Are there "alternative" schools in London?

[New2London]

My family and I are about to relocate to London from the US. Until now, my partner and I have home-schooled our daughter, who is turning 7 this summer. We have deep reservations about schooling, but we don't feel able any longer to sustain the home educating. Ideally, we seek to put our daughter in a school that somehow resembles our home-schooling approach as much as possible, or at least would not be not driven by a standardized curricular regimen and the mandate to teach for test results, with an emphasis on creativity and exploring questions. Are there any sort of explicitly "alternative" state primary schools in London? If so, please supply details!

:)

Still deciding whether to send DD there or not.

Because its a boarding school the best time to go is Y6. (they don't take kids older than 11 - the school goes up to 16 but you have to start at 10 or 11)

We looked round with DS and initially he wanted to go. But then he decided he didnt want to go because it was a boarding school.

DD will also be given the choice of going. And it really would be a perfect school for her. Except that she' wouldn't be able to train seriously for her sport.

So we'll see what she decides. I'd love her to go there. And not waste her teenage years in a school system that doesn't suit her.

But if in 2 years she still wants to be a professional athlete I think she won't choose to go.

Have you visited New Cross? Perhaps finding a home in East Dulwich might be better suited to you?

If you search mumsnet talk archive you might find some stuff on Steiner that puts you off rather. It all sounds a bit peculiar to me, their philosophy...

I'd love to go myself, never mind the dc! sounds like dd has some exciting options for the future.

No state school - but there are private schools:

King Alfreds - London
www.kingalfred.org.uk/index.php

Rainbow montissori school west hampstead
www.rainbowmontessori.co.uk/home.html

Steiner schools

The Academy Hampstead
www.academyschoolhampstead.com/

sunrise.org.uk/

Another vote for Sunrise schools (there are two, in Stoke Newington and Tottenham). Our children very much enjoyed the (short) time they had there before we unfortunately had to move. They're based on Montessori schooling, with yoga and meditation (part of the neo-humanist thing) for all children every day. Despite both my children having high functioning autism/aspergers - undiagnosed at the time - they thrived! For independent schools they are also very good value since the schools are run as a charity and try to keep costs down for parents.

There is a Montessori school in Forest Hill, SE London, which looks fantastic - wish I could send dd there.

What are the fees at Summerhill, anyone know?

London probably is your best bet for things like this, to be fair.

There are some Montessori schools which are state funded. There are also the new Free Schools which may have a differing agenda to the more traditional state schools.

Look into Steiner schools by all means, but do your research - do an "advanced search" on here for example.

As another option, there are loads of home ed groups in and around London and lots of free activities to do. Under 16s are free on buses as well so fairly cheap to get around with children during the daytime.

There is a Maharishi Free School opening in Richmond (South West London) soon. Maharishi From their website:

DAVID LYNCH SAYS

?I have had the pleasure of meeting many students who are practising Transcendental Meditation and experiencing Consciousness-based Education.

They are amazing: self-sufficient, energetic, blissful, creative, powerfully intelligent and peaceful human beings.

Meeting these students, for me, was the proof that Consciousness-based Education is a profoundly good thing for our schools and for our world.?

Does it have to be London? It might be worth having a look at this article about a Steiner free school in Hereford which looks fantastic.

Actually maybe a three hour commute might not be what you're after! It's still worth a look at the article as that might be the first of more schools like it to turn into Free Schools.

Indigobell, I went to Summerhill when I was a kid. I don't know what your circumstances are but If you're able/willing to relocate they do accept day pupils too. Your daughter would then be able to come home in the evenings at first and progress on to boarding if/when she was ready. Quite a few students whose parents are able to relocate near the school for a year or so begin going just during the daytime, and then once they settle in to the school community often decide that they want to board full-time because they find being at school full-time means that they can be more fully involved with the school and its close community, and find boarding a more enriching experience. Both myself and my cousin started there as day pupils at age 11, and after a few years had made good friendships and developed good relationships with the staff, and asked our parents to let us board full-time. In retrospect I think there were pro's and con's of being at boarding school. At the time I was deeply immersed in the school environment and enjoyed the social life and independence. And of course I would rather have gone to Summerhill than a state comprehensive any day. At Summerhill I learnt many valuable things about that I would not give up for the world. But I did experience a certain sense of disconnection from my parents and I think I would have benefitted from a bit more constant up-close emotional support and nourishment of the kind that teachers, however good they are, are simply unable to give due to the amount of children that they have to care for.

P.s. I don't mean to put you off Summerhill, for me it was invaluable and a lifesaver and I would recommend it over state education 100%
My pont was rather that in retrospect I think many of the children, whilst being allowed great amounts of valuable freedom and respect for their self-determination, also lacked a close and loving and intimately supportive relationship with their parents. I remember lots of my peers also pining for this. I think that would be my only advice for parents considering sending their children to board at Summerhill. Is not to pressure them and to respect their freedom and life at the school, but not to abandon them completely in that freedom because they still need love and nurture. Stay with them and let them know that you are still there for them while they go out on their own and explore. For me that was the only really important thing that went lacking for lots of children.

Looking for an alternative school for my DS in London. Moving from the states this summer. Starting year 7 in fall 2013. Have secured a place at Portland Place, but just wanting to make sure I have seen all the alternatives. DS is very musically inclined, and not keen on orthodox school systems.Any suggestions welcome.

Second king Alfred's which was mentioned further up the thread. A friend has his very gifted six year old there, who is doing very well. Genuinely flexible, stretching where the child needs it, creative etc.

www.bloohouse.co.uk

Bloo House School in Esher, Surrey. Not far from London and easy commute in.

"Bloo House is an independent co-educational school for 5 - 11 year olds in Esher, Surrey, providing a modern Multiple Intelligence curriculum for primary aged children.

As one of the leading independent schools in Surrey, we are committed to the all-round and holistic education of each pupil's individual talents. As such, our 8 Aptitude philosophy incorporates the key areas of child development; social, personal, moral, spiritual, physical, cultural, logical and linguistic."

very small class sizes

Hall School Wimbledon
Www.hsw.co.uk

My DD is in Y4 at an amazing Montessori primary school in Forest Hill SE23. I'm researching any alternative free secondary schools in London or surrounding area. I really want my kids to continue learning in a child led and individually supported environment. Does anyone have any suggestions of places to see? I have been looking at 'Thinking Schools' which looks like an interesting concept but there doesn't seem to be any secondary in London. Any experiences/advice gratefully received!

The London Acorn School isn't a free school but the fees are about a third cheaper than other schools so I thought I would mention it on this thread.

It's set in Morden Hall Park. They do move on to another school in Gloucestershire to do their A Levels though.

Hi, as I'm researching schools now, I googled Prior Weston school and one of the reviews was appalling - and I must say, with what I've seen in the two schools my child attended/attends, it resonated with my own and other people experiences. Thank you though for sharing what everyone is researching/experiencing, I wish I had done this when my child was a toddler.

Hello Nasara,
Which Montessori exactly are you referring to, please? I believe there are at least two if not three in that area.
So many thanks for your help. This schoolbusiness is daunting!

Do you mind sharing the name of the amazing Montessori, please? We are in North Dulwich and looking.
Also, what have you found as far as your school search that you mention? So daunting! Many thanks!