Vita et Pax School

[Trustedpeanut]

Warning notice served by the Secretary of State for education.
Here;

www.gov.uk/government/publications/vita-et-pax-school-warning-notice

"Considered by The Secretary of State that the standard about the quality of leadership and management has not been met"

ISI Inspection notes "serious regulatory failings" here;

www.isi.net/school/vita-et-pax-school-7209?results=true

Discuss.

I also have two children at Vita and we all love the school. When I was first looking I went to all the independent schools in the area and none of them gave me the incredible feeling that Vita did. There is something very special about our school so I would just tell anyone interested to go and see for yourself. Not only are the grades great the children are all respectful, confident and caring children. There is such a wonderful family spirit in our school and I feel blessed to be part of it. My daughter on the way to school on Friday said to me ‘ Mummy I love my school and when
I have children I am going to send them here’ how cute is that. What more could I ask for. Nursery and the Early years is Really something to be proud of. In my opinion it is the best nursery in the area. The teachers are outstanding and the facilities are lovely, better than any I have seen. Sadly we have had some people trying to cause problems (for what reason I do not know!) but hopefully they will move on and be happy in their new school. The Vita spirit has never been so strong and the school is in my opinion better than it has ever been.

Another happy Vita parent.
I also have 2 children in the school and they are thriving there. Our new Head is brilliant and the school is leaping forward under her stewardship.
There’s a lovely sense of friendship and community at Vita. The PFA do a wonderful job of organising events for both parents and children and these are always well supported.
My children are learning well from the dedicated teaching staff who know and treat each child as an individual. I know they are happy and well cared for there.
Please do arrange a visit to Vita et Pax if you are looking for a somewhere your children can develop and learning in a truly nurturing environment.

Hi. Just want some info before I go and have a look at this school. Moved into the area and want to know for my 3 boys. Youngest, will start nursery, oldest will be 9yrs old very soon. I have noticed this school used to be a Catholic school, noticed on the school website it is still up as such, however, when I look it up on Westminster Diocese page, Vita Et Pax, is not listed. Does this mean it’s not under the Diocese of Westminster? Is it not a Catholic school? We are RC church goers and would like to pick a RC school for our children. Such a shame as the school is close by to our new home 😟. Also looks like this school is under OFSTED? Is this the case? It’s just the other schools which are private, in neighbouring boroughs and all in the Enfield/Barnet boroughs are with ISA. Is this school with ISA? Can anyone just clarify this for me please? I have read all the threads and I just want to be certain that I clarify these things on here, as it seems that some of you are still at the school, which means that you would know what’s going on. We have been at a RC school before moving into London but not private. Want to hopefully get a private RC school but if we can’t just want a very good private school. TIA

Hi DizzyLizzie65,

The school has a Catholic ethos and a partnership with Christ the King RC Church next door where they go to church, speak with the priest etc. RE is taught from a Catholic perspective but the school is independent so not under Diocese control.
The school is a member of the (independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) and is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Hope that helps to clarify.

As a Catholic parent I haven't noticed any significant changes in terms of RE or links with the local RC church since the school has no longer been within the Diocese of Westminster scope.

The children still visit the church termly for mass and RE remains with an RC perspective.

I'd visit and see for yourself.

There was some discussion about whether it was expelled from the ISA and the Diocese no longer considers it a Catholic school, which may or may not be important to you.
OP I heard that there are vacancies at many local state Catholic schools as a result of some EU nationals leaving post Brexit, e.g. St Monica's and Sacred Heart which is unprecedented for these schools. I would start there personally.

Hi DizzyLizzie65 watching with interest as I am in the same situation of having to chose.

My daughter's year (Y5) just played them in netball and lost spectacularly so when I told her that the school is being talked about negatively on here, she said "Well, they're bloody good at netball!"

The school is an incredibly positive place right now. My children love it there and have always loved it since they started years ago. The Catholic ethos is true and strong and has taught my girls excellent life values and ethics as expected from a Catholic School.

Hi , we are looking at Vita et Pax ( Southgate ) as option for our daughter . I’ve heard some negative things about the past. A head that left after a few weeks ? Why ? Etc . I liked it when we saw it but am concerned

The issues with the previous head were a few years ago now. The current head has been in place since 2018 (interim head initially) and has made many positive improvements.
My children love it at the school, the teachers are fantastic and the head ensures there is always clear communication and the children are learning well.

It's still a shambles in 2023

Sadly I find myself agreeing with you, standards have slipped , incorrect uniform being worn, playground an absolute mess as there is no caretaker, children no longer walking with hands behind their back which is shows and teaches good etiquette. Inconsiderate parents driving down priory close mornings and afternoons. I wrote to the head over a week ago and have received no reply.
There was improvement previously but this has now evaporated.

Relaxing uniform and not insisting on unsafe nonsense like walking with hands behind the back sounds like progress to me.

its so much more than the visual , the running of the school is all over the place and the cracks are showing . There isn't any stability with the teachers. New faces come an go every year and the children aren't able to have a bond with with any particular teacher and do not have a teacher to look forward too as they move up the years, as by the time the year ends (sometimes before the year ends) the teacher suddenly leaves and a new face turns up who have no knowledge about the children and basically start from scratch. The teacher turn around is very high and seems disorganised and frantic. So while you view the school, don't expect to see that teacher again when your child starts. The only stable teachers seems to be on the Nutsery only.

Well as a Parent of children attending I would say both children’s academic achievements are extremely impressive as 1 child has been accepted to all the secondary schools they applied for and my other child is achieving grades much higher than the national average. Also I have seen both my children excited daily to go to school and be with their teachers and friends. In my opinion Vita is a family and just like all families there are ups and downs, however I feel the school has benefited my children greatly and enriched their lives in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling giving them fond memories great relationships a solid education and a great foundation to begin their journey in life. P.S the PFA rules!!

Always nice to hear a parent speak this way, shame it’s not everyone’s feelings when it comes to their children

sure let’s go for the debohun look shall we. And unsafe walking through corridors with hands behind your back. Well you heard it here first folks so be careful out there 🤨

This is very true. The management of the school is appalling. Many people have left the school due to the poor teaching and poor management and lack of appreciate of the children's values.