What's happening at Hurst Lodge School?

[Mitch68]

Anyone have any news on the school what with the Headmistress leaving, as we are thinking of sending our dd there?

No news on why the Head has left - it was all so strange. She hadn't been there very long and was really dynamic. It isn't the same school now she's gone. A lot of unhappy people :(

I completely disagree Emily141. We have been with the school for a number of years and are relieved now the Head's left. We found the school completely lost its soul under her leadership and the open door ethos was banged closed. I certainly wouldn't say the Head was dynamic in anyway. I am so pleased Miss Smit is back at the helm, the atmosphere is once again wonderful and happy.

Mitch68 I will keep my children here throughout their school life and feel confident that they will remain happy and confident and be able to achieve their full potential.

I know nothing about this school but it is interesting that both beanbag22 and hilda100 (on another HL thread) have both posted today and are both first time posters. Maybe she they are teachers at the school?

...."feel confident that they will remain happy and confident and be able to achieve their full potential.".... This reads like a line lifted straight out of a school's prospectus .

I would be enormously grateful for a genuine update. Joining them in Sept and only just discovered your posts re: departing Head (& departing Bursar too, her husband?)

Not the same school we joined a few years ago. They have taken in far too many extra pupils. The Senior schl English Department is in crisis. They don't listen to the parents concerns, it's shocking.

My son joined this school in Sep this year in year 5 and has loved it. He is much happier here than us previous school. Learning well, settled in quickly. The school could be described as a little eccentric, but we are very happy with it.

This school has completely disappointed us. In the last year or so there has been a significant increase in pupil numbers, yet no provision has been made to accommodate them. Cramped classrooms, poor lunches, teachers that are unable to cope with the unruly behaviour. Certainly not worth £4k a term.

Iwonder122, i totally agree with you re. the lack of regulation in private schools. I have experience of both State and private sectors and have to say that some of the problems my DD has encountered at so called "small-nurturing non-selective private schools" would never have been tolerated in a state school.

i think if you are a parent at the school, the reason that the head left the way she did is reasonalby common knowledge. about to be another parent kicking up a stinking fuss. DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL

There were rumours about why she left but the school refused to give an explanation. Problems at the school are hushed up and hidden. How can you trust a school that is not transparent.

I've had my daughters in the school for quite a few years now and they simply love going in to school. There is a lot of nurturing there and I have found the school most accommodating. Staff are pleasant and the principal seems to have a good rapport with all the children. Placing them at Hurst Lodge is the best thing we ever did. Each to her own just move on if you are dissatisfied. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. I won't attempt to deny that there have been problems in the school, but show me a school which is perfect.

Can anyone shine some light on Hurst Lodge in Ascot for me please? Thinking of looking for my 9 year old who has dyslexia. Does anyone have news on the general running of the school and if you are happy or not? Would help me immensely thanks!

Doyourhomework, I suggest you look up wwww.crested.org.uk, this is the Council for the Registration of Schools teaching Dyslexic Pupils. They have a list off all accredited schools (Hurst Lodge is not included on this list). I have friends whose daughters attend Manor House in Surrey and sing its praises. Not sure what other private schools charge but at Hurst Lodge you will be charged apprx £480 a term for x1 45min dyslexia lesson a week.

If you are in that area - I would investigate talking to Dyslexia action in Egham as well.

Hi, I am an ex hurstlodgeon. Mrs smitt, was our headmistress and she was such a lovely lady. I went to h l from 1977 to 1986.
I became a boarder as well.
It was abit dated with outside chalet huts with no proper heating, full of character tho.
They could do with making it a bit more like the Eden Project. That would make it the best school in the world to attend.

Hi Everyone,
We are thinking of Sending our 16 year old to Hurst Lodge, Ascot for Sixth Form. Do any of you have any opinions or insights into the school at this level please?

Any information on discipline at Hurst Lodge / bullying and teaching staff would be appreciated my 11 year old gs has been badly bullied at a school in Hillingdon and we are looking at Hurst Lodge any I formation would be appreciated