Gatehouse school Bethnal Green

[shraddha]

Hi All
I was wanting to gather some info and feedback regarding Gatehouse school east London . Was considering the school for reception for my child . Any info and feedback regarding the school would be great !
Thanks

Unfortunately Gatehouse is a shadow of its former self - teachers and pupils are leaving in their droves. Leadership has gone steadily downhill over the past 4 years, with the latest headmaster (leaving after just a year) being rude, arrogant, patriarchal and deeply unlikeable. The board are out of touch and anachronistic. School facilities are unable to cope with the move from two to three classes per year. School values are jumbled; the school as a whole is moving swiftly from pastoral care to a profit driven model. Places in after school activities are like gold dust, harder to secure than Glastonbury tickets. There is a huge gender imbalance across the school, massively skewed towards boys. Over-riding attitude of senior personnel is, 'there is a long waiting list, if you don't like it then leave'. So we are... as are many, many more. The waiting lists aren't quite so long any more. So my advice would be to steer well clear. You're far better off at one of the excellent state schools in the area.

i agree with the above - athough the head leaving I think is a very good thing, and they have now apparently recruited someone outside the independent sector for a new head which is a bold move. Teachers have left, but from the grapevine it was driven by the departing head. I have experience of it and it is a good school, and could be a great school again if the new head does a good job, but as the previous poster point there are a lot of very very good state schools in the area worth exploring as well.

I am also looking for more info on this school - I actually started another thread (which I got no replies on) as this one didn’t come up when I was searching.

Are both the previous posters current parents at the school? The two new headteachers in four years does worry me a bit. Have either of you met the new head? If it’s gone downhill over the last four years, is this the opportunity for it to start the uphill trend again - probably too early to tell for that!

I worry that this would be a very traditional education with a lot of focus on entrance exams at the end of yr 5/yr 6... how much of a focus is there on taking a holistic view of the child and extracurricular activities, rather than just creating a child who will get into one of the top academic London schools?

We are also considering local state schools, but I really like the subject specific teaching from yr 3 onwards. Is this enough to make up for some of the other downsides?

I am also trying to revive this thread (if that's possible) to see how people are finding the new head. I am in a blackspot as far as state catchment areas go (only schools that were undersubscribed) and this is the only local private option I am aware of. I would be very keen to know more about the issues and whether the new head is making improvements or if I need to move! Many thanks to anyone who is able to help.

Hi @thanksforanyhelp - just seen this. I have DC at the school currently. The new head has only just arrived this term and seems to be more focused on making sure everyone is in uniform and that the kids a quiet between classes! My experience of the lower juniors has been ok, but I am not sold on it being an outstanding school for the amount of money it costs. However, there are some really great teachers at the school so it's not all doom and gloom. However, time will tell in terms of the head being able to turn it around.

That's good to hear @Minnowmeow. Did you consider any other local(ish) private schools?

My child wouldn't be starting until September 2020, so I have a bit of time to see how the new head settles in...

Hello all. As a former employee (left at easter) I was only at the school for less than a year and really enjoyed my employment. Having read the treads I will try to respond as best I can.

shraddha
Have you had a tour of the school?

just found this thread - can anyone share their recent experience? we are also considering Gatehouse for DD

Hi. I know this is quite old but I wonder if you still had friends at the school and could shed some more light on how it’s going for the teachers there. There’s been so much change, and we are considering it for our son but would love some insight. Thank you

We have been at the school now for some years - now we have settled down from the merry go round head teacher situation (that new one left for personal reasons and the head now is someone who has been at school for years) it’s been good. We are very happy with the school. Nice kids, nice teachers, good extra curricular opportunities. It’s not super academic but does cater kids of all abilities.

Reviving this again…Any parents here still with kids at the school? I have DS at the school and we aren’t warming to it. Feels a bit run down.. to sure how much they look at the individual child in our situation so far, feels very academically driven early on pressure on the kids and not enough outdoor/creative learning