ACS Cobham

[Savp18]

I'd love some honest feedback on ACS Cobham, particularly lower school. The open day wowed me and I'm keen to move our child there but I don't know any parents who can give me honest feedback. Thank you!

How old is your dc and what other schools would you consider, ie Cobham free or Feltonfleet?

The only dc I know there moved because they weren't suited to a conventional U.K. educational system. Dont forget there is no option for GCSEs / A levels.

@tennissquare thank you. DC is 5 (year 1) and is in a local private prep school. I'm not a fan of the pushy environment and would prefer DC to be in a more relaxed, inclusive setting. I also like the broad IB approach and as we are an international family, I like that aspect of ACS. I wouldn't consider moving to a like for like private prep to be honest and of we don't move to ACS I think we'd stay where we are (despite not being a huge fan our DC is happy enough).

@Savp18 , I would ring the admissions person at ACS and say something like you are interested but would like to speak to a uk based parent rep because you are concerned about turn over of dc, ie dc who only stay a couple of years so friendships are transient and the semester system so your dc is out of sync with uk school summer holidays.

Otherwise consider schools like Claremont Fan for secondary but yes of course the whole area of SW London is a pushy learning environment but the schools do get the grades needed for uni etc.

Thanks @tennissquare great idea. I really don't like the pushy vibe and ACS stands out as being different and approaching education differently. The transience does concern me but our DC will hopefully have activities out of school with other local friends too so it's not a major factor.

Hello Savp18. Have you decided on ACS? Personally I wouldn’t do it. I had children there and moved them because they were very behind and it does not get better the older they get. The IB is only the last two years of secondary school and most students don’t choose because it’s “too difficult” for the level of teaching they received to that point. Save yourself the frustration and look into other local schools, there are plenty with a smaller primary which does not put massive pressure on the children but still develop them beautifully.

@surreymum7 this is so helpful. Were they in the lower school and where did you go in the end? We haven't decided yet and are open minded on options.

May I ask, did you decide to proceed with ACS or did you find another alternative in the area?

@User834621 we still haven't made up our minds!

well said

wowed u? Too good to be true ?

Their head now is leaving .

@Villageelite the head of ACS is leaving? We decided against it in the end anyway.

Yeah . This school from teacher to head to pupils . All come and go