Article on Toby Young's west london free school - I don't understand admissions

[PollyParanoia]

Ok article is here from yesterday's standard.
I do find all this stuff about "we want a school with high standards" a bit strange - is there anyone head or parent who actively wants a crap one?
But my main question is one of admissions. It says that the site is 3 miles from Toby Young's house. Presumably that would mean that his four children wouldn't get in if it's done on catchment. Is this the case? If true, it seems strangely admirable and altruistic of him to be doing all this hard work. I suppose I should be applauding his philanthropy rather than assuming he wants an education he can't afford to pay for...

I can name state schools where the children of governors have received preferential treatment of the kinds you suggest.

okay so i have been following this thread silently for a while but i have to say it now and you can all shoot me but i have to say it...
why can't people stop wining about toby young and his children and admissions policy!!! if you are so upset about him, just set up your own bloody free school. he's spent years working incredibly hard to set up a fantastic school (and by the looks of it, is going to set up a fantastic primary school as well) that thousands of London parents dream of getting their kids into. he should be applauded for it and if there were many more entrepreneurial parents like him, the London school scene would be an even better place. all that energy people spend on moaning about him could be used to set up a free school yourself. one that you work years to set up and are happy not to have your children attend in the end. go for it. what's stopping you?

Have you read the objections on this thread, sam?

It's just that you post doesn't address any of them.

I am about to choose my preferences for secondary school. I have visited Holland Park, West London Free School, Chelsea Academy, Ashcroft, Fulham Boys School, Ark Putney.
So far my choices are 1-Holland Park, 2-West London Free School, 3- Chelsea Academy, 4-Fulham Boys. Are there any parents who have children at Holland Park, West London Free School or Chelsea Academy who can give me some up to date feedback on their experience of the schools?
Many of the posts on here are old and I would like a more recent opinion. Thanks in advance, any contribution will be much appreciated!
Also if anyone is at the WLFS how are you finding the fact that there are no technical or vocational subjects? I like the sound of a classical education and my son's passion and forte is writing and English.

Anomis - you should start a new thread, with the schools you're interested in in the title. It's the only way you'll reach the people who can help you.

Thanks, I had already done that. I've only had one helpful reply but that's better than none I suppose! www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2217413-Up-to-date-feedback-on-Holland-Park-Chelsea-Academy-West-London-Free-School

Well Anomis, that may be a good thing, because it probably means there isn't anything significantly negative to report.

Try posting on Mumsnet Local for the relevant areas too, in order to reach your target audience.

Hello all,

We have recently relocated from India and living in tower Hamlets ( Canary Wharf ) currently. I will be applying for reception year 1 for my 5 year old son soon and I want your opinions and suggestions on good / excellent primary schools around Crossharbour. Considering the time of the year I am aware that Canary Wharf College which is excellent rated does not have a vacancy. However , your reviews on Harbinger , Arhnem wharf, cubitt town , seven mills , bygrove primary or any other good schools will really help. Looking forward :)

Start a new thread. This one is ancient and irrelevant.