Embley

[Amberkitten7654321]

Hello, does anyone have any views on Embley in Hampshire? We went to an open day and loved it but don’t know anyone who goes there to ask for lived experiences. We’re about 40 mins away (But on bus route) so quite the commute but our local private (st Gabriel’s) we hated. We are looking to just do years 7-11 as have 3 kids (2 girls and one boy between years1 and 5) and would like them to go to the same school. This is just affordable for us in a way somewhere like Lord Wandsworth isn’t at an extra couple of £k per term.
Inretested in any / all views .

thanks

Have friends who have sent children who are currently there. I would say probably not the best for quirky or sensitive children but great for allrounders.
Why didn't you like St Gabriel's out of interest?

In fairness to St G we didn’t go on an open day, we had a private tour. I just found it all quite underwhelming if I’m honest. The facilities seemed so dated, the headmaster I can believe is an excellent teacher but he didn’t come across as an amazing leader - even he was very lack lustre about so many things (eg we used to be absolutely terrible at xyz but we’re slowly improving) etc.
He also said that their current year 7 was so small (this may have been last year, can’t remember when we went) because “obviously” anyone who got a space at St Bart’s went there - like it was a no brainer to pick an (admittedly very good!) state school over them. Comparatively I found the head so much more inspirational at Embley and the facilities much better (particularly music and art) not to mention it’s actually cheaper!!
aside from smaller classes I couldn’t work out what all the money would really buy at St G compared to our local state where as I really could at Embley.

Son at Embley and it’s been wonderful for him.

Good grounds and facilities, with lots of opportunities for activities and experiences. Honestly, that’s about it.

Once you settle in, you realise that they have quite poor teaching staff and a seriously clicky culture. They are not good at dealing with problems and listening to genuine concerns or feedback.

Another thread I came across discusses bullying there (which can happen at any school), but also highlights the schools terrible response and lack of action.

We had a similar experience at the prep school. The Head of the Prep was more concerned with defending her teachers than listening to our concerns. Others we knew had similar issues, so we know it wasn’t just us - it was a trend.

Their student churn rate is high, and I know lots of parents that have left after a short time there, and many that stay aren’t that impressed on reflection. Their pastoral care is questionable.

We subsequently moved our child to another local independent school and it was the best thing we could have done.

Oh wow this is the first report I’ve heard like this. Can I ask where you moved to? And have you been happier there?

It’s the first report I’ve heard too! My son has been there for 4 years and it’s been great for him.