The Academy School Hampstead

[Fip2468]

I am starting to look at Prep schools in the NW London area and wonder if anyone has a child at the Academy School, or had had a child there and then left? A friend mentioned it to me that it might work for my DC but that it was unusual and either you loved it or didn't. I just want to get a clear insight into what my friend meant so I can see if it would work for my DC.
Thanks so much. Feel free to DM if you don't want your comment public!

Hi there,
Not sure if you are still looking at schools, but just saw your post. My son is at the Academy and abxolutely loves it. The school is outstanding and we are very happy there. It is small and nurturing, very down to earth and the kids are worked very hard, but they play them hard too. It seems as if all the kids go in and out of the school very happily!

My eldest DS went there and loved it but it is definitely marmite, I feel strongly that it was perfect for him but wouldn’t suit his brother or sister. Main points

• v small class sizes, sometimes as low as 8 and not grouped strictly by age
• definitely no shiny facilities, classrooms are small and umm well loved
• on the whole, teaching is amazing, in particular maths and english
• great for drama and music
• not good for sporty kids, due to facilities and small number of kids, not really enough to make up full teams for example
• lots of sports/leisure time spent on Hampstead Heath

Sorry, posted too soon - there are a lot of kids there that didn’t/wouldn’t get on so well in more mainstream prep schools, whether because of personality or other issues. This was a plus for DS, I think it’s given him a very pragmatic view of people and he isn’t phased by ‘odd’ characters.

The staff know the pupils very well and I think they get the very best out of them.

You really have to visit the school to know if it’s right for you and your child. They are very clear that it’s a joint role in educating your child. You need to be proactive too. See it first so you understand what everyone is saying. It is marmite. It also feels like Hogwarts.

My DS loves it. He was at another corporate style prep school - rhymes with Cambridge which we were thoroughly disillusioned with. He has thrived and prospered at the Academy. And achieved a place at a very academic senior boys school. It is a very special place and we will always treasure his time there. No bullying, mixed classes of all different types and character and superlative teaching.

Bear in mind it is small. A lot of children aren’t accepted because there are only 100 children in the whole school.