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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Dilemma

18 replies

yoho · 14/02/2011 15:25

Got bright boy but need to choose between Claremont Fan Court School and Ibstock Place. Are these up and coming schools, what's future like at these schools? Anyone got a good review source?

OP posts:

mummytime · 14/02/2011 16:17

Ibstock place is a good school guide school. Claremont Fan court is a Christian Science school, this puts a lot of parents off, even some who are desperate for an place as they are moving at an unusual entry.

bettys · 14/02/2011 16:23

Ibstock Place is higher in the league tables than Claremount. Has your boy been offered places for September or are you thinking of applying?

Original poster

yoho · 15/02/2011 14:11

Thanks have places at both and at another independent boys only school. IPS always seen a bit bohemian but our impression is that things are changing....

OP posts:

rosiehill · 15/02/2011 14:11

I've got friends with bright children at Claremont and they say it's a fantastic school. The children are certainly happy and enjoy going there. It's got a great reputation locally and I only wish I could afford to send my daughter there.

bettys · 15/02/2011 16:02

Ds has also been offered a place at Ibstock and another boys' independent school (wonder if it's the same one?). We are waiting to hear from another 2 schools before we decide.

Ibstock is very popular here (Barnes/Sheen). I know of at least 7 children from ds's school that have been offered places, all very bright. Not everyone got in. The perception from parents with children already there is that they are trying to raise academic standards and it is harder to get in.

willow · 15/02/2011 16:16

Don't think there's anything bohemian about Ibstock any more. Used to be, but new head has eye set on joining the SW London academic elite. Shame really, the area needs a bit more breadth when it comes to schools, and Ibstock definitely filled a gap in its former format.

CristinaTheAstonishing · 15/02/2011 16:23

Guys, I got queried about this on another thread. Did your boys get offerred places at more than one school and do you not have to choose your highest ranked one? So can you at this stage still choose between A and B? Or do you have to go with the one you already ranked higher?

bettys · 15/02/2011 16:27

Christina - For Independent schools you can apply for a many as you like and choose whichever you like from the ones you are offered a place providing you have passed the exams/entrance. It's different from the tate school procedure.

bettys · 15/02/2011 16:29

Ha ha state school!
Wish there was was a Tate School!

CristinaTheAstonishing · 15/02/2011 16:29

Oh, thanks Betty. So it's similar for statemented children, only they can choose between state schools too. So not such a big deal after all.

bettys · 15/02/2011 18:33

I think the confusion arose because those waiting for state school places (which includes Tiffins and Sutton Grammar) weren't aware that statemented children were informed earlier or could choose their school.

CristinaTheAstonishing · 15/02/2011 18:43

Bettys - but that's a lot of hot air in the end. You still have to choose just ONE school, can't send the boy to three at once. The only advantage is being able to make the choice later (Feb) rather than back in October. At the end of the day, though, you would still go for your first choice and you'd still need to pass the exams first.

Original poster

yoho · 16/02/2011 09:26

Bettys - clearly son done well getting a place at Ibstock- it is his preferred choice and the other independent school is part boarding - but also trying to increase academic results. Ibstock about level on school ratings.

We are going back to look at all 3 !!!!

OP posts:

bettys · 16/02/2011 09:33

Oooh Ds's other offer is also part-boarding - it wouldn't be Reed's would it?

andiem · 16/02/2011 09:48

we have an offer from Reeds but are waiting on hampton and KGS which come out this week aagh
Claremont where we are is seen as a lesser academic option as they have a broader range of pupils unlike the more highly selective schools

bettys · 16/02/2011 09:54

We are waiting for KGS and Emanuel - it just goes on and on doesn't it?

In the league tables (if you are using them as a guide), it goes like this:
Hampton
KGS
Reed's
Ibstock
Emanuel
Claremont
(just the schools mentioned on this thread)

But it's not all about league tables at the end of the day.

andiem · 16/02/2011 09:56

it does bettys will be gald when it is all over

Original poster

yoho · 16/02/2011 12:29

Ur right not just about the league tables cos at least 2 of these schools is really pushing for future academic success and has not had track record in the past- aagh

It's a really difficult decision........ and yep reeds is in the mix too. I think any child can do really well if they're in the right school and it isn't all about academics at the end of the day.

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