Abercorn

[johnwill1]

Hello everyone.
Our DD is looking to find a London school where our grandchild can stay without undue stress due to movement on to new schools as a result go age. We are seeing so much stress, particularly due to the pandemic.
We saw that Abercorn School is going up to Year 9,GCSE and beyond from this year. They have impressive new premises and an interesting focus on the arts (the new building has a theatre which a bonus too), as well as a sound history in helping kids get into senior schools.
We have lived in London since the late 80s, but grew up in Yorkshire, so we stayed in schools which we local and it suited us.
London has a different pattern it seems, but I wonder what friends here think of schools like Abercorn which can offer Nursery/Reception, Pre Prep through to GCSE and A level?

PS some more info on Abercorn, who's ethos I applaud on reading this
ie-today.co.uk/news/abercorn-founder-urges-schools-not-to-suspend-specialist-subjects/

www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/education/abercorn-school-buys-new-building-8364640

Has a reputation for being very transient with lots of families only in London on international 3ish year placements. Something to consider.

Many thanks Usdyen. We've heard this re a few London Prep Schools from fellow grandparents. Perhaps the offer of school life from the the very start to A level will reduce transience. Time will tell.
I applaud their arts focus. I know my own children thrived in similarly minded schools and wouldn't be who they are today without it.

Yes. Some prep schools definitely more so than others though…Good luck, hope it works out!

Thanks. I was sent this interview just today by a friend, by the Founder/Head of Abercorn. Interesting points: educationbusinessuk.net/news/10032022/schools-must-play-vital-role-eradicating-gender-abuse-and-bias

Abercorn has only 2 children in year 9, very few in years 7 and 8 and as it is a prep school, children usually only stay time enough to catch up with the curriculum and then they leave. I don't know if they will have a year 9 next year, and I don't see them opening year 10 any time soon, it is unsustainable to create classes with only 2 children.

Thanks for the update. I believe moving to Senior is a very recent move, so I guess it will take time to build. Impressive premises, great theatre, and a lovely feeling around the school when we visited with the family. We enjoyed the friendly nature of staff, and the students who showed us around were charming.

Hi @johnwill1
I heard Abercorn closed a few days ago. Is that true do you know?

Yes. We heard from a family friend. We had intended to send one of our grandchildren. From what we’ve heard, staff and families have been treated disgracefully. We had a lucky escape. Many have not.