Eltham College - less impressive results last year?

[blackheathmum81]

Hello all

It appears that Eltham College results have dropped substantially in 2022 as compared to the Covid times (school graded). I was wondering if this has been explained in any way by the school leadership if anyone knows. We are considering Colfe's & Eltham College for our son. Purely from the result's perspective they seem to at par when we look at last year's results - Eltham College seems to have had quite a drop from the stellar results they had in covid years while Colfe's seems to be on the up and consistent with their results during covid times.

Thanks.

Think EC kept v quiet when the results came out..... Mr Sanderson's account on twitter was like tumbleweed despite several parents asking how it had gone.

The year before, more than half the year group got all 9's but there were only 2 who did in 2022.

Good exam results are one part of school selection. What did you think of the schools otherwise? What are the journeys like? What do you think of the 2 headteachers?

I think following is the reason:

metro.co.uk/2022/02/06/private-schools-manipulated-exam-system-during-covid-to-inflate-grades-16056920/amp/

I have DC at Colfe's in Y6 and Y9. They started a real focus on improving their results a few years ago now, starting with a selection process at 3+ and 4+ entry, which had historically been purely on when you registered your child and your position on the list. Y6's are also now very much expected to pass the senior entrance exam and they do and will, communicate with parents in Y5 if they think children won't pass the exam. There is no 'automatic' entry to senior.

Entrance to 6th form requires 3 x 6 and 3 x 7 at GCSE and for the vast majority of A-levels, to be able to take the subject, you need a 7+. They are very strict with this and there is no leeway. Without doubt, the academic standards are improving as these changes filter through.

Thanks @ChnandlerBong yes absolutely, the results are just one aspect. We actually like both schools. Liked the head teacher at Colfes, not yet met the head teacher at EC, have only read on the threads here. The journeys to both would be manageable (Colfes is walking, EC would be a 10-15min drive). Both seem to good nurturing schools with emphasis on pastoral care which is important to us. The edge for EC seems to be its academics, but looking at their latest result I was bit puzzled if there really is any edge at all when compared to Colfes.

Thanks @Dara1985 - hadn't read that before. Thanks.

@edwinbear for sharing your own experience, it is very helpful to hear. I have heard similar things from other parents at Colfes (we don't know anyone from EC).

@blackheathmum81

thats another one:

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/private-schools-gamed-covid-rules-to-give-their-pupils-more-top-a-levels-6z0z6w9r5

thanks @Dara1985

What is your view on Eltham vs Colfes, now that offers are out?

Academically they are v similar - they get v similar results outside of the v inflated pandemic ones - EC really overinflated theirs. Both doing well. Colfe's have def been more consistent and the Headmaster has been v vocal on it. Interestingly, Colfes, ST D published theirs in full on the result day, EC took weeks to publish, then did some interesting stats to show the rolling averages that reduced the impact of their big drop back to the normal pre-pandemics. But worth looking beyond the results - how will your child do at their school, an academic one will do well regardless - given the teaching quality and resources, but how will they be supported if not or inconsistenc?

I would definitely go for Colfe’s in your shoes - walking distance and properly co-ed. Co-ed is still only filtering through at Eltham. And as you point out, it was highlighted as a school that inflated grades substantially in various articles.
Music is very good at Eltham though so I would be more swayed by a particular extra curricular interest. Also look carefully into what sports Eltham vs Colfe actually are good at and support (check the fixtures list on the websites carefully and that will tell you). All private schools differ in that regard and if a child is quite passionate about a certain type of sport or drama or art etc the schools can really vary in their offerings.

Hello!
I am exploring Eltham College for my DD. I see that intake starts at year 3… Curious to know if there is a feeder school as such that children go to before Eltham College, or does it not matter? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!!

@remrems - there is no specific feeder school. For girls, any of the local schools like Bromley High, Babington House or Blackheath High if you are that way. Or any high performing state primary. Or Blackheath Prep - although many say it is a much better school than Colfe’s or Eltham so better to stay in the Prep until 11 and then do 11 plus. But that is just local gossip.
In fact, I would say the former “preps” don’t like it when kids leave at 7 plus but needs must. For 7 plus, kids need to be ahead in reading and really know the Year 1 and 2 maths very well. There is no big need to storm ahead in maths, better to really know the basics of the KS1 curriculum.

Thank you @Intergalacticcatharsis . I do ideally want DD to go to Eltham College, but the movement at 7 is putting me off. Colfe’s is another school for consideration for me too 🤔

Blackheath Prep have just announced on twitter they are merging with Eltham College. 4 plus option now for you @remrems…

All these private schools panicking about their survival/competitiveness going forward, interesting times!

Wonder what Colfe’s will do now…. It is like a soap opera the competition between these schools and they are not even the competitive ones in London on an objective basis (Colfe’s/Eltham that is).

They're not merging though? They'll be separate schools just in the "same family" - whatever that means.....

No 4+ option at either school. 3+ and 7+ to BP and 7+/8+/11+ to EC