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Secondary education

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

Original poster

Cheltenham college

21 replies

Ishani · 06/06/2011 20:18

Anyone know what it's reputation is like ? My DC's are very arty/literacy not so strong in maths.
Thank you

OP posts:
Colleger · 06/06/2011 20:27

It is quite a snooty school and at the moment not doing as well as Dean Close, which happens to be exceptionally strong in the arts, academically. Don't know much else about it though.

Bubbabach · 08/06/2011 09:31

I have several friends with children at the school; they seem very happy with it and dont think it's at all snooty. There has been a new Headmaster in place for a year or so and he has really upped the ante. Its very strong all-round with loads going on in the arts sphere so definitely worth a look. I'd certainly choose it over Dean Close.

Milanos · 08/06/2011 09:33

My kids go there, are blissfully happy and really doing extremely well. Its not a snooty school at all and certainly is doing every bit as well as DC both academically as well as musically and on the sports field. You should come and have a look.

Original poster
Ishani · 08/06/2011 09:40

Really ? that's great to hear as DC aren't very forthcoming with offers of trial days etc.

OP posts:
Colleger · 08/06/2011 09:49

There is no way CC is doing as well academicalyy but especially musically as DC, which has one of the best music departments in the country!

propatria · 08/06/2011 09:54

Not snooty at all,excellent all round school,pretty sporty though so perhaps not good if not keen on sport.

Original poster
Ishani · 08/06/2011 10:57

They aren't sporty, they aren't "into" that much right now if i'm honest which is why I want to get them into a good school to get their spark back.

OP posts:
zeolite · 08/06/2011 11:11

Several of my cousins and nieces were at CLC, they had a variety of leanings, e.g. arty, musical, maths, and they were happy and have done well. From what I've seen they are not snooty. but have generally good judgement and get on with reasonable people from all walks of life.

Original poster
Ishani · 08/06/2011 11:16

I don't fancy CLC we have had a look around, bit too all girls together.

OP posts:
Colleger · 08/06/2011 11:17

CLC is not the same school as Cheltenham College

Bubbabach · 08/06/2011 14:36

The best thing to do I guess is go and have a look round and get a feel for the atmosphere and whats on offer - make sure you meet the pupils too as they are a great indication of how well the school does its job. If schools are proud of what they have on offer they will welcome you warmly for a visit.

Original poster
Ishani · 08/06/2011 14:54

Well you say that but when we moved up north the first thing I did was put my children into the lovely but dim school, they actually went backwards thank god they were just babies then.
Needless to say I don't have the time or money to make that mistake again but I no longer trust the "feel" or my instinct tbh, DH is no better.

OP posts:
Colleger · 08/06/2011 15:08

Wise not to trust gut as I have mead so many mistakes on that front as well as taking inspections reports at face value - big mistake.

I sent DS to Dean Close last year not really expecting much from them, but I have been astounded at the high levels of pastoral care, finding a talent in every child and promoting it and supporting the gifted as well as the less able. DC has to work very hard and cannot sit on it's laurels as there are so many independent and grammar schools in a small area.

I stumbled on DC and would have normally opted for the flash buildings and posh accents of CC but I have been thrilled.

Milanos · 08/06/2011 15:19

Dont know how old your kids are but mine both had taster days at both schools. I would certainly recommend it - its the best way for the kids to get a feel for how happy they will be. One of them even stayed overnight at the Junior School of the College - he loved it and still does.

gazzalw · 08/06/2011 18:47

Have heard first hand from friend who had DS there about 8 - 10 years ago that it is not the same school at all as it used to be. Her DS has visited since as an adult and said the new(ish) Head has made lots of changes for the worse and that it doesn't have the same pastoral care/spirit as it used to have. Implication was that the DS was very sad that it wasn't at all as he remembered!

EvilTwins · 08/06/2011 21:57

I teach at a state comp in the area. I'd choose CC over DC purely based on the fact that DC charge poor state schools like mine to hire costumes for school plays, whilst CC are happy to let me borrow them. Obviously CC is far more community spirited Grin. I know one girl who left CC last year and is now at university. She had a wonderful time there, is not remotely snooty, has fabulous communication skills and is an all-round lovely person. Not saying that Dean Close kids aren't lovely, of course. The only child I know at DC is in pre-prep, so can't really compare.

lbubbly · 11/06/2011 19:37

I too have visited both.Wasn`t too keen on D.C yet loved C.C and dear child too!!It just really depends on the individual and what you want from a school.

People rant and rave about music ,but really that`s not the be all and end all.Schoolsoffer much more than that......

IwanttobeShirleyValentine · 11/06/2011 19:43

Phoned up once to ask for a prospectus and ask about open days! The scretary was very snooty and put me right off! TBH.

Cannot recall for the life of me what she said, but she stopped me in my tracks and I recall being stood with the phone in my hand absolutely speechless!

Colleger · 11/06/2011 19:46

Mmmm, who said music was the be all and end all? The OP said child was creative and arty and DC is very strong on both fronts as well as being academically better than CC.

I don't know anyone who rants and raves about music but if one has a musical child then it would be a no-brainer sending to DC rather than CC.

Rainydaze · 11/06/2011 19:52

Probably totally irrelevant, but we just went in to perhaps enrol DS into the Nursery (called Kingfishers) and didn't think much of the set-up at all.

We had an appointment to see the entire Junior school, but nobody seemed to know who we were and when they realised we were pretty much left to our own devices to look around. Considering we could be spending tens of thousands of pounds with them, this was not a good introduction!

DS will be going to Berkhampstead for Nursery and Prep instead.

Greenshadow · 13/06/2011 22:02

You'll love Berky Rainydaze.
DS1 was there a few years ago and it has a lovely atmosphere.

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