Farringtons Junior School

[MumofBoysBexley]

Hi everyone,

I am currently applying for schools for my 4 year son. He will be one of the oldest in his year and is a really keen learner. He is on phase 4 phonics, able to read and write sentences, can do sums and number bonds etc.

I visited Farrington’s school before the pandemic and was thoroughly impressed by how happy and confident the children seemed. However, it has come to my attention that Farrington’s is not a high achieving school academically.

I definitely see value beyond academics and feel that the school would give him amazing pastoral care and hopefully encourage him to be more active and sporty too. I don’t, however, want this to be at the detriment of his academics.

He is still very young and his academic abilities could change. But interested to know if anyone has academically able children at Farringtons? Do you feel the school is able to cater to him/her?

I’ve seen posts on here but they are quite old so looking for updates.

Thanks!!!

We didn’t choose the school for this reason. The pastoral care is outstanding but it’s a lot of money for the lack of good results.

Have you looked into Bickley Park?

Thanks @Tobebythesea

Not looked into Bickely Park. Do you have children here? We have also looked at Merton and although the grounds were amazing, I felt like the school was very business like (can’t quite put my finger on it)

My DS is on the waiting list for Bickley Park. I liked the schools ethos.

Have a look into Babington House and Braeside too but they probably won’t have space.

My DS's went to Farringtons junior sch and had a lovely time - great sports, loads of space. The academics are fine and they set in English and maths as they get older - my eldest in particular was part of a group of 5 extended maths set in yr 6. Both have now moved on (one after yr 3 and one after yr 6) and remember their time there fondly. They obviously do not prep for the 11 plus but that is not difficult to do yourself and most tutor in some form for that anyway.

The school got a new head this academic year and I believe a new head of juniors is also due.

Alternatives are Bickley Pk in Bickley and Breaside - but I'm not sure they've any more academic really - I don't think they have competitive entry - just as prep schools more focused on getting good 11/13+ results.

Thanks for sharing your experience @chalkyc2. I was hoping a current or past parent might post here!

I am pleased to hear that your DS’s had a good time there. I think primary school sets a really important foundation for learning. Do you mind me asking where they went to after Farrington’s?

Bessie the wide range of sport offerings, what else do you think is it added value? I am trying to figure out if it’s worth paying extra especially in these uncertain times!

Thanks again!

Bickley Park or Eltham College!
Farringtons does have good grades, and is a great school. They are not to pushy.
Just to let you know I had a son who was not reading at 4, by the age of 11 he had a place at Olaves and Dartford as he passed both tests.

@MumofBoysBexley have sent you a pm!

Thanks for taking the time out to reply @Teenangels. Well done to your DS (and you!) for passing the super competitive Olaves and Dartford tests! Great to know of your positive experiences at Farrington’s with academically able children.

Farringtons reminds me of my own school- large academic range but amazing pastoral care. I was academic and had enough support to get all As, but more importantly, it did wonders for my confidence, I have life long friends and the most wonderful memories!

Breaside do have space at the moment for reception start. Do call Lucy Greaves/admissions

just bumping to see if anyone has anymore recent feedback on farringtons (prep)
we want somewhere with excellent pastoral care
thank you

Umm, please do your research carefully. There are a number of local Preps with much better pastoral care. Eg Bickley Park, Babington house (but check their financial situation) Braeside.