Maple Walk School - North London - Roundwood Park

[flowergirlmummy]

Hi, I was wondering wether anyone has any experience of Maple Walk school, or is currently there or hoping to go. My daughter has a place there and we were going to send her to St.Christophers in Hampstead but with the unexpected pregnancy of baby no.3, three sets of hampstead school fees would be too much of a stretch. I was wondering what the mix of the school is like, girl to boy ratio. I was also wondering where the year 6's are planning to go, we would be hoping to send Ivy, Rosie and baby no.3 to a private secondary and i am wondering if this will be a trend for the school. Also what is the mix of parents like.

Thank you for reading i look forward to reading your comments.

Hi Flowergirl Mummy,

I've only just seen your post! My son is in Year 4 at Maple Walk and has been there since reception. I think it's an amazing, gem of a school - very friendly, village-like with strong parental involvement. It is mixed ability, as it is non selective, which means that the kids are an eclectic bunch. They have just had their first ISI report, which was very good - they'll email you a copy if you ask them. Also, they've just had their first Year 6 leaver results through. About 30% are going to mainstream - West London Free School, Marylebone Girls, Chiswick Community and then there are places at John Lyons, Frances Holland, Northbridge House, Latymer Upper, Harrodian, Highgate, Nottinghill and Ealing, Belmont, St James...to name just a few. They have got through to the finals of Dance Challenge for the third year in a row (amazing for a small school) and have a fantastic range of afterschool clubs. I cannot recommend it enough - plus it is half the price of other private schools! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Emilyscribe

Hi there Emilyscribe - really interested to hear about Maple Walk, we are on the waiting list for September entry (although apparently around 12 of the places are siblings so not holding out much hope). Anyway, I was just wondering if you knew whether the children who got places at some of the selective schools needed tutoring to get in, or do Maple Walk prep them for the exams? Would be great to hear more, thanks

Hi, Good luck with the entry...worth staying on the list even if you don't get in, as you may get offered a place in a few years time and you may want to move. Out of the kids that got into selective schools some were coached but not all. They do extensive 11+ preparation and it is one of the specilaisms for the Year 6 teacher. Let me know if you want to know anything else.

Thanks, really useful to hear some inside information. Do you know anything about the Stephenson School as well and whether there is any more news on when they will get a permanent home? We have a few options with schools now although waiting to hear about state school allocation in a few weeks. However I loved Maple Walk when I went to visit and nice to hear it is so well thought of by parents too.

I was so happy with Maple Walk that I ended up working for them! I work part time in head office, so can tell you about Stephenson too. They appointed a great new head in September, who is caring and motivational. The kids love her. A teaching and learning committee oversees all 3 schools, so academic standards are high. Really strong parent input, with lots of involved individuals and an open door policy to speak to teachers/head. On the building front, no home yet, but they have until September 2013 until they run out of space. The same happened with Maple Walk, which is all part of the low fee philosophy. I'm confident they'll have it sorted in time. If you want to get a proper feel for Stephenson, you should go and chat to the parents at pick up in the afternoon - they often hang out in the park opposite.

Emilyscribe I came across your comment on another thread and glad that I found this one as well. As your son goes to Maple Walk perhaps you could help me by giving some advice. I am considering transferring my son to Maple Walk from a state school and wold very much appreciate any feedback I can get from parents. I am particularly keen to know whether the children are prepared enough to transfer to selective secondary schools for state and private. Any other comments about the school would be helpful (particularly, the things that may need improvement). Many thanks!