Cranbrook school

[laurabaker]

Hi mums,
Wondered if anyone on here knows much about Cranbrook secondary school? We are thinking ahead, and would’ve loved to have done a private school but we can’t afford it so wondered what the current views are of Cranbrok. I’m obviously aware my kids would need to pass the entrance exam to get in. But otherwise, what is the pastoral care like? The other families? Is there much bullying? Thank you so much

Anyone else immediately thinking about 8 Mile and the final rap battle? Oh, just me…never mind.

I went to Cranbrook, but it was the 90s so probably no use to you. I remember the teachers favouring the rich borders over the clever local students & some really lazy teaching. Lovely sports and music/drama facilities and the food was healthy.

I have been a parent there until recently but know lots of current parents, as well as staff.
I've heard mixed things this year - classes have got very big, my child was in a tutor group of about 35, so the tutor no longer could get to know them as well and teaching classes seem to now be at least 30, if not higher. It's the way of school funding nationally but Cranbrook seem to be faring worse than what I hear about other grammar schools. From what I hear, it's because they've always defended on boarding to prop up the funds and have spent a lot of money on things a state school wouldn't do etc.
Teaching seems to have improved over the last few years, rather than just lazy depending on most of them being bright (there's a big range in boarding, less so in day pupils). There have been some issues with staff changes in Maths so I'm glad DD has now left to be honest, as that was a big subject for her. Other things seem to be okay. There are two subjects (Chemistry and History) where some staff are famously too harsh but I don't think that's going to change.

This is really helpful thank you so much