Stonyhurst College/ St Mary’s Hall ???

[Helterskelter101]

We have chosen Stonyhurst for our child but are having such a bad time with their admissions department, the communication has been so poor, and long before Covid. I realise they have so much on the plate at the moment, but I really am feeling uncomfortable sending my child there with my experience with them so far. We loved the school when we looked round, but I’m getting cold feet. Any current parents out there who can reassure me??

Sorry, my experience of them was the same. I went elsewhere as I didn't like the arrogance of the (numerous) admissions staff in not replying to things and blaming each other.

I ended up thinking that if this is indicative of the rest of the school, it wasn't the place for our family.

It's a shame things sound the same still.

That’s interesting to hear that it’s not just us having this experience.... I really hope it’s just a couple of people in the administration team that are causing the issues, and that it isn’t indicative of the rest of the School, but that is my underlying worry. We have had no online taster days, or in fact any communication apart from a detailed welcome pack, but when I hear how other schools have been preparing their new starters, it does worry me. Luckily we have a relaxed child who doesn’t seem phased, so maybe it’s just me worrying....

If you've paid the deposit, I think you'll come low down on their radar as they think they "have you" already. Sadly.

They seem to have restructured a lot. When I was dealing with them, names and job titles were rotating. That's very unsettling.

And compared to the school my child ended up, they came off very poorly with communication.

But if you have paid (guessing you have, to get the welcome pack), you'll have to work out if it's worth walking away or sticking with them.

I must just update this post as Stonyhurst have been absolutely Fantastic in their communication since I posted. I’m not sure what the issue was but I can only put it down to COVID and being off campus. Ever since they have been extremely efficient in all their communication. Term started on 1st and it was incredibly welcoming and the communication is very open between the school and us parents, so couldn’t be happier!
I didn’t want anyone to read my previous post and be put off!!

Thank you for updating, OP.

My son is starting there in a few years (sat the 11+ for 13+ entry). But I’d like to look around again with my daughter.
I haven’t managed to get through to the admissions dept.

Best of luck to your son/daughter.

We are absolutely thrilled with SMH, Stonyhurst! It has been such a wonderful start for my ds- and the communication is faultless. However the administration communication wasn't so good.
But I can't recommend it enough, their Covid response is so thorough, and has minimal impact on the children's daily life- all sport and activities are on! We get regular updates on all that they're doing, and photos etc. The parent portal also makes you feel very up to date with all the children are doing.
I hope your child enjoys it as much as mine when he goes- my only worry is mine doesn't want to come home