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Original poster

Concerns at Wychwood School, Oxford - seeking other families

112 replies

Galanthus78 · 02/03/2023 11:46

The situation re Wychwood going co-ed is of great concern to my DD who is a pupil at the school, and to us. We've given the powers-that-be a chance to reassure us, and DD has talked extensively with staff; if anything, we've become even more concerned. DD has now asked us to actively seek her a place elsewhere, which seems a real shame after several (mostly) happy years there.

Are there any other parents around?

Specifically, we have 3 main concerns, which I'll go into, below.

OP posts:
Shelefttheweb · 08/03/2023 12:58

It is all about financials:

E3 Capital Partners (‘E3’) is an independent and privately owned property company that specialises in a select number of specifically researched alternative investment strategies by which we are able to add value through superior knowledge and operational capability.

Our investment strategies seek to create and nurture businesses within the alternative real-estate space, using our knowledge of corporate and real-estate markets with a view to delivering long-term value as both an owner and operator.

Driving net operating income (NOI) is a fundamental part of delivering both corporate and real-estate performance. We believe that this is best achieved through the direct experience of owning, managing and advising businesses in our chosen sectors. This may include either direct ownership or hands-on strategic advice.

TizerorFizz · 08/03/2023 12:53

@Galanthus78
Erecting new ones increases the footprint.

However I agree it’s a niche market they are going for.

Dodgeitornot · 08/03/2023 12:32

I think it's already been mentioned on here or on the other thread that it doesn't seem to be financials at the moment, that can obviously change very quickly. I do agree with what others have said, it seems they want a school that caters to the growing trans population and immediately releasing places for all genders is one way of doing that. I think they have grossly misjudged the level of support and empathy parents are willing to give in this area though. They've really bitten the hand that feeds them and treated parents like an easily replaceable commodity that doesn't need to be respected.

Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 12:23

@TizerorFizz My impression is that there is very little expansion space available on the site, so it’s more a case of reconfiguration of the existing buildings than erecting new ones, but I haven’t looked at the plans in detail.

OP posts:
Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 12:17

it is at risk of rapid decision-making by the owners is exactly what’s been bothering me, @Shelefttheweb. You’ve put your finger right on it.
And maybe this seemingly rapid decision making to go co-ed was not that rapid, and based on sound strategic reasons. But since it’s been sprung on us, and our DD’s, it’s exposed the risk, and called into question the judgement of the leadership. Alongside, for some of us, our specific concerns about an ideology that’s entered the school where “gender identity” trumps sex, which was also reinforced by their messaging about going co-ed, and makes it difficult for us to raise specific concerns about integrating boys; if someone doesn’t recognise sex then how can they combat sexism?

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 08/03/2023 12:13

This reply has been deleted

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Shelefttheweb · 08/03/2023 12:01

I agree it doesn’t look so much like it is at risk of imminent financial collapse. Instead it is at risk of rapid decision-making by the owners. This could be to go co-Ed, change to a sixth-form college, focus on international markets, sell the building and move somewhere else/close, become a niche ‘trans’ school, or a foreign language one, sell to someone else... I guess though at the moment they will try to run with coed for a couple of years and see what happens.

Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 11:49

Having said that, if there are other aspects I’ve missed on the financials, please, please PM me!

OP posts:
Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 11:47

The more digging on the financial side I’ve done, since comments on here a few days ago, the less I’ve been worried about imminent collapse, TBH. From the trustees reports it’s clear it was always planned and budgeted to spend £1.1m on developing the school site further - that’s happening this summer to make it co-ed. It leads me to think that taking it co-ed to improve student numbers was always the plan, (which makes sense, knowing the local market) rather than being the sudden knee-jerk panic that the lack of consultation and poor communications have made it appear.

I think that their inexperience in the sector has lead the board to misunderstand the parents - yes there is an immense amount of love for the school, and a strong sense of feeling like a family. Underneath that there has been some caution about the company investing in it and having a new head, but everyone has been giving them all the benefit of the doubt, rather than expressing their caution aloud. Not realising the concern, the board seemed to assume that everyone will immediately affirm this decision and jump on board enthusiastically. So they didn’t bother consulting or phasing in or working out a comms strategy. And now they’re on the back foot, with a new strategy of calling every family in the school to beg them to come in for a meeting with the head, to be reassured. But there’s no concrete reassurance available, because it comes down to “we’re passionate about this and no it’s right and you should trust us”.
Some families will trust them wholeheartedly. Some will give them limited trust, and wait and see. And others, like me, feel our trust is broken enough that it’s not worth the risk to wait and see.

OP posts:
Sarain · 08/03/2023 11:17

The writing is on the wall for this one. The company that bought them gives zero fucks. Parents are kidding themselves if they think things won't massively change and with zero consultation. It's a shame.

TizerorFizz · 08/03/2023 11:15

@Shelefttheweb
Look at what I said ages ago on this thread! They are into property. The company is run by chartered surveyors. It’s a prime site in Oxford. They are going through the motions of “doing something”. When it fails, it will be redeveloped. When I looked, the government stats said 108 on roll. That can never be financially viable. It has space for 165.

I think girls who want to be boys is the new market or boys who want to be girls. Not your standard boy. It will be a haven type school for trans children so it’s usp will change. Is already changing perhaps? There are so many other choices in this area I cannot see many actively choosing it.

Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 11:12

Everywhichway2023 · 08/03/2023 07:00

We have decided as parents of a daughter who attends Wychwood to remain and support the school as many have. Why? Because when we went to talk to the Head she gave us confidence, strength of reason and genuinely cares. There is no financial debacle that we could see, no rush or unpreparedness (although none of this can be easy for parents who originally chose single sex and we found it tough initially) and the one thing we got out of our meeting was passion. I think the few who are upset are shouting in desperation - my advice would be go and talk but it’s not helping you or Oxford schools to ask for help here as people don’t have the answers - only the school has and the parents of those pupils attending the school. Please go and talk to the school - please don’t bring the name of the school my daughter adores into the mud on social media just because you are cross.

My concerns about the abruptness of this major change isn’t negated by your happiness with Wychwood, @Everywhichway2023. Just as, when you talked to the school you were reassured, but when I did, I wasn’t. I recognised the same passion for this change that you did, but I don’t find passion on its own necessarily a reassuring thing, as it can burn out quickly, or be misplaced in the first place. To me, passionate leadership must be underpinned by consultation with stake holders, to enable informed, strategic decision making, which should then be communicated clearly and with viable time-scales. Unfortunately I’ve found all of that conspicuous by its absence, and as such, I’ve lost trust.
As my child’s education (encompassing not just academics but also her emotional well being) is of utmost importance to me, I need to be able to trust her school, as does she, and now we’ve lost it and don’t know how to regain it, not because of going co-ed in itself but because of the way it was communicated and the absurdly short timeframe.
I can’t stop thinking about a scenario where DD was halfway through GCSEs or Alevels when this announcement was made, and how therefore we would be severely limited in options to move her. Someone on Mumsnet is in that position and her DD is struggling massively, as there is disruption whether she goes or stays, at a time when stability is so vital.

Finally, it’s unfair to accuse me of bringing Wychwood’s name “into the mud”. I’ve been incredibly supportive of Wychwood; I spend a lot of money sending my daughter there, and more besides. But they brought scrutiny on themselves by instigating this abrupt change, and a talk forum for parents is a perfectly legitimate place for me to discuss it.

OP posts:
Dodgeitornot · 08/03/2023 10:55

@Everywhichway2023 I'm glad you've managed to work it out between you and the school, however I've not come across a Wychwood parent on here or in real life that has said anything but positive things about the school, up until September. Voicing disappointment about such a drastic change that happened without consultation is understandable, as is voicing disappointment in the management when the backlash from said decision isn't being handled well.
All of the things talked about on here are facts available to everyone, there is no hearsay or gossip or slander. When there was speculation a parent who is unhappy with the change defended the school! No one is dragging the school through mud on here. I think the schools management are doing that all by themselves. It is obviously a much loved school but don't gaslight other parents and try to change their lived experience. I doubt anyone decides to move schools without first trying to talk.

Original poster
Galanthus78 · 08/03/2023 10:38

@May09Bump Reframing it in my mind, to remember that DD’s needs haven’t changed but the school are no longer offering what she needs, is really helpful, actually. Thank you.
She’s looked at another school now and we’ve had a verbal offer of a place there. It looks like the formalities will be complete in time for us to give notice shortly. I’m sad about it on one level, but there has been so much change so quickly at Wychwood that we’ve lost confidence in the leadership.

OP posts:
Everywhichway2023 · 08/03/2023 07:00

We have decided as parents of a daughter who attends Wychwood to remain and support the school as many have. Why? Because when we went to talk to the Head she gave us confidence, strength of reason and genuinely cares. There is no financial debacle that we could see, no rush or unpreparedness (although none of this can be easy for parents who originally chose single sex and we found it tough initially) and the one thing we got out of our meeting was passion. I think the few who are upset are shouting in desperation - my advice would be go and talk but it’s not helping you or Oxford schools to ask for help here as people don’t have the answers - only the school has and the parents of those pupils attending the school. Please go and talk to the school - please don’t bring the name of the school my daughter adores into the mud on social media just because you are cross.

Dodgeitornot · 03/03/2023 16:40

@BodenCardiganNot If they want admissions for all year groups, for Sept start, those prospective parents of boys will need to give notice of fees to their current schools really soon. You'd think they'd be pumping out marketing for that asap, but it doesn't seem to be happening. I was on their admissions marketing list and would get emails periodically about open days. I didn't even get an email informing me of this announcement, found out on here.

May09Bump · 03/03/2023 15:24

Keep it simple - you wanted a girls school, your needs haven't changed - the schools gone co-ed and therefore you move as soon as a suitable girls place can be found. Move forward as the schools unlikely to reverse their decision and if they did I would still worry about it happening further down the line.

BodenCardiganNot · 03/03/2023 15:13

Their website isn't even up to date. The Admissions page invites girls to sit for entrance exams for admission in September 2021.

Youwhatnowbiggles · 03/03/2023 13:36

I’m afraid I don’t know the school but have read the thread and my interest has been piqued by what @Shelefttheweb gas uncovered. What is the potential value of development on the school site if the school closes?! I mean it’s Oxford- which is one of the most desirable & wealthy locations in the South so I’m guessing quite a bit. From what I’ve read (112 pupils?!) this school is not viable - I’d secure a place elsewhere from Sept 23 asap.

Shelefttheweb · 03/03/2023 13:19

Just looked up the new owner.

albion-schools.com

It is only therefore by thinking differently and acting collaboratively can we hope to continue to provide a format of education that is accessible, affordable and free of prejudices relating to gender, race, colour or creed.

Though the parent company is a property investment company, so their focus is on financial return for the ‘asset class’. www.e3cap.com/investment-strategies/

pasturespastures · 03/03/2023 12:05

KleineDracheKokosnuss · 02/03/2023 15:50

@pasturespastures its catholic (but the diosces [sp?] thinks it’s not that good at being catholic). There is chapel and everyone has to do RS GCSE.

lol - I like that. Coming from my own religious background I think it's important that the authorities don't think you're doing a brilliant job at your faith, because then you're probably being a bit TOO religious. 😆

Dodgeitornot · 03/03/2023 09:16

@pasturespastures You're absolutely right, it's not helpful to speculate. I guess it's just really strange so it's difficult not to. I'm quite angry as well, for all the girls and parents. It seems almost personal as we were so close to sending DD there and she would've been in the thick of this in Y10. You seem so reasonable and nice, do they not see how lucky they are to have parents like this?
Nothing adds up, even the boy in the popup looks so angry. I can't see why they would put a picture like that to attract parents of boys.
I'm glad OP has had some input from parents though, and I do really hope everyone who wants out, finds the right place, and for those who stay, it works out.

pasturespastures · 03/03/2023 08:12

There is a new website launching soon and they had their photoshoot in January. I would have done all that back in September if it was actually properly planned though, and launched the new co-ed website at the same time as the announcement to parents and just timed it so they could have started marketing to boys early in the application season. They say it has been planned for ages though?

I don’t see how any school-browsing parent of boys would look at the site now and think “oh great!”. Unless… well. Maybe there is a nuance when you actually call them up. Speculation isn’t helping though, and isn’t what the OP is asking for.

Money has been spent on the school since it was bought, but not huge sums. That’s all still in the planning stage for this coming summer.

Dodgeitornot · 03/03/2023 07:14

@Shelefttheweb Exactly. With such a tiny cohort you'd be doing everything you can to make the current parents happy, and ensuring your marketing is really top notch.
This feels like the end of a plan that doesn't have the current girls at the centre. If it did, they and their parents wouldn't be treated the way they have been.

Shelefttheweb · 02/03/2023 23:57

*viable