What's going on - The Grange School, Hartford, Cheshire

[SirMister]

Has anyone noticed the number of recent departures of teachers/staff from the Grange school?
Another one was announced earlier today.
It would appear that there are some significant changes taking place but this has not been raised to the attention of the parents.
I would normally ask the school about this however, I have previously approached them on 2 other unrelated topics and they do not seem to address valid concerns (i.e. based on factual information and not hearsay/opinion).

I’ve noticed this as well but this is an old thread - is there always a lot of staff changing? Is it still happening or is this just coincidence in 2015 and 2020? We’re considering schools for next year.

There has NOT been constant change at the Grange however, change also came around 2015.......good long serving teachers leaving after a fresh young head teacher joined the prep/junior school.
He took a blinkered approach of changing without caring for consultation or listening to either fellow teachers or parents.....seems like the same is happening again!

But sometimes the narrative of being young with fresh ideas falsely empowers people to believe they can make change for the good.
But evidently this change was without any substance and people saw it for what it really was, inexperience with bad ideas and change for the sake of change. There's nothing worse than someone who is confidently inexperienced but sadly this is what the Head of the Junior School is.

The Grange has in the past been one of the leading schools in the NW but now Kings Chester has caught up where The Grange has tinkered to its detriment.....if The Grange had built on its success then it would be challenging Withington Girls.

Instead age and wisdom of older teachers that have tread a tried and tested path which resulted in raising the success of The Grange, the school has instead given way to inexperienced youth that think a wide smile combined with ignorance (of not listening to valid concerns) is the answer to everything....Bring back the wisdom and cut out the rot that has set in with these unpopular appointments which refuse to engage and listen wholeheartedly.....otherwise, lose your fee paying parents!

We voted with our feet and left the school and refuse to pay a single penny more

Is this just about the junior school? I’ve heard mixed things so thanks for sharing. Do you know anything about the senior school?

Not heard any specifics about the senior school but I suspect it is a leadership issue in terms of where the school wants to take itself in the (false) belief that changes are.....although my motto is, if it ain't broke then why try to fix it

There is a new Head at the Grange Senior school. Lots of change happening but time will tell if she can turn the titanic as quickly as parents would like. Lots of parents happier with new head so hoping good things will keep coming. Not hearing good things about the junior school though it seems from parents with younger ones that they have problems with teachers that are out of touch and ineffective. Consensus is is there is too much dead wood.. Have good young teachers though. Parents say the junior school is rubbish at dealing with problems.

Hi everyone, we’re currently looking at junior schools for our little boy. Had a tour of the Grange very recently and were very impressed. Kids all seemed very engaged and happy. Concerning to read comments here on recent changes/poor teaching or junior school not dealing with issues. Are there any other current parents finding this or have other feedback of their experience?

@HMummy101
This is an old thread.

The issues are possibly all cleared yp by now.

Thanks @mathanxiety just noticed the last comments were from this month!

Our daughter is at the junior school. Pros and cons but overall there is a good blend of teachers and a broad range of extra curriculum activities. Not the best for sport but we aren’t too bothered about that. Some parents very happy with school and others not so, with complaints raised in parent WhatsApp groups etc. You would get this anywhere though I guess but as it’s a fee paying school this can make things worse if you’re unhappy about what you’re paying for. Mostly the children are kind to each other but there have been issues of bullying in the years above us that we hear of. Lots of parents impressed with the new Head of the Senior school so things likely to improve across the whole school too. If pastoral support is a key priority Cransley gets great reviews. If it’s more about academics The Grange is a good option. Go with your gut .. a lot depends on what individual teacher your son gets tbh. Hope this helps.

Thank you very much @Puppypowers really appreciate the feedback. Hope your daughter continues to enjoy x