Richmond School Help - Darell and The Russell

[Sarala29]

Hi - is there anyone who can help me with school advice for my 5 year old. We have just moved into East Sheen and none of our preferred schools had places available. The closest schools with spaces are The Russell Primary and Darell Primary. Does anyone have any idea about these schools.

Admittedly, the commute to Russell will be quite a trek, but we are willing to consider it.

Also, realistically what would be the chances of getting into our preferred schools via a waitlist?

Thanks.

My twins went to nursery at Russell School a few years ago and they loved it. Russell School now also has a lovely new building and lots of outdoor space. I don't have any direct experience with Darrell School, apart from a reception place offer we declined a few years ago in favour of another school we liked better, but over the years I met quite a few parents of children who went both to Darrell and Russell Schools and Russell School seems to be the preferred school locally.
Regarding waiting lists; these always move (possibly a little less now during the COVID crisis, but still). You can contact the schools for in year admission info and they will tell you your waiting list position. You can also contact your local MP, if you have special circumstances or complaints.

@Mamajeet112 Thanks for the info. I passed by The Russell school campus today and it looked utterly gorgeous! I think that is drawing me more towards Russell but was not sure about how it does academically or its after school care. Would you happen to know if such care is offered, of course after the COVID times.

We're an Indian family and wondering how he would fit into the environment there. Any thoughts?

Sorry for so many questions!

Russell School is good academically (also according to Ofsted). As far as I remember it offers after school care organised by an outside provider on the grounds - it's probably best to double-check with the school for more info. When my children went to Russell School there was a mix of English, European, South African, Brazilian and Asian families, it was (and I believe still is) quite a welcoming environment for any culture.

Thanks @Mamajeet112. I think we'll be going for Russell as it seems to be the best available option to us right now. Your input is greatly appreciated, as having a good word from a parent is very reassuring

Hi @Sarala29,
Sorry for posting on an old thread. We are planning to move from the Netherlands to Richmond soon and are researching schools in the area for our 4 (soon 5) y.I. and 3 y.o. daughters. For our older daughter we’d be going through the in-year admission process.

Did you finally go for Russell or another school?

Did you try to get into schools with waiting lists? I’m wondering if moving into the catchment area of a school with a waiting list (eg Sheen Mount or Marshgate) gives a good chance of receiving an in-year admission place?

Hi @Tom81, no apologies necessary! My 5 year old ds finally went to The Russell Primary and we are really happy with the school. Having said that, the in year admission was a bit of a hassle as there were no schools that had spaces close by. We live in East Sheen and are quite close to Sheen Mount but weren't able to get into it and are on the waiting list. However, we have not seen any movement in the waitlist. It may be different with other schools, this is just our experience though. Wish you luck with your move

Hi @Sarala29,
Thanks for your answer. Good to know Sheen Mount’s waiting list is not really moving.
Except for the location, would there be any other reason you’d prefer Sheen Mount (or another school) over The Russell?

From what I can see The Russell is a small school with a great campus, relatively good parent opinions and relatively good academic results. It’s not rated “outstanding” by Ofsted though. Sheen Mount (and some other schools in the area like Holy Trinity or Marshgate) are rated outstanding and seem to have slightly better academic results. They are larger and oversubscribed is though. How do you see it based on your experience “on the ground”?

Also, have you considered Holy Trinity or Marshgate? These also seem to be good schools.

Hi @Tom81, Except for the commute that we have to go through every day, I do not see any other reason for moving away from Russell. As you said, they have a fantastic campus which is really hard to find in London. But more than that, the teachers we have come across have been really great and my ds adjusted seamlessly. Even though it does not have an Outstanding Ofsted rating, it has been a really great school with great faculty and a good balanced curriculum. The head teacher was wonderful in clearing up our questions. We did consider Holy Trinity and Marshgate but you would have to be living almost next door to them to get in at this point as they are massively over subscribed. Overall, we are really happy with Russell and have had a great experience with them.

Hi @Sarala29,
Thanks for your opinion, really helpful!

@Tom81 Glad to be of help. All the best with your move and school search!

Hi @Sarala29, thanks again!
One more question: would you know how the after-school care works at The Russell? Is it on-site? What are the hours? Is it good?

Hi @Tom81, they do have wraparound care onsite. They do a brekafast club as well as after school club which I have used occasionally and found to be good.

Hi @Sarala29, thanks for all the information!

Hi
I have two kids at Darell School and they love it. It’s a small nurturing school which has done amazingly to see the children through lockdown - both academically and emotionally. They have great after school clubs - everything from Robotics to Musical Theatre. Plus wraparound care am and pm. There is a new head teacher who is doing great things for the school too. You should book a visit, see for yourself and listen to your instincts. You know what your child needs best. Good luck with your decision but all schools in the area are great.

Hi all my two children attended Darell Primary School and had a great experience- it is a great friendly school that has a good balance between academic, creative and social activities. The school is a lovely Victorian building with spacious classrooms and the school has use of the local nature reserve - Pensford Fields- that the school helped to save many years ago. My kids have come out with academic and emotional intelligence. It's a really nurturing environment with the most fantastic teachers and a place that parents and families are made to feel really welcome. I would definitely recommend visiting Darell School and seeing for yourself how lovely it is.

Hi @Sarala29, my 2 children attended Darell. Our experience is very positive with Darell, starting from day one. We had moved from Turkey and in the first day at school the head teacher welcomed us personally, showed us around, introduced the kids and us to every class in the school. It was amazing. It’s a small school relative to the alternative schools but I’d say it’s a positive aspect since almost every teacher and manager know all the kids personally and it provides a more secure and nurturing environment. It’s easy to reach to the teachers and managers. They are very responsive and concerned about feedbacks. I’m especially impressed by some of the teachers. I honestly think Darell is underrated.