Primary Schools - Hampstead North London - Christ Church School - Emmanuel - Hampstead Parochial

[tildaandarchiesmummy]

Hi, My daughter Matilda will turn four next month and will start school in september 2012. We have applied for (in order of preference) Christ Church, Emmanuel and Hampstead Parochial. (We also have Maple Walk but that is a back up incase Matilda doesn't get a place at any of the above.) Has anyone got any experience or views of these schools? Is anyone else applying for these schools, would love to chat with possible parents. We live very near Emmanuel School and were going to put that as first choice but as we have been going to Christ Church church since Matilda was a baby we decided that would be our best option. Is anyone going for Route B Emmanuel? Anyway, looking forward to your responses.

Jane

anyone - someone must have experience of these schools - past/present - friends kids go there???

No experience of any of these schools, but I would suggest that you keep your identity far more anonymous. You have given your surname elsewhere, and your job.

Your employers or your clients or your future school gate parents may see these posts - MN is a big place and very very public.

Hi there - another mum on a thread further down in this topic has been asking about maple walk as a school and has mentioned emmanuel and christchurch in previous threads too- I have seen the work they are doing to Emmanuel and it looks like it will be a stunning school when finished! I also know a lot of people apply so you have to live very close or go to the church to get in. It sounds like you are in a great school situation whatever happens though!

My son goes to Emmanuel, if you've not been going to emmanuel church, unless you live really, really near, its quite unlikely you'll get in as they'll only have 10 community places and the other places go to emmanuel church members. Its a good school. I have a huge issue with the fact they only have one reading book a week to bring home, but the other teaching is excellent and the pastoral care is good and we have a fantastic new school.
I've also a friend with a child at christchurch and she's really happy with it to. The journey in the morning is awful though, its been wonderful being so close to school and really helped my son settle.
blu - I actually think this annonimity thing is quite odd, it seems be an excuse people on this forum be incredibly bitchy. Unless you're posting about domestic violence or a very personal medical issue, i don't understand why you would want to be anonymous.
Carole x

Well, she can do as she likes with my advice, of course.
But if I were working in the eductaional system I would not be using my real name to comment on it.
Just my pov - and my comment was with the OP's benefit in mind.

everyone I know with a child currently in reception/year 1 at Emmanuel loves it - says its warm,friendly, great teachers etc. A friend of mine had a few issues last year about the quality of teaching within the mixed yr1 and yr2 class (i.e. felt the year 2's were being ignored and not challenged enough) but that won't apply to your DD due to the expansion. The expansion might of course change the culture a bit and of course will be harder to keep the outstanding ofsted, but who knows. A governer told me that staff turnover has in the past been very high (small schools mean less opportunity for progression) - this should improve once the school gets bigger.
But clearly you aren't going to get a choice here which I'm sure you're aware of and it was sensible to go for your strongest chance first i.e. Christchurch if you've been attending church. You've probably figured out your 'chances' - i.e. counted from church the amount of siblings/other attenders??. There are tonnes of young families in W Hampstead (so many in Cholmley Gardens etc) so I imagine the pressure on those 10 community places will be huge but you say you live very close so I don't think you have much to worry about here...think of families living the other side of the Finchley Road who aren't C of E...they have my sympathies until Camden pull their finger out.

In response to Karoleann and Blu, I think there's another reason for anonymity on here and it's the massive safety/security issue. Perhaps I'm just a little paranoid, but people claiming to be local mums in similar situations to ourselves cam easily lull us into a false sense of security - I've found myself over private messaging giving out very personal info to people thinking that as they've told me their children's names, schools and street where they live, there is no reason not to do the same. Now for all I know, the name and details they've given me could be completely fake and I might have just given my kids information to a local peadophile - no offence to anyone I've shared info with in the past, I'm sure you are perfectly genuine, but it made me a bit nervous and I know I will be a bit more careful in future as you really don't know who you're talking to on Mumsnet!

Wow, thanks for the great response, it has reassured me that we have made the right choice, as we probably have a better chance of getting in to Christchurch as we have been going 2 years every fortnight then 2 years every weel. But if she doesn't get in and we get offered Emmanuel i would also be extremely happy with that. We are so lucky to have such great schools in this area, it's just a shame that there is a shortage of spaces.

Also whats the other thread, i found a thread that is asking questions about St christopher's as a school and it gives some interesting info on maple walk, is this the one you mean??

Hi Tildaandarchiesmummy,

I have just replied to another thread about Maple Walk...my son goes there! I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Emilyscribe 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!

Hi Maromarano, I've just seen your message. I should let you know that I work for the company that runs Maple Walk, as well as being a Maple Walk mum, so I might be particularly bias! However, in answer to your question, my son started in Reception and graduated last year from year 6. Overall, I am extremely happy with his 7-years there. He has now gone to a state secondary, but the majority of his year went to private schools. Maple Walk is non-selective and attracts a wide variety of abilities and personalities. Their Year 6 leavers reflect this. The school is good at preparing pupils for the school that is right for them. I cannot stress this enough, as sometimes people have unrealistic expectations of where their children should go after primary. Academically gifted children are supported as much as those who are more creative. As a result, the school sees children gain entry to highly competitive private and state secondaries - look on the website to see examples, as well as more rounded and less academic schools. If you want a hot house, MW is not for you. However, if your child is academic, I believe they will be given the support and practice to gain entry to a top school. 11+ preparation begins in Year 4 for all children. PM me if you have any other specific questions.

Emilyscribe thank you so very much for your helpful response!

Before anyone makes a decision about Christchurch Hampstead, please google the school.

amazing !!... seems only positive remarks are welcome here !!.. my advise is vital. I would urge ALL to do your research on this school there is serious negative feedback if you look for it.

Stop deleting very important posts!!
Please please research this school.

Cyprusgirl, mamitalau abraphanpy and others ......

I think it's time for an apology.

You were actively trying to spread this shit. Those poor poor children and you wanted more people to look for and view this crap which will live with them forever.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32357195

Shame on you.

Bravo ThisOneAndThatOne, I couldn't agree more. It is dreadful and horrific to see how many people seem to have been brainwashed by this story.

Shame on this who think that any of these tried (in front of a family judge!) and rejected allegations need to be spread even further.

It should of course read: Shame on those who think...