Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Flip

1 2 3 4

Original poster

Hill House International School, Opinions please.

96 replies

hillygirl · 20/01/2010 12:06

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

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Original poster

hillygirl · 29/01/2010 12:33

Hi marsha I went to look round about a year ago when i put his name down. I'm going to go again either next week or the following week. I really liked the international mix. I had an international Ex pat Type upbringing and went to those sorts of schools, so it feels far more comfortable for me than the traditional English Prep school. I was a little about the fact that they don't encourage ANY parental involvement whatsoever and just expect you to trust them to get on with it. I don't feel the need to get overly involved with my son's school, but it would be nice to know you could check out what's going on if you felt like it. I was shown round by two 11/12 year olds. One American, one Italian, and they were lovely. Small premises, but very nice. Big empathis on music and sport which i liked.
I think there are a few Clapham Battersea kids going there. Dulwich might be a bit of a hike!

OP posts:

MarshaBrady · 29/01/2010 13:10

It is too far for me really. I just could not believe how um cheap it is, comparatively of course, and how much easier it is to get in!

Have you considered Newton Prep?, I know you say you don't want a traditional English prep school. I don't know much about it except a really nice couple send their dc, and they are not typical Prep parents (creative types). Although not sure how prep-ish the school is.

Parental involvement is huge round these here parts, for some it's difficult if they work, for others it's great.

MarshaBrady · 29/01/2010 13:32

Actually that's no help soz, it would be too late now I think? I suppose I'm thinking you might get what you would like in one of those places as they are not too bad, involve the parents etc

Original poster

hillygirl · 29/01/2010 14:04

Yes I'm unlikely to get him in anywhere else now, so I guess I'm just trying to get more info on the place so I can feel happy with my decision.

OP posts:

wilbur · 29/01/2010 14:12

Hilly - Don't know anything about Hill House but I think you're right to be worried about the commute - I used to work nearby and commute from Battersea and it was a real pain in bad weather, even when I got a direct bus. BTW - it might still be worth looking at Newton - it's very much not a trad prep, quite a new school, lots of creative folk and couples where both parents work. Easy commute - lots of buses or trains if you live near Clapham Junc.

MarshaBrady · 29/01/2010 14:12

I think it's a great choice. Rather envious of my friend, although I love my ds's prep school too.

Also she met some children playing in her local square from there and she said they were very polite and nice etc.. So sounds good.

Also I think it's normal to deliberate before you start, we certainly did for months and even placed a couple of deposits.. Very happy now.

Anyway am pontificating on this alot, with not much info! So I hope you really like it.

Original poster

hillygirl · 29/01/2010 14:31

Thanks Wilbur and Marsha. Yeah the commute is a worry. They have a school bus however. Marsha thank you for helping me feel good about my choice!
I'll go back next week or the following week and have a good old think about it.

OP posts:

YummyTwinMummy · 31/01/2010 21:44

One of my neighbours kids used to go there but unfortunately found the education substandard. They moved up to our village to send their children to a better school and their eldest had to repeat an entire year in order to handle the entrance exam and education at our private school.

stickytape · 31/01/2010 22:44

Hillygirl, I used to know a Battersea family with their daughter at Hill House, and I occasionally see Hill House kids (can tell by the uniform) in Battersea these days, so I am sure there are some children making that commute.

I would just be concerned about the lack of parental involvement, or more importantly, that they don't want parents involved.

There are many very happy Hill House families, but there are also those who don't like it. So, it's hard to predict what will happen, but it's worth a try if you like it.

Original poster

hillygirl · 02/02/2010 10:35

Thanks yummy and Sticky.
That's odd Yummy as their website shows that they get theri kids into the very best secondary schools in the country, but they did say they don't start giving them homework till their 6 or 7 and perhaps they take longer to get them up to speed, but get their in the end? I don't know...
Sticky I guess it's a waiting game to see if it suits him (and me) or not. They didn't mention lack of parental involvement, but that's the impression I got, so i will be asking about it on my visit.
If anyone else knows any little ones starting there Sept 2010 I'd love to hook them up with my DS for a playdate.

OP posts:

stickytape · 02/02/2010 17:42

Hillygirl I just looked at their website (at last, they have one!) and as always, their results look excellent look at all the children going to St.Paul's girls and boys, as well as JAGS, etc... Quite impressive, really. And it's so much cheaper. I turned them down years ago, but only because I was worried about the 'leave the children to us' approach. However, I think it looks like a great school and a good deal, and I would seriously consider it if I were going through the process again. Good luck!

Original poster

hillygirl · 02/02/2010 21:38

OOOh! Thanks Sticky; nice reassuring words...yeah, can't argue with the results...I'm really looking forward to going for another look round now as will be so much more focussed than i was when i first went and put his name down probably over a year ago as it all seemed such a distant prospect.
Will pay close attention to whether the kids look happy or not!

OP posts:

Akiko · 03/02/2010 10:03

I would strongly suggest you chek out Newton Prep if you are in Battersea. Fantastic facilities, very international mix of families too, huge selection of ativities, arts, sport, music, drama... you name it. It is a selective school, so academically- very good. We are very happy there, I would not change for Hill Hse.

Original poster

hillygirl · 08/02/2010 10:29

Thanks Akiko I'll have a look. have managed to chat to other mums in RL and am feeling more reassured about my choice, and excited for DS even.

OP posts:

S999 · 25/02/2010 13:32

Who's the movie star?

Sareba · 13/03/2010 20:57

We live in Battersea, and our eldest daughter started at HH last Sept, with our second starting this Sept. I was a little worried at first, mainly about the schools being scattered, but we're very happy with the school. There's a wide mix of parents... including some mum's that work (like me ). There are quite a few children from Battersea going to HH. You'll see them all going across Albert Bridge in the mornings... and some that come down from Clapham.

The biggest selling points for us was that the children all seem really happy there, and the dedication they put into the children as they get older to get them into the secondary schools. Plus we liked the international feel to the school.

Original poster

hillygirl · 14/03/2010 14:11

Hi Sareba,
thank you for your comments. I'm happy to hear that you are pleased with the school. I've managed now to speak to a few Mums who have children there and am feeling more reassured about my choice. My son will have an orientation there in May and start this September (assuming they offer him a place-they seem to say it's 99% sure he has a place, but it's a bit nerve wracking-let's just hope he doesn't have a big tantrum on the orientation day!)
I'm also happy to hear you say that there are a few coming in from Clapham and Battersea. Getting him to Flood Street is a bit tricky from our house, but Milner, Hans and Cadogan will be easier (452 bus route).
If at some point before Sept you'd like to get our two little ones together for a play date then CAT me as it would be nice for them to have a familiar face in the class on their first day at school.
I was also struck by the fact that the children all seem really happy.

OP posts:

Original poster

hillygirl · 14/03/2010 17:24

I meant to ask Sareba, how did you little girl cope with all the moving around? I was feeling a bit sorry for my son that he'll be on a journey from Clapham just to get there in the moring, then mid morning he'll probably be put on a mini bus back to Battersea Park. Then back to Flood Street, then back at 3.30 to Clapham. Lots of travelling time per day for a four year old.

OP posts:

cinochat · 19/05/2010 10:33

Hi I am Hill Hosue mum, two very happy boys with lots of lovely friends, all very polite. Mine are getting into great schools as well. Their is a website which is a closed forum for Hill House parents, www.cinochat.com, where you can ask HH parents and teachers any questions. You will need to become a member as it is just for HH parents. but if you let them know you are a new parent it will work.

lookingforschools · 11/06/2010 12:44

Hi,

My son will be going to Hill House in September. 2011. I know it is a long way away but I was not sure what after school activities they have in the lower school. I finish work at 1600 and it will be about 1630 by the time I pick him up...

nat35 · 16/07/2010 22:32

My son will be going to Hill House in September 2011, I was quite happy with our choice but then I have read recent ofsted report ... nad got a bit concerned, any opinions?

cinochat · 23/07/2010 17:22

Very good school, children very happy - a great mix of nationalities, parents very laid back - no PTA but a great site to look at for info is www.cinochat.com specifially for HH parents.

sanam2010 · 15/04/2011 09:22

Cinochat, what happened to your website?

And Marsha, do they still offer children the opportunity to start in Jan just after their 4th birthday? I would love to do that, will ask them when I register her which is in a couple of weeks.

macnz1 · 16/04/2011 18:32

My son went to hill house from go to whoa at 13 years of age - he's 17 and at one of the best secondaries in London, in answer to some of the queries. Hill House is the best thing we ever gave him. Don't worry about children with different personalities, they cater for them all. Also they know the true meaning of 'education' rather than the ghastly 'teaching and learning' mindset that permeates these days. Go for it! You have to have stamina to be a Hill House parent but its worth it.

LondonMummy2011 · 05/09/2011 10:43

I have the daughter who just started at HH - transferred there - and is in Year 2/Middle School. Wanted to find out more about the school (i.e. do they give kids the opportunity to do plays, what about the 'no talking during lunch' policy, etc). Tried www.cinochat.com - but got a message saying that it was no longer available. Is there another forum?

Many thanks.

Flip

1 2 3 4