The mystery of Normanhurst School Chingford

[Garibaldibikky]

Tried searching mumsnet and zero info on this school. Surely someone must have 1st/2nd/3rd hand info!
If so pleaaase can you share?

Thanks :)

anyone.....?

I know very little. Small private school. No 6th form. Not academically or socially prestigious. A place where families with the means send children with mild SEN or children who need to get away from bullying. It’s an option for DC who will not pass the entrance exams at Forest, Chigwell or Bancrofts.

I’ve heard of it only because I went to one of the sister preps some years ago before going on to Bancrofts. Never heard of anyone actually going there though, it was all Bancrofts, Forest, Chigwell and the occasional grammar as leavers destinations…

Thanks so much for the info! So is their entrance exam thought to be easier then? As they do appear to have an 11+ exam...

I figured it wasn't "up there" academically as they have chosen to publish their GCSEs as grade 4+ stats...I can only see 2021 where they specified the percentage getting 7+ in GCSEs...

Ok that's interesting. Always concerns me when there's so little inside info!

I think the entrance bar is lower for 11+ entry there. I think their selling point is to be a small, nurturing private school.

I think there is little info because it has so few students.

There are simply fewer people to talk about it.

ok makes sense.
Maybe I shouldn't rule it out entirely...

Tiny school. Interviewed there at the start of my teaching career and class size was average of 8-12.

Go look at the school and then decide if it is right for your child. You have nothing to lose.

Do you know what you are looking for?

Hi @Chanel05 did you work there in the end?

DC is in a small state 1 form entry primary and I think is better suited to small nurturing environments. Thinking ahead for secondary. Has academic potential but not sure would suit a high pressure environment but equally we want there to be an academic benefit to paying for private!

It sounds like it might be a fit then. There is also St Aubyns in Woodford Green that goes until 13. Or, in more central North London there is Northbridge house. I know DC sent there because they had dyslexia and their parents felt it was nurturing and also DC who left there at 13 to go to Westminster. So it seems to cater to a broad variety of needs.

Brill thanks! Will check those out too :)