I was badly let down by Hammermsith and Fulham education department, despite applying for 6 state schools, all within 2 miles of my house, my son received NO OFFER!!! I was told of a few remaining places at schools in Feltham and other distant areas! I live in Hammersmith, yet was being told there were no places available for him! I was of course in complete turmoil and absolutely distraught! I made a late application to the West London free school and have managed to secure him a place there. I am very happy and excited both by their enthusiasm and educational goals. My son is very bright and the thought of sending him miles away to attend an undersubscribed failing school chilled me to the bone!
I am not middle class by any means, I am a single working mum! The schools admissions were handled by Hammersmith and Fulham educational department just like everyone elses - The school had no insight to who i am, who my son is, how much i earn, my social background or what race or religion i am! I just wanted to make this clear as i have read here and elsewhere about how the school is only for "middle class white 2 parent families etcetc" - This is NOT true, the LEA handled admissions, not the school (except i believe for the musical places)
There IS a need for this school, as demonstrated by the lack of a place in the borough for my son!
Everyone sits on their computers slagging TY off, yet if he hadn't taken the bull by the horns and set up this school I would be in a situation where my son was without a local school place - I have nothing but admiration for him and will be eternally grateful for all of his hard work and efforts. I am fully behind the ethos and educational structure of the school.
Also i scanned through previous posts only to find arguments that would be better suited to the school playground! Everyone has the right to their opinions, hence a DISCUSSION board, but it was getting quite bullish and nasty towards the end - NOT what mumsnet is all about people, play nicely =)