Does anyone's DS go to Cardinal Vaughan in London

Has anyone's son started this september? my son loved the school when we looked round, is it really as harsh as some have said? the teachers seemed lovely at the open evening. we are not rich but we are genuine believers and our boy is prayerful would he suit this school?

How were the school place allocations affected by the admission changes this year. The VPAG are saying that some siblings didn't get in and that applicants living at a distance from the school also didn't make it, unlike in previous years. Anyone affected?

It is but it is also an all girls school.

Oh for heavens sake, both my children went to CVMS and of course we were asked to contribute to the schools; finances in various ways. I worked out that over seven years I contributed about £2000. One year I had no money to spare so I gave nothing and no one ever mentioned it. It is a small school on a very small site, so those of you who don't like the thought of making the occasional contribution should look elsewhere. Sion Manning is quite near and usually undersubscribed.

coffee, surely for devout Catholics the concept of accruing points to get your child in is anathema! Are you suggesting that people who do extra for the church are better and more devout Catholics than those who, for whatever reason, do not?!!

Coffee there are plenty of devout Catholics who don't get into Cardinal Vaughan anyway. Surely there are worse things than not getting into a "goodish" school. There are other options, educationally, I mean...
I for one am not going to doubt the existence of God just because Cardinal Vaughan doesn't want/take my lovely ds.
I'm sure he'll survive perfectly well in lots of schools, it's just nice to know that if I are not perfect, I can still apply.

aargh typo - meant to say for an Institution that teaches in accordance with these truths to then also teach pupils that what happens to them will be according to random fate stroke of a bureaucrats pen.

Surely for devout Catholics, the concept of randomness is anathema - we believe in a constant and loving God, and are taught that the path to Him is through his Son. Can it be right for an institution that teaches its pupils in accordance with these truths that what happens to them with be a matter of random fate the stroke of a bureaucrats pen?

Coffee I'm not a resident of Kensington et al; as far as I can tell the new admissions will be fairer because it works not on a elaborate points system but on basic premise of Churchgoing and baptism. Nothing to do with geographical location. Am I wrong? The places are to be allocated at random after those criteria are fulfilled if too many applicants. So instead of being rejected because you didn't measure up, you are not "rejected", it is just the luck of the draw.

Do you not think that is a better system?
If I scrub the church steps a little, sing in the choir a little, and help in the local scout troup, why should I get more points than someone who spends their free time caring for an elderly relative? Why should I get points and not they?

I've also heard awful things about pastoral care at the Oratory. Neighbours withdrew their son because they felt the bullying atmosphere was so bad.

.. or those who were cunning enough to check the admission criteria in time to start accruing maximum "catholicity" points. Many genuine Catholics, too busy bringing up young families to be able to do this, suffered under the old scheme.

On the contrary there was no 'catchment' before (we live miles from the school) but the dismantling of the old admissions policy will benefit the geographically advantaged (ie residents of Holland Park, Kensington and Notting Hill) rather than those that place the practise of their faith at the centre of their and their children's lives.

I have a child in yr 5, tentatively thinking about the Vaughan as ds is intelligent, quite musical and not sporty. On the other hand, disorganised, and a bit dopey. (like his mum What does anyone think of new admissions process? It suits me that it is more of a lottery and less of a first past post system.

Is it that you think the less selective admissions will lead to mediocrity Zanzibar? I particularily like the fact that there is no "catchment" in new admissions.

Is CVMS now on the slippery slide to mediocrity?

I totally agree about questioning them, I know me and my DS will be in for a hard time over the next few months as I dont let things slip by so easy, but the senco really is trying my patience. That really is quite shocking about your son and the raffle, poor boy.

Hopefully we have not put pengimum off too much Like others have said if your child is willing to work hard and play by the rules then he will do well, compared to the schools in my area the boys at CV are little saints, they dont make too much noise and most seem to have good manners and I don't feel any worry about my son travelling so far alone with all the other CV boys, it's once he gets into our home area then I worry!

Frankie, a few months back they had some raffle thing, I really could not be bothered with going round trying to sell them so just purchased the whole lot, I think it was only £10, and I did not even win..lol. I would like to think that the don't judge us and our sons because of our donations, but you can never tell, although in my case I think donate enough, I just dont do the whole social thing with the constant stream of dances, concerts and events they seem to lay on.

The deputy head (not sure if I can post names) comes across scary, apparently he likes things just so and is very strict, but oddly enough he gets on really well with my son.

Hoxton, I also wonder whether we're suffering because we don't pay up for everything - I don't know if anyone who's posted has a son in the Schola or first orchestra/big band but the ticket prices for their concerts can be phenominal (£40 for a recent one). The music is of a very high standard, but I for one would prefer it to be of a lower standard which allows less able kids to have a go (it's not sour grapes by the way as my son is in the orchestra).

The problem as I see it is that a lot of the parents are seeing it as free private education - whereas for those of us who could never pay school fees it feels like we're being asked for far too much.

Coffeecrazedmama, I'm so sorry your daughter isn't having such a great time - my experience with my own daughter is the complete opposite and I love her school - largely because it's a true comprehensive and doesn't cherry pick the posh/clever ones like CV does (now I probably am sounding chippy!)

Poor Pengimum for sparking such a mega debate!

The trips I really don't mind and I pay the full suggested yearly fee, but there always seems to be something else, ok, they dont put a knife to your throat to give money and I really do not get involved with any of the fundraising things or socials, but I cant help but wonder that this may be frowned upon if you don't give. I do agree aboout cash being given to the failing schools and not the sucessful ones, I never really looked at things that way I suppose.

You see I haven't noticed the money thing; all state schools I have had anything to do with are permanently trying to increase funds - frankly, the Vaughan noticeably less than the others. Yes I've had to pay for trips, but they have been worthwhile expenditure. And I'm someone who always hates getting the cheque book out!

You should see dd's school (not going to name) - I paid £15 for a 'day with an Oxbridge admissions expert' which on the day shrank to a ten minute slot with each girl 'for unavoidable reasons' - oh and not refund!

It is the price you pay for a good school - the government does not reward successful schools with more money - the cash goes to 'help' the failing ones.

I am usually nervous about giving details of my rl on mn but I can't let this thread pass without saying Pengimum, your ds has truly won the lottery of life. My ds goes to CV and we love it. Yes it is strict, but never unreasonably so. Boys do need boundaries and to learn what is appropriate behaviour. Yes, homework must be done and signed off by you, but isn't that what you want from a school? Your alternative is some other south London schools you could have gone for, where there is no homework and lots of bullying.

If he is musical there is no better school you could have chosen - the music department are absolutely lovely, giving every boy, from the most talented to the tentative beginner every encouragement and loads of performance opportunities.

I could rave on for hours about how good it is - just sad that dds did not have the same outstanding teaching and safe atmosphere.

Interesting - we're south so hadn't heard of that St I until a couple of CV boys left to go there! Hope it works out for you x

frankie, we're in N. London, and ds is going to St I. We will see whether it was the right decision -- it's all a bit nerve-wracking as there are no guarantees whatever you choose or get offered!