Talk to me about Norfolk House School in Muswell Hill please!

[user1499431776]

Not much to read since new head has been appointed- can anyone share their experiences? Report looks good. Have a place for DC and moving him from current school and friends... want to make sure we are doing the right thing.

just bumping this up

We nearly sent our daughter here but got a place at our preferred state school. It was very much a back up for us.

The children all seemed happy, were confident and very impressive. I didn't warm to the head when we met him. But for me, the biggest issue was the space. The outdoor playing space is very small. Children have a wide range of parks/facilities nearby but have to walk or get on a coach to get there, eating into activity time.

I know some parents have complained about a lack of organisation too.

We had the experience of witnessing them demolish a once beautiful and amazing nursery when they took over Montessori House. It was a complete nightmare and so poorly managed it would make your head spin. They lost very talented and committed teachers. The outside space is poor. The teaching is fairly uninspired and the staff just aren't warm nor organised. We turned down a reception place and went with a different school. Those that stayed don't seem particularly happy. The discipline seems to be issue especially amongst the boys. Options are: Keble (lovely head), Salcome, Annemount (rude head to the point of comedy), The Avenue, Grimsdell

We chose Norfolk House partly because it was non selective. We liked their ethos of helping each individual child achieve the best version of themselves. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the admission policies of the other north london private schools like Highgate where 2.5 year olds are ‘aptitude tested’! It felt like a school that would support our child whatever their abilities which at the point of interview (3) were unknown. I’m truth our heads were turned by bigger sites with more facilities but small is nurturing and so it was a logistical decision weighing up positives and negatives against distance. Our child is also in form 1 and have had the opposite experience. We have always felt supported, the teachers really care, yes the expectations are high but for us they have always benefited our child who has thrived academically and socially. Our child literally loves going to school. That’s not to say what others have said here isn’t relevant just our experience is different. It’s also got a great parent community lots of fund raising and social events, the other parents are really nice, we like it a lot.

My children absolutely love Norfolk House School. It is nurturing, supportive and has some fantastic staff. The curriculum is creative and supports all children. Staff and the headteacher are very approachable and open to conversation and discussion. Last year two members of staff left who were liked but they have been replaced with two great new teachers. Whilst I understand people seem to have had issues I always believe these are simply solved by talking to the teacher. Not all schools are a match to what you want but just talk to the school about your concerns. I personally have always had support from the teachers at the school and they know my children really well. My children are thriving and achieving. I can't advertise Norfolk House School more highly.

The Montessori School used to be rated 'Outstanding' until Norfolk House took it over. Shame.