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No place offered - SW14 does anyone know much about Lowther?

6 replies

MortlakeMumma · 16/04/2018 18:04

We just moved to SW14 from the other side of London and my daughter didn't get a primary place (we applied late, but I'm still surprised not to get anything at all!). I rang the admissions office and the nearest school with space is Lowther. This would work for us quite well as we go to work through Hammersmith, but I don't know anyone who goes there. What's it like? I've booked to see it on Wednesday with the school office and I've seen on the website that they have a lot of outside space and nice buildings but wondered if anyone had any inside info.

My daughter seems quite bright but easily distracted. She's quite emotional. Would this school suit her?

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Elibean · 16/04/2018 18:23

Hi - my youngest is in Year 6 at Lowther, and my eldest was there (now in Y9 at a local indie). Both my girls sound a lot like yours, bright and emotional, especially my eldest (still easily distracted!).

I'm bound to be biased, as after many years as a parent (some of it as a governor) I'm pretty attached to the place and will be so sad to say goodbye. But I can honestly tell you that I have no regrets at all, and both girls have flown - the balance of strong ethos with good teaching and a lot of happy times has been just what they needed and as a secondary school mum I can really see how the strong primary base Lowther provided has paid off.

The school has changed over the past ten years, getting bigger in size and stronger in terms of academics, but the central values are unchanged - thank goodness. The importance of feeding the chickens, baking bread, appearing on Blue Peter or being confident enough to lead an assembly is still up there alongside SATS results. There are kids from all walks of life, all cultures, and all abilities - and best of all, for me, is that all of them, irrespective of their roots, seem to grow in confidence - able to speak up, talk to adults with enthusiasm about what they're learning, and trust they'll be listened to.

Whether its right for you, only you can say after visiting - but do feel free to PM me if you want to chat :)

MortlakeMumma · 16/04/2018 18:37

Thanks so much for your reply Elibean. It's so hard to imagine your own children in a school environment when they are only just 4! The picture you paint sounds ideal for our daughter so I hope I love it as much as you do. We moved here to get away from the crazy busy inner city stuff so it would be great to picture her baking bread and feeding chickens. The other school that has space is nearby but would be a real pain to fit into our work lives. We really want somewhere she'll be treated and valued as an individual though recognise we don't have the luxury of choice right now. Thanks for the offer of a chat, I'll get back to you on Wednesday if I remember anything the minute I walk out the door (which is what usually happens!). Thanks again.

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cinnamontam · 16/04/2018 19:58

Hey MortlakeMumma,

I have a son in yr 3 and a daughter about to finish year 6 at Lowther. My daughter didn’t get a reception place 7 years ago so I hadn’t considered Lowther and did exactly what you’ve done and went to mumsnet to ask. I saw some positive reviews about Lowther, went to visit and absolutely loved what I saw.

My 2 have flourished at Lowther. It’s a community school and the families and the community around the school are at the heart of it. Lowther treats each child as an individual. If your child is into art, sports, science, music, comedy, dance, maths, writing....you name it they will find an outlet.

The school is very lucky to have large grounds, an allotment growing vegetables, fruit trees and chickens and a kitchen where classes do cooking classes. There is a lovely mix of kids from all cultures and backgrounds. The teaching staff are very strong and creative and my kids often chat about who their favourite teacher has been so far and can never land on one.

The PTA and parent support is also very strong and I’ve made friends for life at the school.

Very happy to chat with you if you have any questions. Enjoy the visit on wednesday and chat to the kids. They will tell you the unvarnished truth 😊

MortlakeMumma · 16/04/2018 21:46

Wow this is all very encouraging - fingers crossed we all like it too when we go to visit.

Thank you CinnamonTam.

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riversider2 · 16/04/2018 23:01

Hi I can only echo what the other posters have said here about Lowther. I have two children who go there and whilst the school has stepped up academically a great deal in recent years, their core values have thankfully remained constant. The other thing the school really benefits from is green space and lack of traffic nearby, it’s a lovely calm oasis with its chickens and allotment ( especially when you walk over the bridge to Hammersmith as lots of us
Working parents do!). We’ve felt very lucky to have found it. Good luck with the tour.

cinnamontam · 17/04/2018 20:25

The school might have already told you but they are doing some open days as well

No place offered - SW14 does anyone know much about Lowther?
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