Abercorn school - Good reputation for academics or not so much?

[Arghhelp]

Hello everyone,

Really hoping someone can help. We have been advised by friends to register our son (just turned 3) at Abercorn. All reviews I have read so far have been pretty mixed. We visited the school and I did not like it that much but DH did so am very confused right now. Just wondering what the general perception of the school is and what the destination schools are and where it compares with other North London schools like say, Arnold House or The Hall or St Anthonys or Phoenix or Habs or Highgate or Herewood House or Northbridge or Devonshire house etc etc etc.. (Apologies..I do ramble)

I would really really appreciate any advice from present mums, past mums or mums who have been told stuff by other mums? :)

Thank you so much..

OP - I've reported this to ask HQ to move the thread to Education. I think you might get better responses there.

I agree with Vix.

AIBu can be a little boisterous.

Hi OP, I think there's quite a lot of stuff on Primary Education about Abercorn.

Go with gut, speak to current parents and see which schools the kids go onto. Bear in mind that the schools don't magically produce 'bright' kids - often those who do well are helped and supported by their parents (extra work, tutors, etc) and not purely down to the school. You don't necessarily get what you pay for in the private school sector.

Hi,

We're going to move this to Primary Education at the request of the OP.

Perhaps it isn't the question you have asked but the registration fee for Abercorn was £225 - much more than any of the others. You don't need to pay a registration fee until you get to the interview stage at St Anthony's.

Thanks Moominsarehippos and CruCru, have already registered at St Anthony's as well...only considering Abercorn in case the others dont work out but just not sure whether it is a good enough school even then. Have heard the turnover is high and that academics are not too good..was just wondering whether anyone had any comments. i dont really know any current parents...all seem to be expats hence my concern...

Thing is, St Johns Wood attracts expats so any schools round there will have a high turnover (eg the American School).

I'm sure there will be someone with more first hand experience along soon.

I really hope so CruCru..this is all so stressful..

I wouldn't pay the registration fee as the school tends to have a couple of open places closer to the intake. I know parents at the school who are very happy with it. I think academically, St John's Wood Pre-Prep might be a bit pushier and give you a better option of switching to your preferred schools at 7+.

Go with your gut instinct. If you don"t really like it and it's not compulsory, cross it off of your list.

I remember we did initially look at Abercorn but can't remember why we didn't even go to see it (wracks brains... It was a few years ago now!).

When you look at schools, its good to see what the Head/Deputy churn is like too. A new Head/Deputy can take a while to settle and it does disrupt teaching and staff when a new broom sweeps in.

Thanks everyone. Have decided not to go ahead with Abercorn. Called in and discovered that they require a £5250 deposit payable one year in advance!!!!!!! Not convinced they are good enough to warrant forking out that much for a deposit. I nearly laughed out loud into the telephone!! Hmmmm....makes one wonder doesnt it?

Presumably lots of people go there on the expat package - so their work pays the deposit etc.

Yeah..probably.. :)