What is the deal with Thomas’s

[user1493242132]

I keep getting mixed reviews about them. My main question would be around the safety of my child if she does go there because of Prince George. Secondly, I have been told that they tend to sway more towards a certain class of society so if you are not an aristo or friends with one then you shouldn’t bother with even going for the assessment.
Honestly I don’t even know what I am talking about anymore but any help/ advice would be appreciated!

Well there are three Thomas’ schools - only one of which is attended by Prince George - so if you are interested but concerned about the royal effect - go for one of the others.

They are large schools and cater for a range of families

• but obviously anyone with £20,000 pa of after tax income to shell out for primary school are either rich or very rich or really really rich.

Our DC went to Thomas’ before Prince George and it was a great experience. They are big so many think they cater better for robust kids rather than the quiet ones - but one of ours was very shy at the start and still loved it.

The schools are really not full of aristos!

DD is due for an assessment next year at the Battersea school hence the concern. We haven’t applied to the other branches and it’s too late now. Obviously have also applied to other schools as well but Battersea was one of our top 3. Money is not the concern here just wondering if it’s really true that these days they are picking mostly blonde haired, blue eyed children. Funnily enough 3 of the kids who I know are starting there in September are exactly that!

just wondering if it’s really true that these days they are picking mostly blonde haired, blue eyed children.
You think they’re wanting to push an Aryan race ideal? And it’s still your top choice?

If you are looking for a school with a very diverse cohort, a £20,000pa school probably isn't it. Sorry if that sounds blunt, but there it is.

They'll be picking the ones that they think are best fit for the school from those who apply. It wouid be madness for a school to do otherwise. Wandsworth is a borough with a higher proportion of white residents than its neighbours (with possible exception of K&C, which is the other borough in which Thomas schools are actually located and from which quite a number of families travel to Battersea private schools)

I have heard that all the schools in the Thomas group suit hearty, outgoing families, and as that's a fairly enduring reputation, I think it has become a self-fulfilling and self-selecting prophecy. And there seem to be plenty of families who seek those schools precisely for that aspect (Thomas family started its first school because they could not find an existing one with the ethos they wanted for their own DC)

AnotherNewt Which is why I picked it in the first place.

Thomas's parents are IME a snobby, social climbing bunch. They have a bad reputation where I live.

But you like the sound of the school despite hearing that your local one picks blond, blue-eyed children so maybe you'll be ok.

My perception was that thay suit children who are (at 2+ or 4+!) robust and confident. And that the parent body tended to be high powered professionals, with a good sprinkling of Europeans and others. City rather than aristos. Thomas' kids tend to achieve in academics, sport etc and tge school seems to produce work hard play hard types.

And again a perception, but that this meant quite a lot of highly educated non working wives (because they could afford not to) some of whom might come across as a bit scarey/cliquey. (As in if Kate had not married William she might have married a well paid banker, or like her sister, second generation rich.)

But like all school runs, some mums will be lovely, others not so.

I would say that they ( for George ) have chosen Thomas's Battersea precisely because of security, The grounds are pretty minimal ( well a car park) and a very narrow entrance ( only know as have dropped a friends daughter off there in the dim and distant past - although did look for DS ) Absolutely not "aristo" as far as I can tell - of course as PP's have said paying that much for junior school will mean an amount of money , but I would say rather 2 x earning parents or 1 x high earning parent more the norm. Not going for the interview if not aristocratic would be unwise in my opinion - but then I think Newton Prep ( nearby ) is so much better , but then NP has bigger grounds and probably would be harder harder to stop photographs of George. Not disimiliar economic demographics I suspect.

If your concern is security I would say that a bit like the Thames Barrier , someone else has covered it for other purposes and bask in that.

wondering if it’s really true that these days they are picking mostly blonde haired, blue eyed children
Both George and Charlotte are dark haired

The school has many nationalities and ethnicities
The grounds are enclosed but fine
The kids are as mixed as you'll get allowing for the economic hurdle

Wow some of these comments are quite unhelpful. OP probably looked round the school and liked it but heard some rumours on the grape vine that has made her pause. She's asking advice to clear it up.

I only see one tongue and cheek comment.
It’s a school that attracts many international families.

Thomas's is fine as a fee paying prep school. They are a chain - the Battersea one is quite enclosed - hence my comment about security. Of course there will be a certain families who can afford the fees for a private junior / prep school , but by no means has Thomas's Battersea been thought of as " aristocratic " - that was my point. It's one of a number in the area but that particular one in the Thomas's chain is very enclosed & I can sort of see why it was chosen.

OP I wouldn't worry about security - just look at all the local schools and see which one suits your child best. And if you have, and this is the best one - stick with it is my advice. All local private junior / prep schools will have a good international and ethnic mix as PPS have said. But if you are committed now to Thomas's Battersea and you liked it when you went round - I really wouldn't worry about security just because Prince George is there - just go ahead and best wishes to you and DD

There are 4 schools and you can only apply to one so don't worry about that.

We have had a fabulous experience so far, contrary to the reputation we have found the school incredibly nurturing and our dd has been very happy there. The parents are fun, inclusive and we have not found them to be pushy or 'aristocratic', not that there is anything wrong. Most parents are professionals and we have 10 different languages spoken in dd's class alone. Fantastic teaching in small classes, great facilities, plenty of opportunity for drama, music and sport. I would say it is not a traditional prep school, it is forward thinking and focused on 'awe and wonder' rather than imparting information. The children have great opportunities for enrichment and in our experience, the teachers really get to know each child and help them with whatever their particular weakness is.

We liked Newton too but found it quite 'urban' in feel and have some friends who are quite unhappy there.

Most people love the school their children end up attending so I wouldn't worry too much.

Not with a very long shitty stick. Rather send kids off to be educated by bears.

Talkinpeece-George and Charlotte are both blonde!
(Not saying the aryan thing is real but still!)

user10
He did not look blonde in the corridor