Summerhill - has anyone got any experience of this school?

[LivingLaVidaLurker2]

I have recently been reading a lot about A.S. Neill and Summerhill school and it seems a fascinating place. I am planning to attend an open day, but would be interested to hear of any MNers' experiences. Have you been? Do your children go? What do ex-students think about the school?

My biggest concern from everything I've read, including the website, is that parents are kept at a distance. Although I can understand that children should be left to be children (to wildy summarise the philosophy), why would the staff at Summerhill be better adult influences than dh and me?

Oh, and I am filled with very mixed feelings about boarding - do day pupils thrive at the school?

[LivingLaVidaLurker2]

...stiched up by the film makers...

[Doobydoo]

Hi Again.I found it quite strange at first!
Being able to have some control over my life[we had moved around alot]and also being listened to and listening to others.
I went in the 80's.I would have loved to have boarded there.The teachers were incredibly enthusiastic and I really enjoyed science[never since I left though]
Some hildren are at the school because they have not 'fitted in' to mainstream school.for one reason or another and have in some cases been classed as problem children.Others are there because it has been the 1st choice for parents and kids.
I think it is abit like home education but in a group[ifyswim].We home ed though our son wants to give school a try and is going in Sept[we are in Ireland].I think as with home ed,parents sometimes need nerves of steel!It depends where you are coming from as a parent.The school has pointd out that children may choose not to attend lessons at all during the first year or two.So I think AS A PARENT YOU HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY[whoops] in agreement with the schools philosophy in order for your child to be themselves etc.Hope that makes some sort of sense!?

[Takver]

Thanks for the helpful comments re the power station. We're thinking about leaving Wales, and have a lot of ties in the East so maybe we should look again at Leiston. Sadly I don't think we would be able to afford the fees for Summerhill, also I have a (probably irrational so don't jump on me) gut reaction against paying for education and taking my child out of the state system. But its really interesting to hear from people who have been there.
I like the description as being a bit like home ed but in a group - I can see so many positive aspects of being out of school, but I worry about being able to offer a wide range of options to dd, so I've always thought something like Summerhill would be an ideal halfway house.
Now if only 'choice' in the state system meant a meaningful choice between traditional schooling and alternative approaches rather than between a good trad school or a bad one . . .

[Takver]

I should also say vidalurker that having lived in a place that has been filmed many times I would never, ever, believe anything that is presented on tv about 'alternative' approaches to society. Basically IME all tv people want is conflict and scandal and 'look at the funny people'.

[anxiousmax]

Tavker

It really is a lovely part of the country & the schools are wonderful & we've been on the beach with NO RAIN all week.
I'm not a local originally but can't imagine living anywhere else now.

[Jux]

I think most of the kids opt out of lessons at first just because they can (wouldn't you?), but I imagine they get a bit bored too and wander in to see what's happening. I know dd would skip lessons for a while, but I also know that she would end up going to lots bacause she's really interested in so many things.

[snorkle]

Dd's friend never went to maths lessons for years (at least 3) - though I think she went once for a dare. I'm not even sure if she has started going yet or not. That would really bother me if a child of mine boycotted what I consider to be an important subject as I don't really think they have an appreciation of the long term consequences. That's why I couldn't be a summerhill parent - I suspect it works OK for most but not all and I don't have enough trust.

[floaty]

I have several friends with children there and am quite attracted to the philosophy(dh though is very anti)I have heard though thta they are not good if your child needs learning support because the ,when asked what happens if your child wants to learn but can't because of dyslexia etc I felt they floundered a little but it is still a great place.You need to be aware though thta except in exceptional circumstances they do not admit children older than 11 as they find it too hard to adapt

[lazymumofteenagesons]

I don't know what area Summerhill is in or where you live. But if you want a slightly more traditional version (progressive but lessons compulsory, no uniform, individuality recognised and learning support given) take a look at St Christopher in letchworth, Hertfordshire. Website www.stchris.co.uk