That elusive London school

[Stuffragette]

just wanted to recommend a private school in London, one that I didn’t think existed. It’s called More House School, SW1. My dd has some SENs but no EHCP. She was at a specialist school and they did such an amazing job she outgrew it. They recommended More House. She’s been there a year and is happy and settled.

I didn’t think a school who looked at my daughter’s strengths and offered her a place on who she is, rather than having to sit an exam, do 11+. It’s not at the top of the charts for exam results. But it has made her feel like she’s succeeding instead of the stupidest girl in the class.

I know how lucky I am to be able to afford this. But I just wanted to post a happy story about a welcoming, not stuffy, not obsessed with exam results, school.

This was about 10 years ago but I know someone's daughter that had a terrible time at More House with bullying that the school did not handle well, she left and went on to flourish elsewhere.

my dd was impressed by some of the staff she met from that school. she said you could tell they were very caring.

They have had a change of head and 10 years is a while ago. Anyway, love it, love the girls my dd has as friends. So sick of pushy London schools. More House has been breath of fresh air.

@Stuffragette thank you so much for sharing this. It’s really helpful to read such a positive experience.

We’re currently looking at More House and your description resonates, especially the part about the school seeing strengths rather than just considering exam results.

If you don’t mind me asking, has the pastoral and SEN support felt consistent once you were properly settled in? And does your day to day experience match what you were told at admissions?

Yes. I really like the senco. And he has a plan for my dd going forward with regards to GCSEs etc. which are supportive but realistic. The school has a charm. It is a bit higgledy piggledy but that’s what is lovely about it. Feel free to ask any other questions though

@Pinkburyalso I really like the PE teacher. There is not much outside space but they make the most of what they have

I’m a More House alumni! Though 20 years ago, but have name changed just in case!

I’m still aware of the school through it’s Old Girls network and to be honest, it was a very average school then and I believe it still is.

There are less than a handful each year who go on to good universities and careers but otherwise it very much focused on the arts and music.

It’s not a bad school at all, but it’s definitely not one of the top ones or anywhere near it. It’s more the sort of school that girls go to for the sake of going to private school.

@Stuffragette Thank you so much, that’s really reassuring to hear. Supportive but realistic sounds exactly the right balance. I really liked the SENCO too, he seemed very passionate.

Did it take long for your daughter to feel settled socially? And have you found communication with the school to be consistent and proactive when needed?

Settled v quickly. She has a v friendly year. School is pretty good at communicating, although it could possibly make it a bit better. But much like any secondary tbh. And the SENCo is just lovely. And so is the SALT that is there a couple of days a week.

@Stuffragette Thank you so much, you've been so helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.