Ashley Church of England School Walton on Thames

[bandsmama]

Does anyone have any children at Ashley School in Walton on Thames and what do they think of it? Are their children happy there?

Would really appreciate any feedback.

Yes I have kids there. It has a lovely atmosphere in the school itself. It has a very middle class intake so parental expectations are high mainly. There is currently lots of building work but once complete the actual fabric of the school should be adequate to meet needs of a growing school.

There are things I don't like about it. Some of the parents can be a bit cliquey (understatement) but that is probably the same everywhere. It is worse because so many know each other through church and if you don't go to the same church (or any) then you are out of it a bit. The SN provision is a bit crap.

Let me know if there is anything else you need to know.

Thanks Walton Wonder.

You say it should be adequate - do you think it isn't big enough for a two form entry??

I've heard that there is an expectation to get extra tuition - is that right?? How do you find wrap around care and getting to school???

Hi - I don't have any children at this school myself, but my 2 nieces went here from 4-11. My BIL/SIL were very pleased with it.

I would not say there is any expectation for extra tutoring. Some parents who are very keen to get there children into Heathside do encourage (am trying to be nice!) their children in certain instruments and sports which are the ones Heathside score highly in their challenges. Still unlikely to get in there though so bit of a waste of time in my opinion. Some kids do have extra general tutoring but it is the minority.

I think it is much better now it is 2 form entry but there was an issue with space which is now being resolved. Should be great when it is finished.

There is an after school club but no breakfast club. There is too little demand seemingly. I walk to school but lots drive. Parking can be an issue as there is no car park for parents. Most park in Homebase or nearby street and walk the rest of way.

I don't have children there, but some of my friends do/have.

Ashley is perceived as a well performing school, the Ofsted report is dripping with enthusiasm (google for it) and the achievement levels of kids in the school seem to be high. It is hugely oversubscribed. The school is enthusiastic about achievement right from the start (which may be where the tutoring rumour type stuff came in). I have had friends who love the school, and others who were more lukewarm as they felt it wasn't quite right for their child.

On the other side, the intake consists almost entirely of highly motivated middle class families who tick the correct church boxes (it is a CofE school: being baptist, RC Or non conformist will NOT get you in: you need a full two years of attendence at church and child at the sunday school). If you value this or are at that particular church anyway, then go for it. But there are very few if any lower income families (ie not abroad socoal mix, few non-English families and it has a low number of special needs according to Ofsted. And it states on the website that they specifically don't inform children about non-christian religions until the final year (age 11).

So many people like it: maybe a better question is will it suit your ds/dd?

My sisters DS goes there, and loves it! His handwriting is beautiful, and he's reading CS Lewis independently.

...at the age of 5 1/2!

If you or your children differ from the norm in any way, forget it. Their special needs care is awful. Definately one for the Yummy Mummies.

my friends child got into Heathside on a music challengs . Violin . She lives opposite rydens . lol

About 8 friends of mine send their children to Ashley, they're all lovely children, confident, happy and balanced. They all really like it.
Entry criteria is exceptionally rigid. There is talk they will be taking church places over sibling places going forwards too.

I did have a friend with a daughter with SN and she turned it down as she didn't think it was very suitable for her.

I think the only way into Heathside now from Walton would be a challenge. The catchment doesn't stretch that far.

They are dealing with SEN at the moment, it wasn't very good but improving.
The new build should be finished this year and is fab. The kids are mostly able, staff young and enthusiastic and parents very supportive.
The instrumental music is probably the best you will find in a state school with over 30 violinists, cellists, pianists and clarinetists. Had my boys there. Excellent school. Only critism...too much emphasis on ECO...drove me mad.

Ashley school is by and large,a moderate school,the headmaster seems to focus more on saving the planet,boosting his own ego about how green the school can be,rather than deal with the fact that a large number of pupils rely on extra help because their method of teaching seems not to work,also there are times when the head jets off to far away lands to understand how other countries school their children,not really necessary.As others have pointed out it is a very cliquey school,you are either a doer of all things or you can't join the parent gang,not a problem to me,but the standard of teaching could be a whole lot better. Not a school to rely on if your child needs special help,they tend to put such children at the back of the class with a toy.