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Original poster

Wimbledon High School

17 replies

wobblypig · 12/09/2011 11:34

Can any one given me the low down on this school?
I have heard mixed things and I am particulalry concened about a pressursed environment but DS now going to Willington so geographically it would be ideal so want to explore the options.

OP posts:
Maarias · 14/09/2011 11:56

Hi Wobblypig
Sorry I have no personal experience other than it is supposed to be extremely good but quite academic. I think the teachers are quite honest and will just tell you ifyour daughter is struggling. Have you thought about Sutton High (run school buses from Wimb) or Putney High (just down the hill) as an alternative?

Original poster
wobblypig · 16/09/2011 20:28

DD will be just 4.3 when she starts school and so bus really not an option. DS has just started at Willington so Wimbledon High School would be the obvious choice but I know they are very picky.

OP posts:
Zoggsrus · 21/09/2011 16:07

wobblypig, how is your son getting on at Willington?
I am trying to arrange to go in to see the school?

ladyasriel · 21/09/2011 23:20

what low down do you want? they assess so if your daughter passes the assessment she should be fine. I cannot recommend it enough.

Original poster
wobblypig · 22/09/2011 20:53

Really wanted to get a feel of pastoral care. It is has a reputation from outsie of being rather pressurised even in the youger years. Willington is not percevied to be so - we are really happy so far with Willington and think it stikes a good balance between academic results and providing a broad education . Also very inclusive of the whole famiy - so would be looking for similar for DS.

OP posts:
Zoggsrus · 23/09/2011 14:49

they have an open day Tue morning, just seen an advert in wimbledonguardian.
If that's any help!

Original poster
wobblypig · 23/09/2011 19:30

Thanks - I am sending hubby along as I can't get there. Was just looking at Wimbledon Guardian myself!

OP posts:
Original poster
wobblypig · 27/09/2011 23:48

DH didn't get to go in the end but friends who did were dismayed at the feeling of pressure on the children which is what I was worried about. Does anyone have any direct experience ?

OP posts:
thepassenger · 30/09/2011 21:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thepassenger · 30/09/2011 22:02

My daughter is in the younger part of the school and adores it. It is really popular, really oversubscribed and everyone I know (inc mums with older girls) loves it. She never feels pressurised, and is really thriving - she is confident and seems to be doing well academically, although I have never heard anyone else anxious or worried either. The girls are very happy and lively. Plenty of teacher discussion time, wonderful creative curriculum (very interesting way of learning for little ones).
I'd imagine if your daughter gets through the assessment then she will be fine! They do their best to make that enjoyable and not stressful just like school really. I really wouldn't rule it out just because of a "reputation" (although I've never heard of that reputation myself and I am local).

thepassenger · 30/09/2011 23:07

Came back again to mention the Headmistress who is lovely - although I haven't had cause to have an appointment with her she is always a presence at pick up, very friendly, chatting, asking girls how they are enjoying their new classes etc. ah I love it. Just wish there was an equivalent for boys!
There are lots of brothers at Willington so perhaps you can find a fellow mum for a RL opinion?

thepassenger · 30/09/2011 23:08

that was inaccurate - "often" a presence at pick up.

Original poster
wobblypig · 01/10/2011 20:53

Thanks very helpful. I would imagine that it all relates to selection process -they presumably select capable,confident girls who will thrive there. It is encouraging that you are so happy with it.

OP posts:
ProtectiveDad · 09/10/2011 13:36

We found the atmosphere very pressurised and the pastoral care poor (see my other post about bullying). There is no doubt that the School delivers good academic results and it expects the girls to be strong and single minded-but if you have any doubts about your child's ability to fit into a tough environment then it may not be the right place for her. We put our daughter into senior school in Notre Dame in Cobham where the atmosphere is incredibly suppportive with wonderful pastoral care and yet still delivers excellent academic results (our daughter is now at Bristol University).

Original poster
wobblypig · 10/10/2011 14:49

We drove past Notre Dame - back from Guildford Spectrum - yesterday. It caught my eye . The pressure does concern me . Thank-you for your view.
Does anyone know if you can visit outside of the open days?

OP posts:
whiteoleander · 13/10/2011 23:25

ProtectiveDad - what age was your DD when she had problems? The OP is about the Junior school - I have nothing but positive supportive things to say about WHS in the very young years.

ProtectiveDad · 15/01/2012 15:28

Apologies for slow response. She was in Junior School-Years 4 and 5 were the problem years-and Notre Dame is definitely worth a look!

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