Hill House International School, Opinions please.

[hillygirl]

Are there any Mumsnetters with children at Hill House, or have had children there in the past. I'm considering it for my son. We live in Battersea so a bit of a journey. Any views please? I've done the tour, might go again, but so hard to judge. Would value parents opinions. Thanks

Friend's child goes there
They are happy with it - very international which suits them

Thanks Eldon. What nationality are your friends if you don't mind me asking? I'm wondering what the spread of nationalities is. We're English, but I had an ex pat ype upbringing.

bump

German

I also know a Norwegian who went there many years ago

Is that the one with the really silly uniform? Used to live fairly nearby, and would see the children doing games in one of hte nearby squares - they all seemed happy and well-behaved, however I loathe schools whose uniform seems to have the sole purpose of saying "my parents are richer than yours, plebs" ....

I know people there, I think it's a really lovely school and on the whole far too classy to be doing the "I am considerably richer than you" Harry Enfield thing although I suppose you can't rule out any parents being like that. Where do you want your kids to go for secondary though? Hill House sends them to places like Eton and Windsor from what I can see.

PS I know Americans there and I think the school has a place in Switzerland too, doesn't it?

Thanks for responses! Stringerbell what's unusual about it? I have heard that, but never heard what it is that's unusual (apart from uniform of course).

Butadream Are there many Americans there? I would quite like that. Is it very traditional English school? if so, how do the Americans react to that? I had heard there are odd rules like COMPLETE silence during lunch break, etc, but am hoping these are no longer in force.
I don't know where i want him to go to secondary. Not overly keen on trad British education, which is why I'm looking at International Schools. I guess if they can get him into Eton and Windsor then he can have his choice of many many schools. Wouldn't want him to board though.

Bumpy bump bump bump

bump

Iknew someone who taught there in the 80's raved about it. Quite quirky, head believed swimming was the most important thing a child should learn in the early years as that was a skill that could save their lives. Teaching space was very cramped and lessons took place in what ever space was availible. (not nescessaraly a proper classroom.0 teaching didnt follow a curriculum in the earlier years. teachers had alot of freedom to teach .My friend spoke of teaching glaciation to her 8 year olds because they were interested. Alot of the teachers were young antipodeans. Teachers were expected to muck in and do things like help with meals. Some parents took there children away when they were coming up for CE to go to more traditional preps to ensure they were schooled in the way of the exam. As I said this was in the early 80's I think when the founder (The colonel?)was still head

FYI Hill House is probably the least expensive independent in central London (other than the Lycee). There is a big mix of nationalities and it's considered to be a strong school and very sporty.

From admittedly limited experience and interaction with the school I felt it was all about style over substance.

The alleged policy of leaving early Friday to allow traveling to the country made me raise an eyebrow.

They don't look like they have much in the way of facilities, but they seem to get very good results.

Bumping for anymore opinions.

They make me laugh when you see them all trotting around Knightsbridge on the way to Hyde Park for games.

I realise this doesn't help you much.

Sprat "Teaching space very cramped...." that'll be why we ALWAYS used to see them walking round Chelsea in crocodiles EVERYTIME we went down Kin's Road.

bump

bump

VERY sporty

I know a couple of families (with sporty children) who were happy with it.
And another family (unsporty) who weren't, and found the discipline arbitrary (in a way in which you might not, if you liked sports & so the rules of the game? - that's speculation).

So sport seems to divide the opinions. What's your child like?

Also, it's huge - which would put me off.

If you're in Battersea, isn't Newton Prep supposed to be good?

Hmm, only four years old so don't know for sure if he's sporty yet. Likes swimming tho!
Arbitary discipline doesn't sound great; what else do you mean?can you tell me about that?

bump

I think quite a few Americans including the children of a well respected bona fide US movie star

Cortina, local families in that area really do leave for the country each weekend or should I say Friday to Monday. So I suppose the school has to cater for it. The Townend family who run the school are all lovely and very dedicated.