Opinions on Coombe Boys and Rutlish please

[TheHouseofMirth]

I would love to hear some first hand experiences of these schools. DS is academically average, very outgoing but also sensitive (in a positive way) and very much is own person and I am wondering how well these school would suit him.

When I visited I found Rutlish to be rather macho (something seemingly openly encouraged by the Head). I also wondered how well an average boy who struggles with writing would get on there as I felt they were very results driven.

I quite liked the feel of Coombe but have been concerned by (admittedly second-hand), stories of bullying there. I appreciate every school will have bullies but it is more the school's approach to dealing with it which concerns me.

I would love to hear form parents who have boys at these schools.

I've not got DSs at either but have good friends with sons at both.

Rutlish featured on DS1's CAF form although he doesn't go there. We liked it. He has primary school friends who are there (and have been for 3 - 4 years), ranging from the super-sporty and clever (who are in the G&T programme and are actively encouraged academically) types to more shy and 'average' boys. Most seem to be thriving. I've not heard bad things from any of the parents. It is interesting to note that the catchment area for Rutlish is almost half that (in terms of distance from the school) of that for Ricards Lodge which I think tells you something about how the school's reputation is growing year on year. I think by definition a school full of boys will have a laddish if not macho culture.

Also have friends from Merton (indeed not the West Wimbledon/Raynes Parks side) with a son at Coombe Boys - the son is not an extravert (but is into some sports). Again he seems to be thriving. We were surprised he got in from the other side of Merton, as historically it has seemed hard to get Merton-living DCs into either 'Coombe' secondary school (until recently the girls' school more so than the boys).

I'm not entirely sure that there's not some level of bullying at all schools TBQH. The thing is to get a feel for what the schools do about it. Some are much more upfront about such issues and actively implement their policies more than others. It's also a question to ask the pupils who are there (if you've still got Open Event opportunities to do so) if they are showing parents and prospective pupils around the school - they will tell it like it is.

What did your son feel about both schools? And what was your gut instinct as a parent? Worth paying close attention to both IMHO.

Good luck!

OP I posted your query (without your username) on FB and Twitter.

Coombe Boys have replied to my tweet with the following comment, "@MumsnetMerton please encourage #Mumsnetter to attend our forthcoming Open Evening 14th Oct to find out all about us."

I would ask the Headteacher or one of the SMT your question about how the school deals with bullying. You will soon get a feel as to whether you have robust strategies in place (or not).

Good luck!

Kate

Sorry, it should of course say 'they' not 'you' in the last sentence - oops a hazard of doing work first thing in the morning when still half asleep

Thank you. Trouble is of course all schools have written anti-bullying policies which I'm sure they would trot out at the Open Evening, however, from what I can tell, sometimes there is a mismatch between their policy and the actual action taken.

Hi TheHouseofMirth, as HaydonWomble suggested, ask the young people (pupils) who show you around the school. You will get a more honest appraisal from them on bullying I would have thought, even if they've theoretically been schooled to tow the official line! "Out of the mouths of babes..." (and all that)

Don't know if this is too late to help you but I have a son in year 9 at Rutlish. He is the opposite of macho and thriving there with a lovely group of friends. The school is very strong on behaviour so if there is a problem they deal with it very quickly. Art and drama are very popular and they get great results. It's not perfect but it is a very good school and the teachers I have met are really engaged. I'm sending ds2 there so that's proof I am happy with it!