Leweston school - what's it like?

[CharlotteC77]

Hello, I'm after some insight from any current parents or staff at leweston. What is it like there? I have two boys and a girl and am really into the news that they're going co-ed and becoming a 'diamond model' school - does anyone know what the uptake on this is likely to be from boys? What are the facilities like? Is it generally a happy school? What are the staff like? Any inside info basically! I'm also looking at Hazlegrove as they're all prep age at the mo, but would prefer an all-through school (I know Hazlegrove is linked to King's Bruton but that's not strictly the same as an all-through school). I basically don't want to move my kids again once I've moved them! Any advice would be great. Thank you!

I think 'diamond model' is pushing it a bit. They are only splitting the genders for maths and physics or something aren't they??

I personally think the uptake from boys will be quite good because I think there is a market for a day school in Sherborne. DH disagrees with me, although he can't really explain why. It will be a long time before it's really possible to know though.

I went there many years ago and loathed it, my cousin removed her DD's a few years ago

Thanks both - @lowdoorinthewal1, why does your husband disagree? @fivegomadindorset, do you know why your cousin removed her children? Where did she move them to?
Also, any insight into Hazlegrove and what the new Head is like? Thank you so much!

He just doesn't think there is a market for day places in Sherborne. This is probably largely because his school doesn't want to offer them. Lots of pupils at the prep are day pupils though, so I'm not sure why he thinks their parents suddenly don't want to see them before 9pm once they reach 13.

I have heard that Hazlegrove is quite pushy and kids need to be pretty sporty to fit in. Bruton is supposed to be really lovely. Rumour only though in both cases, I have no direct experience. I think both Hazlegrove and Sherborne Prep (and other full 3-13 preps) offer a lot that Leweston doesn't, certainly in years 3-6 (Leweston doesn't have specialist teaching at that level for example). However, I can see the appeal of an all through school.

Not sure why she moved them, they are now down the road. I did here a rumour last year that Lewiston was in financial trouble, not sure how founded that one was.

Thank you both, that's really helpful!

Okay I'm slightly put off Leweston by the rumours about their finances (which I've heard from a number of people) - and I'm worried it will be a struggle for them to attract boys. Which other co-ed all through schools in the area would you recommend? I've convinced myself that I don't want single sex or full boarding so that rules Sherborne out - but I'm not keen on the Taunton schools. Think I might need to adjust some of the things I'm set on, but if there are any all-through co-eds you'd recommend I take a look at I'd love to hear it. Thanks.

I would also prefer a school with no Saturday school! Am I searching for the impossible?

I think you might be!

Sherb Prep have Saturday activities but not compulsory school (matches yes though) so that might well work for you. They go on to all schools in and out of area but I know of none without Sat school unless you choose to go state at The Gryphon (good school too) I have lots of friends with kids at Sherb Prep and they rave about it. They’ve said that none of the girls are going on to Leweston, but many to Sherb girls, and in general a few to Kings Bruton and a few to Canford, Bryanston and others further afield. I think you would need to see them to make your decision as they all have a very different feel about them. I’ve seen many of them and good but just not right for us. Leweston we found slightly odd.....couldn’t put our finger on it but just not somewhere I’d want my Dds to be.
Hazlegrove is indeed known to be pushy but again you need to look at the preps to get a feel for them. Good luck with the decision.

There is The Park- about to move lock, stock and barrel onto the old Chilton Cantelo site. It's not known for being sporty, arty or academic but I do know two children who go there who are really lovely.

I'm struggling to think of any other all through co-ed day school in the West country! Maybe Exeter School?

Bristol Grammar School

Thank you, really helpful. I'm not keen on The Park - can't put my finger on why... I'm going to check out Hazlegrove/King's Bruton properly though.

Hi CharlotteC77,

We go to Leweston Prep and we love it! Boy and girl in yrs 4 and 2. When Chilton Cantelo closed (which we liked) we went to the Park for 1 term (huge mistake) and then came to Leweston. We didn’t look there initially because we thought it was too far (40 mins) but that’s been our only compromise because we couldn’t be more pleased. The school is small and friendly, the staff are fantastic, it’s nurturing and encouraging. As well as high standards academically, it’s also great for sport, music, art, drama, forest school. Kids are polite and kind. Boys are really taking off here, my son loves his sport and he’s had plenty of fixtures in football, tag rugby and hockey. Facilities are brilliant: great pool, Astro, woodland, theatre. We wanted co Ed, straight through and no Saturdays and not too snobby. It ticks all the boxes and most of all the kids are happy and confident. Check it out if you haven’t already!

I’m afraid my sister and her husband had a dreadful experience at Leweston as she said it was bitchy with some bullying going on which was just ignored and the new headmistress was very unapproachable and cold as we really wanted to send our children there as it’s much cheaper than Sherborne School but now we’re looking elsewhere. She also said a lot of the mums were unfriendly as they didn’t join in reception! She said although not terribly academic, it was pretty sporty especially focussing on athletics and hockey.

I have heard from other friends in the area that Sherborne School for girls and the boys school are the best private schools in the area and they would choose Sherborne over Leweston.