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Original poster

Embley

37 replies

Fleabagster · 24/08/2020 19:13

Are there any Embley parents on here? We are considering it for our child for secondary school and would love to know what you think of it.
(I already posted on Secondary Ed but thought this might get more traffic.)

OP posts:
Onthetrain75 · 24/08/2020 19:22

The parents that I know who have kids there all recommend it. It’s generally meant to be on the up I think. Not pressurised, nurturing etc. Sorry, not sure that’s very helpful!

Original poster
Fleabagster · 24/08/2020 20:34

@Onthetrain75 yes that is helpful! That’s the impression I got but worried it might not be academic enough. Thank you.

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ListeningQuietly · 02/09/2020 19:05

Lots of people still call it HCS ;-)

ClumsyPickle · 02/09/2020 20:15

I was a pupil there many years ago...one of the first years of co-ed! Great memories and it will always be Embley! (Not HCS nonsense!)

ListeningQuietly · 02/09/2020 20:35

The school changed a LOT when Stanbridge Earls closed
and had changed a lot once league tables came in.
It became HCS when the Atherley moved out of Grove Park after moving out of Hill lane years ago

You need to assess it on what it is today
and bear in mind that Stroud has now become KES prep

actiongirl1978 · 02/09/2020 20:44

It is our second choice for DC for secondary, friends are delighted with it, not pressured at all. I'm Not sure the name change was necessary and the cost of redesigning all the buses and uniform.

Meant to be very SEN supportive.

Original poster
Fleabagster · 02/09/2020 20:45

@ListeningQuietly of course I want to assess it on what it is today - that’s why I’m asking! I know the history. I really like the Head and the feel I got from it but would like to hear from current parents.
I’m looking for secondary so Stroud not an option, and we have ruled out KES.

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Original poster
Fleabagster · 02/09/2020 20:46

@actiongirl1978 I’ve heard that about it not being pressurised but both my kids are (at the moment) academically able but on the lazy/unmotivated side so I’m wondering if they need some pressure!

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actiongirl1978 · 02/09/2020 21:20

I can understand that. We didn't send DD for that reason, there's no way she would have thrived there.

Is anywhere else on your list? We were also against KES. Are the girls schools any good for you? Or 11 plus into Salisbury grammars?

Original poster
Fleabagster · 03/09/2020 13:04

@actiongirl1978 yes, DS will be sitting the 11+ but I’m still not convinced Bishops is right. I want the nurture of Embley and the academic results of a grammar! Not sure that exists round here... (or anywhere?!) thanks for replies x

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actiongirl1978 · 03/09/2020 13:12

Where are you based?

It's hard for boys. I assume you have discounted The Gregg?

HasaDigaEebowai · 03/09/2020 13:15

The deputy head is a friend of mine and is great.

Original poster
Fleabagster · 07/09/2020 13:48

@HasaDigaEebowai if it’s who I think it is (first name starts with J) then yes, I’ve heard great things about him.

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Original poster
Fleabagster · 14/10/2020 20:14

Just bumping this as we are still so undecided! DS sitting 11+ on Saturday but part of me feels strongly that he’d be better off staying at his prep until end of year 8, for many reasons. But then what?! Local state? Embley? Help!

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TeenPlusTwenties · 15/10/2020 13:10

How much have you looked at the local state schools?
They're pretty damn good you know.
The PS or BP for 6th form.
Whereabouts are you?

2019user44 · 18/10/2020 10:10

Hi. Sorry to jump your thread. I wondered about considering Embley for my child who starts reception in Sept 21. Have any parents got experience of a child attending from that engage. I'm looking for something really nurturing but academically sound - not necessarily pushy. Are there any other local schools that I should be considering for this age? I'm looking for mixed sex and an emphasis on being nurturing, I'm more towards Salisbury so am considering schools there too. Thank you.

Augustamina · 19/11/2020 21:12

Embley is not what it was, where the pastoral care was very strong. Being run more as a business now & many of the lovely teachers leaving without explanation.

Blarp · 04/02/2021 21:01

It has become selective. Interested more in grades than nurture, driven no doubt by owners who want to see it as a the flagship in their portfolio. Head not that popular with kids or staff, many of whom have left in recent times. But options are limited in the immediate area, which is, no doubt, why it can keep the numbers up. The rebrand is just fluff - it’s still the same as it was as HCS.

PatsyKen · 04/02/2021 22:31

Are you a current parent @Blarp? We are looking at it for our DC.

Blarp · 05/02/2021 11:35

Was a parent. DS left last year. Previous post perhaps a bit on the harsh side.

Singingrain1223 · 05/02/2021 11:47

The deputy head is really rated, he was at Surbiton High a few years and set up their iPad learning.

Blarp · 05/02/2021 12:34

Good to hear Singingrain1223. I see you're a bit of a schools pro. Let's hope he doesn't get fed up and leave like all the other good teachers seem to do.

Augustamina · 30/03/2021 21:14

More good teachers left at the end of Spring term I understand.

PatsyKen · 30/03/2021 21:31

@Augustamina are you a current parent? Why are staff leaving?

Augustamina · 30/03/2021 21:41

We left a while ago, as it was clear where things were going. United Learning is a business. Good staff continue to exit every term and with little explanation.