Cokethorpe

[Howtodoparenting]

Does anyone know anyone who has or themselves have any young children at Cokethorpe School? Do you know anyone who has been in reception or pre prep who has left?

Following OP as we're also considering CT!

It's one of those schools that never seems to be anyone's first choice unless they really can't make the commute to the other schools. As you move up the years they have a rep for taking on behaviour problem kids that other schools won't keep.

Thanks @Ixon . I hope someone can shed some light on the pre prep.

It doesn't seem to excel at anything in particular. Behaviour has been a problem in the past, but you need more current info from me.
Why are you considering Cokethorpe? What attracts you to it that other schools don't do better?

Thanks @Ixon and @iamsoshocked

From my point of view, we got a good feel for the prep / primary school when we viewed, but weren't sure about the senior school as it didn't seem to push enough - the vibe we got from the leadership team was that it's up to the students to push themselves. I'd like a bit more of an oomph behind them, especially if we're paying for it!

but the primary side seemed lovely, lots of extra curricular, great facilities, small classes, good teachers (that we met). But concerned if they won't be prepped for an entry to an oxford day school such as StH&K or Headington etc without some serious tutoring behind them - in which case I may as well save 6 years of fees and just do state and private tutoring anyway

It's local and small class sizes but.......very concerned why in one class there is only 2 or 3

State with tutoring is a real gamble as a tutor can't make up for years of substandard teaching. There's a good chance your DC will want to go where her friends are going by that age as well. If no one else is tutoring and prepping for exams it can be a lonely road. If you have a very bright and very complaint DD you might get away with it but it's a very small number who succeed. Why not look at St. Hughs? They've also started a bus service this year.

What?! 2 or 3 in a class?? That's ridiculous! Surely they can be merged into the other classes??

Sorry, before, I meant "you need more current info THAN from me".

It's worth looking at their financials as well. The VAT is going to mean some private schools just don't make it.

Hi @Howtodoparenting we have a DD in the prep school at Cokethorpe and our DS is now in the senior, went up from prep a couple of years ago. DD was in the new pre-prep classrooms which I think are lovely. Separate from the rest of prep for a lot, but go over to the main building for some subjects and activities. Our DD was quite shy but has grown in confidence a lot and is really enjoying it. DS did too. We really liked the themes and interconnectivity of subjects they do. The Year 6 kids did a research skills course they were getting prizes for at the speech day in the summer - it was pretty impressive.
In the senior, DS middling academics, I would say, but has really flourished in last year, found his rhythm and enjoying it. We've always found it is a mixed crowd of kids academically, some very bright, some with other passions. Suited our DCs and what we wanted for them.
The self reliance is something the head talks about a lot. About being motivated learners, I think. Maybe where our DS's sudden passion for learning ahs come from.
DS said half the kids get the school buses from across oxfordshire. As you can probably tell, we are really pleased with our choice but know there is a lot of choice out there. Hope this helps

That's a really good insight, thank you very much! Do you feel the very small class sizes are a problem with making friends?

I can't speak for everyone of course, but DD is in a class of around 16/17, I think it is. She has a better social life already than I do! I haven't heard of any classes as small as 2 or 3 but I could be wrong. Maybe worth asking the school direct? DH had a small class at a school in the west country in the early 90s, other years fine from what he remembers. Maybe just a blip? I guess it happens!!

Have heard great things about St Hughs and Manor prep. Not great things about Cokethorpe but think it's more of a marmite school from what I hear!

It was brilliant for my son, senior school has a lovely pastoral approach, Damien the head is lovely, I found him very approachable and accommodating. My son loved it there.

Head is leaving in September. After a very long headship. Any thoughts on the direction it will take now? It seems like the only private mixed day option in the vicinity.

Don't forget Abingdon prep is now co-ed also

St. Hugh's is the other co-ed option you could look at for prep.

Also there's The Manor Preparatory School.

Pinewood

Chandlings is mixed private day-only.

Cokethorpe school is amazing! I looked at 9 other schools across Oxfordshire and it does not disappoint. Our daughter joined from the Manor Prep in Year 6 and is now in First Form. Yes the head is leaving (after 23 years) but the incoming head Dr. Sarah Squire sounds equally amazing. Academically the school is strong - our years CAT scores were in line with St. Helen’s and some applicants got into Abingdon School but not Cokethorpe. The teachers are inspiring, the kids want to go in and the extra curricular options are amazing. Parents are down to earth and invested. Kids are happy going in. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

They are financially robust

As a parent of a SS child at Cokethorpe I feel that you came away with the wrong impression. They are pushed to be the best version of themselves - academically & pastorally. But they also need to learn responsibility. I couldn’t ask for more and wished we’d joined the school before Year 6.

As a SS parent there this comment is totally inaccurate and derogatory I’m afraid. Especially ‘problem kids’. The school is excellent in every way. And I did my research - visiting 9 schools.

I appreciate the honest real life feedback @Ediffey but also you're coming across as potentially PR for the school?

;)