Salcombe Prep School

[Schooldilemma2021]

We’re considering the above for DS with the aim of trying to give him a more focused prep for the 11+, as to keep options open for the typical list of grammar schools.

DS is in one of the said top state schools in the area, although a lovely school - it does not have that edge for academics and/or focus on destination schools. Likewise DS is bright, and capable of more than he is achieving - lacks a bit of confidence and could really excel in the right environment. The class setting he is in currently will not likely lend itself to this, large with particular dynamics that would be outing in itself. He has a tutor, in addition to extra curricular activities that are mainly sport based. If we move him it will be in year 4 or 5.

Would like views on the school, and all other suggestions and viewpoints are welcome, as it’s clearly a big decision to make.

TIA

Anyone?

A friend moved her child from a very over subscribed outstanding local state primary to Salcombe Prep in Y5.

The child didn't get into any of the local grammar schools, but did thrive in the environment and is now happily at a private secondary.

The child had issues at the state primary, with peers and teacher - which drove the move. The child is bright and was offered cademic scholarships to indie secondaries.

So if the focus is on winning a grammar school place, not sure it would be the best option, particularly if your child is happy where they are and you can supplement with tutors.

But if you want the smaller class size and other benefits of private school, then it can offer those.

Thanks for replying.

Out of interest, what indie secondary school did he got to?

Appreciate we are focused on grammar schools, albeit if our DS did not get an offer we would not rule out going private for secondary.

My daughter is in Year 6 at Salcombe and has been there since reception. Pm me and happy to answer any questions

Regarding the grammars- I must say that the top kids in my daughter's year passed the grammar tests (DAO/Latymer/QE boys/not sure about HBS this year). There were mo shock results so to speak. Kids who were consistently top in the school passed. There is A LOT of emphasis on academics and 11+ prep and the kids are generally very bright, well-behaved and there is zero disruption. In the past there has been way too much homework, but I think that's changing. They have a very small playground though, which is a negative

After the prize-giving ceremony this summer I will be able to tell you all the leavers destinations 😃

Thanks, and will do.

I only know a bit about the school because Im local but I think they had issues in the past with lots of teachers leaving. Not sure why. I wouldn't say it very academic so not to choose it for that reason, but the kids we know that go there are happy. I think it's quite boy heavy, (the two DC we know are girls). I'm sure your DS will be happy there, but perhaps look at Keble too?

Questions you may want to consider:

• there is no current Head. When will a new Head be in place?
• what justifies a 10% increase in fees?
• what is the reason for the large number of students who have left Y4 this academic year, some of whom who had been at Salcombe since reception?
• how much do the teachers contribute to a child's success at 11+ versus tutors?

Can't advise on Salcombe but worth looking at Vita et Pax, the new head has really improved the educational standard and it shows in the current y6 leavers destinations.

Does anyone know why the headteacher left?

If you are looking at the Grammar for final distribution , the school wouldn’t help you at all. You will need to do it by yourself. They give few papers in the end of year 5 , which the kids are already been doing them since beginning of year 5 at home or with tutors. The paper they will give you child you can purchase them( I can’t say where because for different reasons). This papers are specifically for independent schools and they are not at high difficulty. The papers would be at any help for top School.

At the beginning of year 6 they will start giving Maths papers and some English,which kids are been doing from year 5 again. By this time your child already has sat the Grammar schools, which makes them pointless if you are looking for grammar school. Even for the independent school is not any help as the kids are already covered during summer . Please don’t expect the school to do anything. We need to be realistic.

I don’t think is anything to do with the teachers , is the management . This is been going for a years now.
The increase of fees , it shouldn’t happen. Because they invest in computer does not mean you have to increase your fees. Nothing else has changed. Just making the kids to cary computers in there backpack.
With the current situation without a head the school shouldn’t even consider increase in fees . The homework are optional now, English is not at the best level. Maths is average.
Since the organisation invested money in computers all the work is on it. The kids are constantly on screen.
If you don’t put the extra work at home , I am sorry to say your kid will not get anywhere. Which is absolute west of money. What you are paying is a small class size, and teacher for each subject.
Playground is so small that the kids can’t even play with any balls (to not hurt themselves).
Make sure you pay attention on collection time. What the school did is take a valuable space which was used by parents to collect there kids and convert it for two space car park. It is absolutely ridiculous and is nothing to do with the safety of the kids(again management error which they are so proud of ). Give this space to the kids not you to park your car. 😾
It will take a few years the school to recover and this only if the new head is willing to change the way the school teaches. Unfortunately, it will be to late for us.I can’t wait for my child to finish this school. Is not a point changing it as my child will be very disturbed by it. This is the only reason why we are staying. Yes, my child is happy but this is what she knows( she does know any difference)
Spend money on 11 plus materials, dedicate time for your kid and find a tutor which actually knows what is doing. They are not easy to find but if you do find one to Gide you and with your determination you will succeed without pain fees.
Good luck.

I have been reading this thread again and all the comments are very helpful.

@2468T has anything improved since the new head has arrived?

@XelaM any update on the destinations of students?

TIA