Gatehouse School, Tower Hamlets

[docklandsdoll]

I am looking at Gatehouse School for my daughter, as she is unlikely to get into any of our preferred local state schools. I had a look round and liked it. The Reception children seemed really happy and there seemed to be loads on offer. But it's a big financial commitment.

Are there any mums out there who can give me the low down as from searching the archives there seems to be mixed reactions. I'd also like to know what it's like further up the school. How interesting is the work once the children leave infants? Is it very 'prep school', with loads of homework and stress? Or do children come out happy and rounded?

Thank you for your advice.

I'd also like to hear what others have to say, as I am thinking of putting my daughter on the waiting list with a view to sending her in Y4 to prepare for Common Entrance. I'd heard Gatehouse was good in the EYFS, but what is it like further up the school? I also can't see any leavers destinations on the website, which is a bit worying.

My daughter is doing well at her current school, but the curriculum is narrowing with a great focus on SATs. Gatehouse is not too far from us, and we've had a few friends whose children have gone there and who are happy. Some parents seem to love it, but I've heard complaints that it isn't that special. My daughter loves acting and art and is fairly keen on sport. Is there any emphasis on this at Gatehouse? Is it pushy, or does it encourage children to go at their own pace?

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There are lots of outstanding state schools on tower hamlets. Don't write your local ones off without viewing them.

I may be a bit late to the party on this one...but thought I would mention a couple of things with ref to what you said in particular. I think their art is not great at all. Between Rec and Year 3 very little, to none seems to come home. One of my children during Reception as in tears that they never let them do any art at school. Now you can't always trust a four year old precisely but it spoke volumes IMO. My fear is it is a cursory effort and not very often. Either that or they shred the work!
They do a fair few productions but a lot of the time there is little acting. For example, a nativity might have six classes including R, Y1 and Y2 and all the year 2 children might have a line but the other two year groups are there to sing the odd song and not move, no doubt getting hot in their synthetic costumes!
I think the art teaching is done by a different teacher as they move up the school, but so far I am not holding out any high expectations. There is a new head this term though and it's been all good so far :) so here's hoping!
Hope you find the right place for your child.