Hill House International / Arnold House / The Hall School

[radbabes]

Hi,

We live in Marylebone and are considering the above schools for entry in 2015 when our son will be 5 years old.

We've had the parental interviews at Arnold House (AH) and the Hall, and are more confused than ever. The Hall had seemed like a hothouse, but at interview, we warmed to the new head (Mr Godwin), and our interview with AH seemed rather cursory and more about showcasing the head's view of the world. We haven't been to Hill House for a couple of years and remember loving it, but are worried about the commute.

Our son (currently 3 years 3 months) is doing well at his current Montessori - can read 4 letter words, all through his own effort, loves puzzles, is showing an interest in maths. Enjoys sport - tennis, swimming, football. Is also sensitive, and shy at the start, but a chatterbox after the first 5-10 mins. We don't believe in pushing him as we'd rather he learnt and achieved for the joy of it.

So, if there are any Mumsnetters with experience of these schools - whether good or bad - or advice, I'd be very grateful. Also, if anyone has kids in Hill House at present, or if there are any Marylebone mums with kids in any of these schools, I would love to chat and find out about your experience. I'm also trying to find out the school bus route from, say near Baker Street tube to Hill House, and any guidance there would be great.

Thanks, so confused right now!

DS was offered a place at The Hall and we did not coach him. In fact he fell asleep on the way to the assessment and was very groggy. I think they heavily weight the parents interview and that was the only part where dh and I did some preparation :)

Same position here....but mine hasn't sat the assessments yet. Both will be in May as he is a summer born. I heard the same thing about AH, is it actually true? Someone even warned us that if you didn't have some sort of connection to the school or were from a very influential family you wouldnt get in...am a little confused as it didn't really come across like that kind of school when we had the interview..what do people think? TH was a lot more matter of fact...

By the way, we are totally against coaching too...dont believe that it is necessary at this age...frankly DH and I think it is ridiculous to even think of it as the assessments from what little we know are all just stuff you would do normally with your kid at home anyway...also, i dont think schools look favourably on that kind of thing and i think it is actually a disadvantage coz teachers are pretty good at spotting a tutored kid a mile off.

An update:

DS got into the Hall, though not into Arnold House, so our choice for next September is between the Hall and Hill House. Love the facilities at the Hall, but we need to figure out if DS will enjoy it. He's bright and confident, but also sensitive....

Radbabes Well done to your DS!

If you don't mind my asking, when did you hear about Arnold House? We're still waiting to hear. We are away atm so it could be in the post when we get back I suppose...either way!

Hi - sorry to post on two threads, but we haven't heard back from either Arnold House or The Hall!!!! (Sept 2015 entry). Is there anyone else in this position? Is there anyone else who has received offers or rejections from either (sorry am having moment of stress!)

@ToffeeMoon: thanks!

Both letters - Hall and AH - were dated 23rd May, delivered Saturday 24th.

@Determinator - If you haven't heard yet from AH, maybe he's on the waiting list. For the Hall, I know a couple of mothers who haven't heard, and they're very confident of getting acceptances - sons of old boys, siblings at school, etc.

Thanks @radbabes! it's probably half term this week, so maybe Iwill hear next week and I can always give them a call if they don't arrive soon

PS Congrats on your little one with The Hall And Hill House. A great choice to have.

PPS so noone out there has rejection letters from the Hall yet?

Congrats Radbabes. My vote is naturally for the Hall. Lots of bright, confident, but also sensitive boys there. There is not a single type of Hall boy. They vary. DS has a blast. They learn so much without realising it! Mental maths is "warming up our brains", homework is restricted to reading and the occasional book review now in Y1 (summer term). Loads of General Knowledge at school. DS enthuses about Van Gogh and "starry night" all years. Talks to us about various kinds of clouds (they recently had a BBC meteorologist go talk to them) and for some reason cannot stop talking about how Elvis Presley and John Lennon die . Not quite sure what prompted the last bit. Some sort of assembly talk about healthy lifestyles? They still play Superman and Spiderman at breaks (and football and many other things). Great community too. Summer fairs and BBQs, welcome back to school picnics, Special Assemblies, instrumental concerts etc.

Hampsteadmum - that sounds fantastic. Have been talking to more people about the Hall - my husband took classes for CE there eons ago, and some friends have kids there right now - and I'm going to accept DS's place there. Plus, as DS says, they have a pool! Love the idea of Van Gogh (he's just been to see Matisse at the Modern), and book reviews and summer picnics et al. That's just what we want - a community for him. As the child of a diplomat, I was shipped around diff schools every three years, and you can't imagine how comforted I was by what you wrote. Many thanks!

We have parents interview next week at the Hall. Could you please share what was the interview about? Is it about getting to know the parents/kids or is there more to it?

No personal experience but I have heard that it is largely about your ability to pay the fees.......lawyers asked if they are partners, if not why not etc. may be out of date.

:-)
Got an interesting form to fill in advance ... quite detailed questions about my son....

TLAF was that for AH or TH?

Sorry - ignore. You said TH in previous post.

Hi, was keen to know 1) how children at Halls School are getting along 2 ) questions to expect at the parents interview. DS is registered for Sept 2016 intake for Reception.Have heard a lot of mixed reviews about the school