Southbank Intl. in Hampstead or Redcliffe School?

[alianicole]

Hi - we recently found out we're moving to London from NYC for my husband's job. I've been researching schools from afar and made it over a few weeks ago for a very brief tour and visit. At the end of the week, we realized we really liked the American School in London (but obviously it's oversubscribed, so at best we are hoping for the wait pool - TBD).

My son will be 5 in August and I also have twin 1 year old boys. We land in the UK in July and will be there at least 3 years, but it could also be longer. Meaning, we don't have specific plans to go back to the States right now, but it's always a possibility. And, hubs works in Canary Wharf.

At the end of our tour week, my son was accepted to two schools - Southbank International and Redcliffe in Chelsea. I'm so torn. With three boys, I think Hampstead is probably a more affordable location. And better positions us for ALS if a spot opens up. But, Redcliffe was SO lovely and nurturing and seems a better choice if we were to go into the British system rather than an international school. It's just an expensive area to live...

Any advice from anyone would be much appreciated. I have to make a decision soon or start all over.

if cost is a factor, Southbank fees are more than 30% higher than Redcliffe fees, multiply that by 3 kids and that's a lot of money. I am not sure if that offsets the Chelsea - Hampstead real estate differential but I imagine it would. Academically, they are completely different, Redcliffe would follow a traditional British curriculum which is very likely to be more rigorous and traditional in the early years (more focus on reading, writing, maths rather than exploration, team work etc.). But your boys will have to take the 8+ a few years down the road, so you will soon have them in different schools. By the way, quite a few families at Redcliffe live in Fulham which is not at all different from Hampstead in terms of rental prices.

Thank you. The two schools' curriculum would indeed be different. I knew so little about each area when I had to choose schools to register, I think I would have probably made different choices now.

My other big concern about Redcliffe is my husband's commute. Fulham does look feasible in terms of real estate cost, but can he get to Canary Wharf easily? On a map, it doesn't look too bad. TFL says 40ish mins from most of the major stations. If we go Southbank, we could feasibly live near the Jubilee line??

Fulham to Canary Wharf is a well trodden path! District line to Westminster and change to Jubilee line to Canary Wharf. Easy!!

If I were you I would not put your boys in a school that stops at 8 for them (Redcliffe). They will be prepped with a very narrow curriculum to sit an exam to move on. Friends will dissipate to different schools at this point.

I would pick an area to live, and then pick a school that goes through to 13. That way you don't have to worry about exams for a while, they will get a broader curriculum, and you may well move back to the US before any major pressure to think about secondary school. If you are not planning to be here for 10yrs+ just avoid the madness of the 7/8/11+ !!

dogandcat - thank you! that's definitely a perspective (exams, etc) I didn't consider. And, good to know about the Fulham/Canary Wharf commute.

As I don't have any other options other than Southbank and every time I tell a British person about the school, they say "eh.... " I know there was an issue last year. My son's current school in NYC has also dealt with the same scandal (albeit it happened 30 years ago), so I've been somewhat conditioned. But is there another reason people don't love this school?

to be honest alianicole, many people will simply not have heard of it.
What about King Alfred in Hampstead?

and if they have heard of it.....that is kind of offputting isn't it?

DuncanQuagmire - it's true, the issues were very disturbing. Based on my experience with our own school and how they have responded to similar concerns, I would bet Southbank has now scrutinized every employee and procedure they have in place. They are ultra sensitive and careful in how they approach the children's safety as they are now in the spotlight. I'd wager they are now one of the safer schools in London.

When I checked with Hereward House a few weeks ago, there were no spots. I could check again. I'm still in NYC and the next time we're in London will be when we move in June, so likely won't be able to get over to have them meet us (which seems to be a requirement for most British schools). I'll call again tho!

Just spoke to Hereword - completely full.

Many people wouldn't know of/consider Southbank because it is mostly a school for expats. It won't be a natural choice for People who are planning to go through UK educational system.

Given your situation, and the the ASL is your first choice I would not choose to go to live Fulham. The commute is doable but long-ish. I'd live along the Jubilee line that runs a lot faster then the old district line, that you have to change at Earls Court to get to Westminster.

Also - there is no reason to put your son through an 8+ prep if you don't have to. And Redcliffe isn't even known for good results at that!

If you go to Southbank your DS would be in a system similar to an American school, would not be rushed to read/write. And eventually, if you get into ASL you won't have to move. And, yes, potentially a shorter commute for your husband.

If you are unhappy with the school - you can always change. With many of year schools they are "full" and impossible to get into now. By the fall/winter time next year places pop up here and there.

Thanks everyone! Hampstead confirmed. So looking forward to the move and exploring the area!

Hampstead is a great area ali, just don't take your kids walking on the Heath after dark, lol.

Hello, are you still in Hempstead and are your kids attending Soutbhank there? Would love to hear your impression and experience! Thanks so much, Elle