Benedict House Sidcup

[cafedesreves]

I'm interested in this school for my son as a possible alternative to our local state school.
I'd be so grateful for any thoughts!
Many thanks

My child has been at this school for 5 years. It's a great school and we have been mostly happy with it. My child will really miss it - he often says it's the best school in the world.

Pros

1. Small, friendly school where everyone knows each other and has a family feeling to it
2. Teaching is at a good level and teachers are always available to parents (nowadays via Zoom)
3. Small class sizes - never more than 21
4. Lots of focus on pastoral care and mental well-being
5. Good 11+ results
6. New owners are a group and have invested quite a lot and made many things more professional. Lots of improvements since they took over.
7. Great online provision during lockdown and good Covid measures. Did not lose a single day of school due to bubbles bursting.

Cons

1. Frequent change of head teacher. There have been 3 in the past 5 years and a new one is starting in January. Last two have been excellent though, particularly Mr Forbes.
2. Uncertainty regarding school premises as the council has put the building on the market. They have put in a bid and have said they will find alternative premises if necessary, but who knows?

@mouche202 thanks so much, that's great! It sounds lovely. Interesting to know about the change of heads.
Does it offer much in terms of extra curricular?

My observation of Benedict House is that you see large numbers of their students at local after school tutoring clubs like Kumon, 11+, etc

It's extracurricular provision is not the best due to lack of space. They offer tuition in a number of musical instruments (extra charge) and there are regular swimming lessons at Sidcup Leisure centre. They also do after-school clubs but they are run by teachers based on their interests and are of varying quality.

Essentially Benedict House parents tend to choose it for it's small class sizes, nurturing environment, 11+ results, parent body focused on academics, and modest fees. If you want the all singing, all dancing extra curricular focused experience, Merton Court may be a better choice.

Regarding tuition, yes, most Year 5 children are tutored for the 11+. Not because the school teaching is bad (it isn't) but because most parents who choose this school are really focused on the 11+. They don't want to leave any stone unturned in getting their children into a grammar school so they see the choice of school and tutoring as a two pronged effort. The school does not encourage or advise tutoring and their own approach to 11+ preparation is gradual and consistent.

Hope this helps.

One thing to add - I don't have experience of state schools so this may not be unusual, but I am really happy with the school trips - one every half term - and the people they bring in to give more colour to the curriculum. Last year they had scientists come in to show the children practical science experiments, they have had author sessions, history enactments and all sorts.

Thanks so much everyone.

@cafedesreves Hi, We are considering Benedict house for our daughter. Just wondered what you decided and if you had any more information on the refurb plans? Happy to talk on DM XX

Hi @ReynZeysMum sorry I don't have much info on this as it's likely DS will go locally (he's still pre-school) but best of luck .

Thank you @cafedesreves .. @mouche202 wondering if you would be able to comment on the refurb plans? Do you know if this will effect the fees and whether more extra curricular activities will be added?

Can you comment on the schools sporting opportunities?

Thanks x