Whitehall Park school, London - insider views?

[Motherof2Dragons]

We’ve just been offered a place at the school. We’ve read Ofsted and been on a tour and like what we’ve read/ seen. Are there any parents out there who can give us an insider’s perspective? Thanks very much.

bump

Sorry not an insider but am bumping.

Great phonics check results which is important to me. Friends of friends go there and rate it highly. From what I've seen I'd go for it. Hate the uniform but you don't seem to be able to have everything in a school.

Thank you, that’s reassuring. What is it you don’t like about the uniform - the blazers? They do seem a bit much for such young kids but it looks like the kids take them off as soon as they get into class.

I don’t really understand how mumsnet works or what “bumping” is - or how to do it for that matter!

Bumping just means that the posters have replied in order to bump your thread to the top again in the hope of getting more replies. Either to help you get replies or because they are interested in seeing replies for their own info

Yes, the blazers mainly mothers, expensive and unnecessary.

Bumping your thread to keep it on the first page so more locals can see it and respond.

Bumping... and also very interested in getting insider views especially regarding the academic side of things!

NCing but my child goes there. Pluses are small class sizes, nice new building and equipment, teachers are good overall and staffing levels per class are high. There is also plenty of after school club provision for those who need it. Uniform is a bit much but it saves having to battle DC over what to wear everyday! They also have regular secondhand uniform sales so it's possible to pick up a blazer for very little. The only items you need to buy from the school are that, the jumpers and the tie. The supermarket will do for the rest.

Downside is that they are pretty wedded to homework from reception and I don't think it's needed at that age. But there are no consequences for not doing it. I don't think the ethos is particularly relaxed (not compared to the nearby Coleridge school) and I'm not entirely convinced by the Trust who runs the school but have no complaints about any of the staff. The previous head was excellent but sadly left at the start of this year. There is a new head starting in September so watch this space, I guess!

Overall my DC is happy, has made a lot of friends and the other parents generally seem nice.

Hi, sorry for jumpping in. I'm very interested in the school very much. I live 2 miles away from the school and non of my neighbours go to the school so I can't get any information from my area. I really appreciate it if you could post any information about the school inclueding the new head, teachers, facilities etc. Thanks x

Update: Love the school! the new head is amazing and approachable ( Miss Hatch) She definitely has turned things around after a period transition and many changes. Both girls are happy and thriving! New and remaining teachers are top notch. Strongly recommend ( And I'm not easy to please when it comes to good education)

Hi, just bumping this up. Any more recent feedback about the school would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

It’s a very good school. It suffered previously because of several heads departures (which were more due to bad luck than something to do with the school) both miy girls ( year 3 and year 5) love going to school and are thriving academically . The newish head is a gem. Strict but fair and “on the ball”. The school is small so your child isnt a number. Everyone knows your child’s name. I recommend.

Sorry just realised I already responded previously .. as you can see I’m still happy! :)