Dolphin School, Hurst, Berkshire

[alpaca44]

Does anyone have any recent experience of Dolphin School?

We’re thinking of switching our DS there at age 7/8 from the state sector. We love the unique nature of the school and were very impressed with how confident and well rounded the children appeared to be.

A slight concern is that the most recent ISI report suggests that the most able children are not always given work appropriate to their ability. DS is currently one of the top in his class so want to make sure he is stretched and challenged enough.

Any advice/experience of the school much appreciated.
Thanks

Hi Alpaca
You will not look back, I promise. I have two children who joined Dolphin in years 3 and 5. The year 5er left last year (end of year 8) having won music and academic scholarships to Wellington and a place at our local grammar. He's a v academic boy and loved every minute at Dolphin. 7 out of 8 applicants in that year got Y9 places at William Borlase (the grammar school in Marlow). It is certainly no slouch academically. All of his friends have gone into Y9 of their next schools feeling very well prepared (SWBGS, Abingdon, the Abbey, Teddies, Queen Anne's, Shiplake, Pangbourne and lots to local schools) but it is how they're taught, not what they're taught that makes it special. Children are offered so much more outside the classroom than they would be at other schools. There are lots residential trips to far flung places for hands on learning (much more rewarding for a bright child - any child - than just sitting in a classroom regurgitating facts). And of course there's the walking trip programme. My younger son has grown so much in confidence because of it, an aspect of the school I didn't think he would particularly enjoy. He's a gentle sometimes shy child who talks with real enthusiasm about climbing the Via Ferrata in the Lakes (never thought I'd see the day!) For me though it's the arts on offer at the place (music drama and art are extraordinary there). Creativity is at the school's v core and if you'd seen the school play this week you wouldn't think twice!
Happy to answer any specifics. I'm a huge fan of Dolphin and have never encountered anywhere quite like it. Go for it.

I'm really sorry but I have to disagree. My child left in Year 6 and a number of kids either didn't get into their first school of choice or needed intensive private tutoring to get there. I know of several current parents who are tutoring their child. One of the reasons we left was because work was not appropriate to ability. I have a bright child who was not stretched or challenged or even recognised for their ability. Dolphin has many special qualities (the walking trips being one of them) but I found it academically lacking I'm afraid. Children no longer sit in classrooms in other schools who have also cottoned on to the benefit of hands-on learning and you can get all this in other schools (for example Holme Grange).

Thanks for your responses, two very different answers!

whippetywhippet sounds amazing! Do you think a child who is not particularly strong at drama/music/art would still thrive? (not sure what our child is like in these areas yet but interested to hear your view)

exdolphin when did your child leave? Were they at the school with the current head? I wonder if they’ve improved things since then.

My child left at the end of year 6 in July 2017 so the new head was in place and was actually very good. However, he is only part time now. Dolphin is a great school in many ways but academically up to year 6 they are taught in a different way to other schools which is difficult for a year 7 entry. I have found that in year 7 my child is stretched and challenged and, as a result, has really flourished. The work is much harder this year than it ever was at Dolphin as it is tailored to their ability. Also, be aware. If you want to leave at Year 6, Dolphin will not help you at all preparing for the pre-tests etc for senior schools. They want you to stay until year 8 and so their curriculum is based around that premise.

Thanks exdolphin, that is my worry. We would look to leave at year 6 too...

Gosh. We must have had children in the same year group! I'm struggling to think of a child that didn't get into their first choice school...? But then I suppose I didn't know everyone's story. Certainly everyone who left in Y6 ended up at great schools.

OP: I can only tell you about our own journey, which has been very positive. Regarding arty vs non-arty kids - absolutely! Dolphin's USP is celebrating the individual, allowing children to become whoever they want to be. There's something for everyone.

I would have a chat with the school about your concerns about stretching the brightest. Helen Williams is the Head of Academic Development and she is 'on it'. She gave us so much support in the months leading up to school entrance exams for DS1, and has been extremely helpful with DS2's recent successful application to his next school (his first choice). My two will have both seen out their time at Dolphin til the end of Y8, so I cannot comment on the process at the end of Y6. However, I will say this: we too had planned for our kids to leave in Y6 but they loved Dolphin so much they stayed. The academics really kick up a gear in Y7 in preparation for Common Entrance, but they're ready for it.

Don't underestimate what your instincts told you when you went to have a look round. It's a very happy school, and everything else falls into place when a child is happy.

Thanks so much for your comments, they are really helpful. Lots to think about. I may be back with more questions!

I'm afraid I have to agree with exdolphin. We have been extremely disappointed with Dolphin School

ex-Dolphin student here. I can’t recommend the school highly enough, although I left in 1993 so I’m a bit out of date! I left in year six and Dolphin prepared me to sit the Kendrick grammar school exam, which I passed. I was definitely stretched academically, and in my year we had two genius kids who were like sitting A’level maths and learning multiple languages. I’d be very sad if things have changed so much. At least one teacher is still there from the ‘old days’ - the drama and English teacher. She’s amazing, the reason why I love books and am a successful book editor today.

I wanted to post for anyone who stumbles on this. I am an ex-Delphinian (I went to Dolphin and left 20 years ago). My elder sister and much younger brothers all went to Dolphin (last one left in 2016) and my 3 nieces/ nephews all attend there currently. Safe to say we have a loooong history with the school. Without fail, it has by far been the best choice. Between us there have been a range of academic abilities and personalities and we have found Dolphin highly supportive and enabling on both sides of the spectrum. I was not in the ‘academic’ bunch but without going into detail I will tell you that I’m in a highly successful career (in fact much greater than many of those who were highly academic!). I attribute many qualities, independent thinking and values to Dolphin and the experience I had. It was unparalleled. My niece is reading, writing etc several years ahead and I have seen during family visiting week that she is given different challenges on top of her peers for this very reason. Not all children are ‘academic’ and I think we need to remember this. What I do strongly feel is that Dolphin offers children the ability to a) have a childhood b) be celebrated for individuality and have their confidence grown c) be supported on both sides of the ability spectrum d) I still values, kindness and a sense of self that children carry for life. My son is 2 and I can’t wait until next year when he can join pre-school! I have utter confidence he will thrive in their safe hands!

Joining this thread in case anyone that originally commented might be able to provide a more recent up to date view. Thinking of moving my DS for start of Yr 2 in Sept. thanks for any views good or bad!

Bearandbug - did you send your child in year 2? we are just about to do the same and wondered what your thoughts were?

@stewkat @bearandbug
we’re thinking of Dolphin for our DS. Did you choose this school? If so what’s your experience like? Thank you 🙏

Wouldn’t advise at all. Despite what they say they are academically selective and don’t want to provide support for any pupil who might need it. The Head is disingenuous and the SENCO, KB just couldn’t be bothered and lacked any empathy at all. It’s a shame because that isn’t the image they reflect at all but it is the reality.

We moved our daughter to Dolphin School from another private school, and the change in her confidence has been incredible to see. She has really come out of her shell and feels happy and secure in her new environment.

One of the things I love most is how the older children naturally look out for the younger ones, it creates such a caring, family atmosphere. The staff are always there when you need them; approachable, supportive, and genuinely know each and every child.

The school certainly pushes academically, particularly in Maths & English, and we’ve been very impressed with the progress our daughter has made.

I also love that the children experience Forest School and learn so much about the great outdoors. The trip programme is fantastic, helping to build cultural capital and independence. From Year 3 onwards, pupils take part in the Dolphin Qualification project, which takes them outside their comfort zones and encourages them to discover new skills for example building websites and apps. It’s brilliant to see what they achieve.

We couldn’t be happier with our decision.