an issue with recruiting teachers. The school had another inspection recently and got an outstanding again. Most importantly my DD has been happy.

Trippingupwards · 23/01/2023 11:16

Good to hear about the new head @Letmedowneasy

@Stringbean70 is right about the parents group - they were very noisy (and malicious) but have gone quiet now thank god.

Letmedowneasy · 23/01/2023 08:58

I'm not aware of the issues at the school but just wanted to say that the new headteacher is from my sons school and he is an amazing head, he is a fantastic, strong leader, involved, caring and interested in every child, not just the high achievers.
Hopefully he can bring that to Holland Park.

Original poster
malfrale · 23/01/2023 08:35

Hi, that is interesting to hear. I think what is needed is a more positive and constructive approach.

Can I ask if your kid is changing school for his sixth form as a result of the events of the last year or they’d have done it anyway? The A-levels results last year were very good.

Thanks and good luck.

OP posts:
Stringbean70 · 22/01/2023 02:16

I have had three kids in the school. Youngest (y10) sill there but will move next year to another sixth form. The school is improving since it joined United Learning but most parents are disengaged and a radical parents group - who claim to represent us but have no legitimacy - are destabilising the school. I sincerely hope the new MAT will get a grip

MumA123 · 29/10/2022 14:59

Thank you, that's very encouraging x

Original poster
malfrale · 29/10/2022 14:00

Thanks for confirming my impression. As I said, I refused to send my older one to HP after attending CH’s talk at the open evening whereas I have now decided to apply for my son after listening to the new headteacher.

OP posts:
artbar · 29/10/2022 09:34

Yes, they will need the HP school bag. Regarding shoes - my son has comfortable leather shoes with laces - not sure about kickers.
welcome to HP! It’s a good time to join.

artbar · 29/10/2022 09:32

My son is currently in year 9 and we‘ll send our second child too. Academically the school is amazing, teachers are great and I agree with the above - with the new head the atmosphere is way better and calm. We were no fans of the Colin Hall times and would have removed our child if he wouldn’t have left. His departure changed a lot (the interim wasn’t great and that was when ofstead came in but this past months it was a massive change to the better with the new head)
They are strict but like other secondary schools.
We think the school is on a way up and with a new leadership structure already in place, they can leave the turbulent years behind.

MumA123 · 26/10/2022 20:12

Hiya
I'm about to get the uniform soon, could any mum please tell me if they are very strict on it at all.
Like for a year 9 student would the child still need to have the actual Holland Park School bag and no Kickers ?

Thank You

Original poster
malfrale · 23/10/2022 16:49

Hi, Yes many people must have left. Last year was a disaster and the “inadequate” rating scares people. However, I believe that things can only improve from here.

I spoke to several parents now. A year 9 parent told me that the school is still very good academically but likely not as much excessive pressure as before. Two different year 7 parents said that their children have got excellent academic and pastoral support. Also, there is zero tolerance for bullying.

Please let us know your thoughts and impression once your child starts.

All the best

OP posts:
MumA123 · 23/10/2022 11:22

I think a lot of kids must have left. My child will just be joining next week after half term with many others across all year groups. I can only hope it is the right decision.

Original poster
malfrale · 23/09/2022 21:51

That was also my feeling, @learningmom. To be honest I think this is also an ofsted failure as they refused to see earlier what many of us had realised just listening to the old HT talk.
If, as it seems, the new management is good the school could actually become better than it was before.

OP posts:
learningmom · 23/09/2022 21:10

Dear @malfrale , this morning I attended the open morning and to my surprise I quiet liked the school despite everything I’ve heard and everything that has happened! The kids seemed happy, the school was very clean, the teachers were very kind and caring. I asked one of the Year 9 students about the change in school and she said that she has seen the previous headteacher as well and the new one is much much better. I went back home and read the Ofsted report once again and all I can see is the problems were mainly regarding the administration. I believe that next year the school will get back on track! I also would love to hear more from the existing parents.

Original poster
malfrale · 22/09/2022 21:20

Hi,

thanks for your reply. Yes, last year must have been a total nightmare. I was not even sure I wanted to visit the school but I’m glad I did as it gave me a much better impression than when I saw it three years ago with my daughter (she did not go there as I disliked the previous HT).

Do you know if many teachers have left?

Thanks again

OP posts:
XelaM · 22/09/2022 17:47

HP*

XelaM · 22/09/2022 17:47

My daughter's best friend is there. Last year was total chaos, but she says things have definitely calmed down this year. She says not much has changed, except the school became much stricter to prevent it all going wrong again. I could find out more. I must say that despite her mother's horror at last year's events, my daughter's friend has always actually really liked the school - even last year. She's a very outgoing popular girl though, so I don't know if it's the school specifically or she would have been happy at any school. She's definitely happy at HO though.