Frewen College

[pastparent]

We are keen to express our thoughts on Frewen College for anyone considering it as an option for their dyslexic child. It's very easy to be seduced by this fabulous building and ground which the headmaster is keen to show every potential new parent. However this is a distraction and unfortunately Frewen College is sadly loosing its way.
The laid back approach to education is unfortunately too relaxed and there appears little drive for pupils to fulfil their potential. The small class numbers should allow for an individual teaching system but the much advertised 'Frewen-way' has been diluted and feels almost lost. Unfortunately our experience of Frewen College for our child isn't great.
Whilst the teachers are all nice, caring and kind many have now left which is hardly surprising given the lack of proper management which appears to create discord and stress amongst staff. This is a very disorganised, uncommunicative and poorly run facility and the management have become weak, complacent and disengaged. The governor's really need to get to grips with this before it gets to a point of no return.
The school only survives by encouraging parents to apply and fight for EHCP funding and they have a member of staff (the vice principle) dedicated to helping parents with this. However, they are so focussed and distracted on the fight for EHCP funding that they have unfortunately forgotten their own key principles.
This really is a failing school and anyone considering it should talk to as many past parents of recent years as possible (not those recommended by the school!) and consider all other options before signing up.
We are not happy to write such a review this could be such a good school but its not and its important to warn others as education for our children, especially a dyslexic one, is just so crucial and there is only one chance.

I completely agree with their disorganisation. I worked for Frewen College from September to November 2021 as a graduate residential Assistant. Their administrative practices are shocking. To give an example it became apparent early that college was just not the right fit for me. I was living at the college 350 miles away from my girlfriend I thought about handing in my notice. From their side of the bargain, I thought their perception of me as an employee was alright. On the 15th of November, the College out of blue brought me in into the office and said they were going to terminate my contract. I had no forewarning of this, they said I was underperforming in my job and they were dismissing me on the grounds of capability. So I left to go and live with my girlfriend in Durham. 15 days later whilst trying to recruit with an agency in Durham, the Education Network and Vision For Education, the college had put in references to the employer I was under investigation by the local authority: the LADO. I was absolutely flabbergasted. My union over some time checked this with the local authority- and whilst the College had made a referral to the LADO under safeguarding law. The local authority was not the slightest bit interested in investigating me and they had dismissed me on the grounds of capability. My union threatened legal action for Libel or defamation but didn't sue because libel is notoriously onerous. What I did is notify the Information Commissioners' office. They investigated the company in the summer of 2022 but did not find Frewen College in breach of DPA because by that time they had rectified the reference. But they passed the information on to the DFE, it is likely to impact negatively on their inspection and it cost me about two months worth of work. Them being administratively incompetent and negligent.