Info on LVS Ascot?

[lme30005]

Hi

I'm considering this school for my DS and wondered if anyone had any knowledge of it. It is non selective but still gets very good results.

My DS is probably able to get into a selective school but I like the fact that its co-ed, it seems friendly, and facilities are good.

The main issue I have is paying a lot of money every term for a school which doesn't have the best results or pupils going on to the best universities. How can I tell my DS won't miss out by not going to a selective school (if that makes sense!) It's so hard trying to figure out what's the 'best' school for him

Thanks

[Soniaghaffar]

A disgusting school i sent my son there for 4 weeks and he was bullied he spent his lunching sat by himself he walked to class alone and was even sat at a seperate table in the corner because there was no allocated desk space in every class. When we told the school they said they would look into the supposed bullying and also failed to inform us that our son had been made to fight another child whilst all the kids egged it on. An awful school with vile children clearly. We paid a whole term at a loss to us and then persued for the next term even though he attened 4 weeks.

[Happykiddies2]

Our daughter started year 7 in 2013...took her out two weeks later. Best decision we made. Dreadful experience there... Taken in by sales pitch which was very well rehearsed. Certainly didn't deliver what they they said they would.

[Jeanniemacarooney]

We looked at LVS and actually really liked the feel of it but when we said to his current school we were thinking of it they said absolutely not as they felt it was not academic enough. Their suggestion for really good pastoral care was Shiplake college in Henley and gets good results. Felt a bit too small to me and not strong enough on science which my son loves but could see how it could totally work for the right child and they are doing lots of work there with library like Wellington.

[sidneypie]

My DD has just finished her GCSEs at LVS. When she joined in Year 7 (from a state primary) our intention was that she stay through 6th form. She has now left LVS and will start her A levels at a state 6th form college. There are a number of reasons for this including slight differences in A level syllabuses which gave the college the edge.
However our main reasons for moving on are the poor levels of communication (which we have been assured since Year 7 were being improved) and also the lack of action on poor behaviour by certain groups of pupils. Having said that a number of teachers she has encountered at LVS have been truly wonderful, caring and supportive, others not so.
In hindsight we would probably have had a similar experience had she attended the local state secondary.

[Onlyonedlr]

Hello, I'm new to mums net & this is my first post. My sons have also gone through St Johns Beaumont but my eldest wanted to go to our local state school - Windsor Boys. This was a complete culture shock for both of us (probably more me than him!) anyway, I've been looking at other options for 6th form and as an ex Elvian myself, this was one of our very few available choices. We loved the school at the open day but have since heard poorer reviews, mostly from parents of children who came from prep schools where, let's face it we are completely cosseted. It would be lovely to hear from anyone who's child has just finished GCSEs or is aware of success of the 6th form. All non selective schools have a harder time than those who carefully 'pick there team' but are LVS as effective at achieving each child's potential as they claim?

[Sianilaa]

I went to look at this school as it is quite near us. I was very impressed with the junior school but not at all impressed with the senior school (I'm a trained secondary teacher). I decided against putting my children down for this school.

We live walking distance to Ranelagh but are atheists! So no hope. We are also hoping they are bright enough to get into Reading boys. :/

[frogmore6]

I was not impressed at all with the discipline. I saw 2 kids really 'close' and the boy was smoking away like it was no big deal. The Entrance lacks that 'traditional school look'- abit like a business entrance.

[Peachie1]

Hi callista, my son is also joining lvs this september in yr 9 he didn't go to the taster day as doing his CE. Your comments do worry me - however i have a friend whose son joined last year and is extremely pleased so far. Don't really have any other options as boarding is not for us, so limited choice. There are negative comments here regarding lvs, however i've also been told of real problems at charters, Wellington and almost any other school i've asked about - so obviously no where is perfect. Difficult decision. My son is currently at SJB so lack of disciple would be a culture shock!

[Calista4]

My son attended taster day at LVS Ascot yesterday (currently in Yr8 at a local prep school). Total lack of discipline in the 5 lessons he attended. Chaos, mostly unruly pupils who lack respect and teachers who do not apply discipline effectively. Huge disappointment. We are reconsidering our choice of school for Sept.!

[annester]

My daughter goes there and it has been the best decision I could have made for her. When she started school she was shy, withdrawn and very scared to go anywhere without me. Two and a bit years on she is happy, confident, has made great friends. The KS1 area of the school is amazing, truly lovely. Great teachers and TA's, lovely play area (nice and secluded and separated from the KSs kids so nice and safe). They go on great school trips but the teachers also push them to do well and keep parents very informed. I have to be honest and not sure whether I am going to be as pleased in KS2 (years 3 to 6) because my daughter loves her sports and I am not sure whether the current curriculum offers enough sports in KS 2. Also the school does not offer common entry exams or 11 + as it feeds into its own Senior School. If your child starts school in Sept in KS1 ( Reception, Year 1 and `Year 2), I couldn't recommend it more.

[Doodles500]

Is there any new info on this school. I am thinking of sending my son there? I heard a they had a mass exodus of teachers though!

[foofooyeah]

I have friends with children at LVS and they are very happy with it and their boys have done well - much better than at state school./

My son went to Charters and TBH wasn't that impressed.

I thought St Georges was only girls ?

[proudfatherofthree]

I suggest you visit the school again on the next open day, then when you are there arrange a school day visit with the registrar.

[SlimShaydee]

moving to the uk in january, considering lvs for my two kids, in junior and senior school. But i'm a bit concerned about the mixed reviews I've read on the thread. when we visited the school, we were impressed by the staff and the facilities although the school was not in session. I would really appreciate it if someone could give us more, recent information about the school and what you personally experienced. Thanks! :)

[Chee33]

Hi, I know this thread was a while ago but I'm intrigued to know what decision you made? My D goes to LVS and it's a lovely school! Annoys me when people comment and they haven't had any connection with the school or siblings attending the school! Let's be honest, when your paying for a school you always hear people complaining for 1 reason or another.

[Knowhere]

Oops! I meant the details of LVS Ascot: what about bullying?!
The school, headmasters and the students look friendly; crowded a bit, considering the number of students (do they ever have an opportunity of using all the facilities? i.e. swimming pool)? HELP! The last moment to run away!

[Knowhere]

Any details on that?...
My son will be staring his year 10, Sept 2013. I am a bit anxious...it is a senitive and emphatic boy.

[lme30005]

I would consider boys schools as I don't have much choice! I think Merchant Taylor's is a bit too far but looks good. My main problem is I have other DCs that are at primary school so secondary school has to be easily commutable
We would consider moving but it would have to be an excellent state, and we'd have problems moving the others too
I think I'll just have to hope he gets into the RGS

[charlieandlola]

I went to one of the girls schools in Ascot many moons ago and my local friends' brothers either boarded or were day boys at Wellington, Bearwood, pangbourne or Bradfield college.

[EBDTeacher]

Scratch Merchant Taylors', I forgot you want co-ed.

Tricky one!

[EBDTeacher]

Wellington is quite boarding-centric. However, there is now a day house. I know the Housemaster and he is a lovely bloke.

It is riddled with gimmicks because of Seldon, but underneath all that there is a sound education. If my DS does not want to board there is a good chance we'll send him to Wellington as a day boy (if we still live round here in 10yrs!). As you are finding, it's slim pickings at senior level. I hope DS does want to board as it would open up so much more choice.

Are you thinking of moving? Could you get within range of Merchant Taylor's? DH has also taught there and really rates it. You don't have to be super-crazy-bright to get in because there's so much selective competition locally (Habs etc).