Colchester prep and high school

[mumsworldd]

Hi all, I’m looking to move my son from his current school to an independent one in Colchester. Main issue is that his current school are nurturing (although we’ve had some teething issues) but not super academic - I’m finding I’m doing far too much at home with him as their pace at school is quite slow. He’s a very bright boy and I don’t think that he is being stretched sufficiently.

ive had a brief look online and colchester prep and high school seems to have great academic results - but all websites post their best so I was hoping for an honest opinion of the schools in Colchester/Essex in general.

My daughter went there for a term to escape the horrors of her state school and the bad behaviours there. She was stunned to find behaviour was awful there too and incredibly bitchy. She went back to her state school (happily) where at least we didn't have to pay for her to be disrupted by naughty kids.
This was about 5 years ago.

I’m sorry to hear that @Darkdarknightinthedarkdarkstaircasethats awful!

I really don’t understand schools that don’t take a zero tolerance with poor behaviour, it’s soo much easier than letting it fester and children be disadvantaged!

Did you ever consider any other schools ?

Whereabouts are you? Have you looked at any of the schools in Ipswich for comparison?

I have not… we’re currently in Chelmsford but looking to sell and move for the right school so we aren’t really tied to a particular area provided I can still go into London for work!

I have no direct experience with Colchester High other than we discounted it when deciding on schools a few years back as we felt it was too small. I don’t know what the intake has been like over the last couple of years? Quite a lot of kids take school transport to schools in Ipswich (Ipswich School, Ipswich High, St Joseph’s College, Royal Hospital School & Woodbridge) from around Colchester- might be worth a look as a point of comparison?

OP, Have you considered Oakfields in Upminster?

forgot to ask OP- are you looking for a prep or senior school?

Hi to Darkdarknight.
Just a few words…I have a son in senior school at Colchester Prep & High, he also attended the lower school too. I don’t know how old your son is, but both lower and upper schools are excellent.
Whilst finding a good school is unique to each child I have to say we have nothing but positive things to say about the school.
Yes the school maybe small but this makes for a much better environment for nurturing its pupils with ease.The staff really do know all
the kids in the whole school!

Also this is something that makes the school stand out as teachers and all staff are very well connected with pupils, and it has wonderful family feel.
One thing I can say is that your son would be given every opportunity to excel and thrive within the school day. We love the school and look forward to continuing our journey.
I wish you luck in finding the right school.

We looked at CHS for secondary for our DD for year 7. We really liked the feel of it - definitely small and nurturing with pretty good results for a non selective school. Very "normal" set of parents - not too monied or posh. Very broad intake, with lots joining later after trying other schools, often state sector - the head even told us this was their business model! I think it pushes kids when it needs to, but if your kid doesn't like pressure, it works for them too. It went down well with others I know who visited too, although none of us have actually chosen it as first choice. Our reasons: very boy heavy (I think 60%), quite high levels of SEN (not a bad thing in itself as they do very well and supports our view that it is very nurturing, but our DD is at a small school with v high numbers of SEN and has found it difficult to find close friendships), no cooked dinner from year 9 (packed lunches or paninis).

FWIW, we have opted for Royal Hospital School in Ipswich, as has one of the other parents we know. Very broad curriculum, intake and incredible facilities. Creative subjects are off the scale. However, CHS remains an option if that doesn't work out for whatever reason, by which time we'd know how many girls are in the year group.