Harrodian School - as naff as its name?

[fridayschild]

So far I know I don't like the name, fees seem to be just always slightly higher than other schools and they have an OFSTED report.

That said, we are not happy with the state primary school where DS1 has been allocated a place, were thinking about private school from age 7 anyway, and the Harrodian does have the advantage (for us) of being close. Obviously they will sneer at me for applying so late and tell me they are full, when they deign to answer the phone. I think I can put up with all that, but wondered if anyone had kids there, or friends?

[Ameliagrey]

This may not really be on topic but the NAME comes from the fact (I think) that roughly 30 year s ago the buildings and site were the social club for employees of Harrods. I had a friend who worked at Harrods at the time and I went to various functions on the site.

Sure the school could have changed its name but that is the history of the school.

[milkshake3]

HelenHelenHelen - I don't think I could be as laid back as you if I received a letter from my school saying a music teacher had been arrested for paedophilia. I would be livid and asking the school lots of questions. Our children's safety at school is everything. I hope no child at your school was harmed in any way.

[FebreezeYourJeans]

ameliagrey you are quite correct. My dad used to work for House of Fraser which incorporated Harrods before it was sold off. As children my sister and I attended the most magical christmas parties and summer garden parties at the Harrodian Club. I would love to have a sneaky peak around the grounds again I have very happy memories of it all.

[Elibean]

Hmm, not much help as I actively avoided the Harrodian and chose Lowther above various other alternatives (private and state) - and am very happy I did.

But: I do know people whose kids are happy there, and doing pretty well. I know others who were put off, as I was, by the focus on background (address, religion, etc) expressed by the staff members leading the tour - but that was five years ago.

I would go and look around, ask lots of questions, and get an up-to-date feel for the place - IME its by far the best way to decide on a school!

[Katryn]

Gosh I hate the title of this thread.

MY DC is at this school, and loves it -he's academic, sporty and loves drama too, and is so far being stimulated in all three areas. I chose it over Latymer, for the wonderful environment and happy children.

[BobbiFleckmann]

this is all very well, but do you get to perve D Beckham at pick up? Let's get to the important issues.

(all four former Harrodians I know left without a single qualification but a love for the place)

[Jiddle]

Love that post BobbiFleckmann. Let's cut to the real issues!

[Mrsrobertduvall]

Why have you dragged up a 6 year old thread Katryn?
You've just brought more peoples' attention to it.

Yes, did Becks send the boys there?

[JugglingFour]

I'm only jumping in as someone who's considering the school and whose youngest (8 years) was just offered a place. All I can say is that you really can't judge a school from the outside looking in, based on the school's name or what you've heard or read. All schools have issues. One of the top private schools in NYC had a huge sex scandal back in the 70's that was only revealed recently via an article in the NY Times by one of the students who was there at the time. The current administration is still paying for and apologizing for what happened. It was an awful situation and worthy of scrutiny, but criminals are very devious and the school is not to blame in every case. The good news is that schools learn from experiences such as these and I do believe Harrodian will too.

I can only say the nicest thing about the staff at Harrodian and the timely manner in which they responded to any and all of my queries. While waiting with my son in the lobby to take his 8+ exam along with the other 8 year olds and their parents, I was totally impressed by the kids' great behavior and with the lovely moms (and one dad) I had the opportunity to speak with. The Headmaster seems very involved with and proud of his school and the classes my husband and I visited last spring were impressive, as was the general vibe as being warm and supportive.

So it's an artsy school. Whatever. But it seems really nurturing and anyway, highly competitive, rigid, extremely academic schools are not for everyone. And guess what?? Not everyone who attends a St. Paul's or a Harvard University, for that matter, end up being as successful as their parents or even they may envision!

[mummamagic]

Why is it so oversubscribed if it's so undesirable?

[Flogo]

Absolutely fantastic school and we couldn't be happier with the education and pastoral care. We had a few choices at 11+, but we were so impressed with the way they dealt with us and what the teaching staff had to offer. This year my younger son has bee offered places at Latymet and Kingston and we are going to go for the Harrodian based on our excellent experince. All the children are treated as unique and speacial and seem to thrive in a warm nurtunring enviroment.

[Hansita]

Hello, I am looking for recent updates on Harrodian School. The last comment was from 2009 so I was wondering what might have changed...are you happy with the school, is it more academic, good results? How do they handle homework etc? I am relocating to London next year and am looking for a school for my daughter (now Year 3) and my son (now Year 1). I like that it's co-ed so they can be together and all-through. Is the transfer for the girls to 11+ automatic? Thank you for all your input, any comment welcome!

[BigGreenOlives]

Start a new thread. Popular school, very hard to get into at 11+.

[Hansita]

Sorry, last comment form Feb 2014

[Hansita]

Thanks BigGreenOlives. Will do start new thread.