Halstead Saint Andrews

[NewsieMammaBear]

Can anyone share their current experience with this school or any other private schools in Woking? Thank you

We had a try out day. They gave me feedback on the (obviously) wrong child….
Friends just pulled their children out as they had a terrible experience (academically weak education, plus bullying) - both kids are now at another school and approximately a year behind although they are academically able.
From what i can see it’s good for kids who prefer football over learning and are very robust.

Thank you for replying. I have sent you a dm. Hope that’s ok.

Thank you for your time.

What age is your child?

I think it’s failing. Initially it was going to be a through school when merged happened then they couldn’t get the numbers.

Old halstead site closed.

Lots of staff left / made redundant.

Then last week they promoted Cranmore and St T venture.

I don’t think they have the numbers of children to run successfully.

Loads of buses going to other schools in other towns if you want to go private.

Ages are 4 and 2.

Thank you.

It's all as predicted, the fast or slow demise of standalone prep schools began a few years back and is accelerating under the current climate.

Unless part of a larger entity/group they are vulnerable. That will likely be why the StTs, Cranmore/ Effingham Trust announcement was made, to try and shore up support and make up for the decision to cancel any continuation of secondary provision - which many parents would've signed up to.

Its also highly likely they will be properly taken over by the Effingham Trust, but ahead of that legal process taking time, and things looking imminently dire, perhaps this is a tactical announcement as well.

With so many closing, I wouldn't be looking at these types of schools at the moment, and I know that sounds awful and im sorry, but the writing is literally on the wall.

There are larger options close by, such as the Effingham Trust itself, Tormead, Rydes Hill (owned by tormead), RGS and GHS (if you can get in - although GHS seems much easier to get into this year), etc.

Even schools in groups aren't all rosey, just look at United Learning, falling numbers at its prep school in West London and the basket case of the Royal School still to deal with.

Its interesting times!

Rydes Hill all the way. Lovely school, fantastic nursery, owner by Tormead so lots of stability and investment. They are also launching a Woking bus route, perhaps useful for when kids get older?

I'd give them a ring, I hear nothing but good things

Girls or boys?

Hi all

We're posting on behalf of Halstead, who have asked us to share the following:

"As a school, we do not usually respond to anonymous online comments, but as a few points raised here are factually incorrect, we felt it was important to provide some clarification.

Firstly, we are sorry to read that someone felt dissatisfied following a trial day. Our aim is always to ensure visiting children feel welcomed and supported, and that families receive clear and accurate feedback. If there has been any confusion regarding feedback, we would genuinely welcome the opportunity to speak directly so we can address it properly.

With regard to academic standards and pastoral care, these are areas we take extremely seriously. Our pupils follow a broad and ambitious curriculum, and the wellbeing and safety of every child is a central priority for the school. Bullying is not tolerated and any concerns raised are addressed promptly and carefully. Our academic standards are high and one third of our leavers last year gained scholarships to their Senior school of choice.

Like many independent schools, we have had to go through a period of change in recent years, including adjustments following the merger and last month, the exciting announcement of a collaboration with Cranmore and St Teresa's (Effingham Schools Trust) for our senior pupils. These decisions are taken to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the school and to allow us to continue providing the best possible continuity of education for our pupils.

We recognise that online forums can sometimes present only part of the picture. The best way to understand what our school is really like is to visit, speak with staff and pupils, and see the learning environment first-hand. The other schools mentioned in the thread are also wonderful schools and parents are really spoilt for choice in this area. That said, each school is slightly different and so will best serve the needs of different children.

We would warmly encourage any interested families to come and meet the Head and our team, tour the school, and ask any questions they may have. Our doors are always open and we are proud of the caring, supportive and ambitious community we are continuing to build."

I've known both schools of old, in particular Halstead, for many a year, and sincerely hope the new HStA school is doing alright, particularly for the children's sake, as, tbh, it is worrying to see so many changes so quickly in any school.

recent moves consolidating the site, delaying the senior school expansion, the earlier merger issues, and low numbers, the reported staff losses, and now this formal collaboration with the Effingham Schools Trust for senior provision, despite the 35-45 min drive distance isnt to be easily ignored.

Officially, it's well presented as positive steps for sustainability, investment in quality, and building on existing ties. But the pattern does come across as more reactive and urgent than a steady, planned strategy.

Perceptions asside, my fingers are crossed it's the reset that is needed and families get the stable, nurturing environment the kids deserve. Hoping things settle positively soon as the school statement suggests.