Royal Alexandra and Albert School (RAAS) - Ofsted boarding report - "inadequate"

[noisyhome]

We are planning to apply to RAAS for full boarding in Sept 2013. We've looked at many schools and so far, it's well ahead in our top choice of schools. Well, that's until I read the Ofsted report of Oct 2011 that rated its boarding provision as "inadequate". Now I am really stuck. Half of me wants to take the Ofsted report with a large pinch of salt (as I have only ever read amazing comments on this school) and I'm not sure if Ofsted reports are worth the paper they are written on) while the other half of me thinks that I can't simply ignore the report. Could you Mners with children at this school (and I know there are a few!) please comment on the boarding there? The good, the bad and the ugly please! Many thanks!

[carolinejames]

Debbiewest0- may I ask please what schools you saw and which boarding you decided on for your Son? I would be very grateful for your thoughts. I am overseas and don’t have the luxury of being able to just pop in and have a look. I would be grateful for help.

[feistymumma]

We are considering this school for our son in Year 9 - are there any recent updates on the school? Thanks.

[Armless]

Also looking for updates.

[Bluebonnie]

Plenty for you to look at in the 2018 Ofsted report:
//www.raa-school.co.uk/ofsted_inspections.asp

(The school comes out as "outstanding" in contrast to the 2011 inspection)

[feistymumma]

I recently went to see this school for my DS to board (secondary) and a I can ay is that OFSTED outstanding is not worth the paper it's written on. The dorms were cramped, rooms could have benefitted from some air, filthy (unmade beds, clothes strewn everywhere). The children who took us around seem disinterested and one of them had such a dirty uniform it was unbelievable. Sadly first impressions are everything for me so it was a definite no. If you are thinking of sending your DC to this school to board please make sure you visit the school and see for yourself. We also thought that upon arrival the staff could have been friendlier.

Having been shown the dorms first, we didn't bother with the interview.

[Charawitz]

We’re considering application for boarding at RAAS for my grand daughter who is eleven now, twelve next year. She currently lives in Greece. I’m assuming this would be for year 7 in Sept /20. Is is difficult to get in? Would you recommend RAAS

[Charawitz]

We’re looking applying to RAAS for boarding for our eleven year old grand daughter. She will be twelve in March /20. So year 7 for Sept /20. She lives in Greece. Is there a waiting list? Any comments would be most welcome.

[LIZS]

She would be year 8 in September 2020 if already 12 by then. You would need to check if a boarding place was available by then and whether she would qualify from Greece.

[Tiaram]

Please can someone advise how is Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Surrey is in terms of academics and boarding especially for sixth form? Grateful for your help.

[carolinejames]

I went to look around it a few years ago and was not at all impressed. In the end I put son in St George’s at Harpenden. He boarded. He did well. Nice new accommodation for sixth form. The girls accommodation was nicer than the boys TBH. Also the school has a chapel and must attend Sunday service. Had a great team of staff. He’s now at University. Also, this school is oddly convenient for travel. There is a train station less than 5 minutes walk. The station goes to London and continues on the same line to Gatwick Airport. ( no need to change trains). Also, I needed to get my son to Heathrow airport a couple of times and the staff called a taxi for him. It took quite a while to get there , but the boarding team were helpful. It’s a Rugby school- my son liked football so he played with a local team.