Lyceum School EC2

[Mia8474]

Hello, I'm looking for a school in the area for my 3 year old in the next couple of years and wondered if anyone has any experience of the Lyceum in Worship street?
I'm aware there's been alot of changes there in recent years and parents I've spoken to have mixed views on how the school has transformed. My main concern is the negative comments I've heard around a lack of care, concern and pastoral support for the children and that it has become very growth and business orientated.
TiA for any experiences or opinions you care to share.
Mia

Hi @Mia8474

I've heard that too. Its now part of Dukes Education chain - focus is profit, not education. Such a shame really.
Good luck on your search :)

Hi,
Please could someone give us an idea of what The Lyceum Prep School (EC2A) is like at present? I have read many posts on the school however most of these seem to be from a few years ago.

Our DD recently started Reception at a school nearby. We are having second thoughts and would prefer a school that is more well-rounded, a school that has a good academic record whilst still placing a strong emphasis on either the arts, music or sport. She is academically inclined and shows a strong leaning towards the arts.

I am particularly interested in how they fare academically (are there opportunities to grow) and how they integrate music and/or arts into their curriculum, seeing as they are very proud of their musical achievements. Any opinion would be hugely appreciated.

My child has been there for 3 years. They claim they are very academic and have all this great stuff to support gifted children etc however not much ever materialises. The music is just music, They do music assemblies quite often but there is nothing inspirational about their music provisions or teachers. They have alot to say about how well they are doing but it doesn't always match the experience.
They have had huge problems with staff retention. Many, many teachers left over the past 2 years and they have struggled to recruit new staff, often having no choice but to take people with little or no teaching experience for TA's and newly qualified teachers. The Head teacher is the latest resignation and will be leaving in July. My guess is they will struggle to recruit an experienced head.
There is also major building work going on next door for the next couple of years so lots of noise and disruption due to that. They get the builders to stop working at drop off and pick up but if you pass by outside those times you can see it for what it is. I can't say I would recommend this school and we are looking elsewhere.

I disagree, Sphereet. My child has been at the school since Reception and is now in Year 6, and what you say simply does not resonate.
The school is mixed ability, but they do the best by every child. So there are children that are academically very able and go on to the likes Westminster, City, Highgate etc, and I would say that they manage to support these children to achieve without any of the same pressure as seen in some of the 'hothouses'. There are booster classes for those who would benefit from extra stretch as well as for those who require support (my child has been doing the extra stretch classes for years, so don't know what you mean about 'not materialising'). As to those children who are less academic and whose gifts lie in music or elsewhere, again, they are well supported to find and get into the secondary school that is the right fit for them.
As to the music provision, well, for a tiny school it is off the charts - orchestra, chamber choir and big band. If anything, my child (who is not particularly musical) thinks there is a bit too much music!
On the staff retention side, yes, there have been some covid-related departures in the last 18 months. But not one of those teachers has moved on to another London school (which might have indicated discontent with the Lyceum specifically). They have all moved to other towns or into different professions, as a result of covid life rethinks - something that has happened in just about every sector. So, again, I think a very unfair comment.
Anyway, just thought I'd jump in, as it can be the case that only the discontented post. We are very happy and our child is happy and excelling. Can't really ask for more.

I echo TruffleHunter's points and also believe that my child is happy and excelling at the Lyceum. I'd self describe as an academically-focused parent with visions of world domination (or at least an Ivy League university) for my child. That said, for primary school, I wanted my child to explore as many new things as possible in a supportive environment.

My child has also been at the Lyceum since nursery and is now in Year 6. The current headteacher, Mrs. Wyatt, has made a lot of positive changes since she joined, and we're sorry to see her go, but I'm confident the school will find another strong head to take the school forward.

The Lyceum has delivered in spades by focusing on producing kind, confident all-rounders. Perhaps like all parents, I think my child is pretty clever, and I'd say our child has had an academic experience practically tailored to her interests and abilities. In fact, if there's any complaint about the school, it could be that the kids get a little too much individual attention and could do with more of a sense that it's a big world out there/they're not so special. But hey, they're primary-school kids - let them think they're snowflakes just a little while longer.

We're a couple of weeks away from learning our children's 11+ results, but I believe our child was as well-prepared (and will achieve as much) as any from the selective, more academically-focused primaries in London, with the added bonus of having spent 6+ years in an environment where everyone is recognised for their achievements, and it's low-stress and easy to try out lots of new things. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the school to other parents.

We are considering joining Lyceum, but are wondering about the departure of the recent head teacher? Is there any info about why that happened, is it associated with the Dukes ownership, and does anyone have info on the newly appointed head? Any insight appreciated!

N1mom, no, Mrs Wyatt's departure has nothing to do with Dukes ownership. Indeed, she was brought in 3.5 years ago by Dukes (I think from another Dukes school in SW London). Her departure is due to the fact that she has a very very long commute in to The Lyceum, which became too long. The new Head is going to be Mr Mike Stanley, coming from Bryanston. Apparently a unanimous decision by the Board of Governors, so a good sign. I haven't met him, though he's coming in to meet everyone later this term. But it'll be a personal thing, so suggest you meet him before making decisions either way.

The official line was that her commute was too long. She was widely disliked by parents -many of whom found her slippery and difficult to get straight, honest answers out of. Alot of people left in part due to her (both students and teachers). Hopefully the new head will be better.

We liked the headteacher, and many parents we spoke to liked her as well. I remember seeing some of the older children giving her a big hug after school, and saying they would miss her. It was very sweet.

One thing we found when choosing a school is that it’s so important to meet the head teacher yourself and see if you agree with their goals and expectations for the school, as well as their comms style.

We liked Mrs. Wyatt. She improved the school a lot, and the year 6 class did very well with secondary school admissions this year. We were sorry to see her go, but I’m sure the new head will continue to build on Mrs. Wyatt’s work.