Newland house school

[Melb75]

Hi,

I've just written DS cheque for September 2014 and I'm having a wobble. I really liked newlands when I went to look at it (more so than the Mall) but 3 of his friends are going to the mall and now I'm wondering if I'm sending him to the right school. I liked the vibe and feel of it and I confess that doing 1 drop off in the morning when DD starts the year after him, is very appealing. The good schools guide is quite harsh about Newland and picked up on lots of things that I didn't so I'm just asking for people's opinions on it - good and bad and whether they think the Mall is better for boys.

Thanks ladies :)

It depends what you mean by "better". I know several parents whose DCs were very happy at Newlands and who were very pleased they sent them there. They all ended up at secondary's that were right for their level of ability. I only know parents who took their DSs out of the Mall because they found it too pushy. However it is surely about which school feels right for your DS?

I just really liked the feel of newlands - less pressure, scruffier kids etc. reminded me a lot of my state junior school but with better standards of teaching . Did your friends take their DS's out of the mall while the new head has been there (he's been there for 3 years I think). It's the head I disliked the most but I'm wondering if this put me off the school and I didn't give it a fair chance.

It is more than 3 years ago and not related to the Head but the pushy ness even at 4.

I'm not terribly well informed, but I have a friend who has two DC at Newland House and is absolutely delighted, and another who has moved her DS from the Mall to Radnor. I think he was fairly happy at the Mall, and doing well, it was more about long term planning though.

Are the inspection concerns things that are deal breakers for you? Personally, I put a fairly high value on vibe.

Inspections are important but it was the vibe that got me. I felt more comfortable at newlands and I think that DS and DD will too. I would like then to go to school together when they're young too so Newlands seems like the right choice, but it's just that with 3 of my friends picking the Mall I was starting to question my own judgement (and sanity!)

Hi, my son is at Newland house pre prep and absolutely loves it. They get the balance just right, and really get the best out of each child. It is a very nurturing, kind and happy school, and the new head of pre prep is fantastic. Hope this helps

PS I also have a DS starting reception 2014