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Secondary education

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

St Benedict's 11+

7 replies

MrsSteptoe · 27/10/2013 21:08

Looking for anyone with up to date (preferably first-hand) information on St Benedict's in Ealing - there's quite a few threads that are older. One old post suggests that the move to co-educational has not been managed well in terms of understanding how to manage girls and it's affected the school as a whole and the performance of boys in particular, but it's not a terribly recent thread. Interested to hear from any MNs with DCs in St Benedict's as to how they feel the school is doing. My child is a boy.
I'm aware of the rugby fanaticism, and my son will never be a great rugby player so if anyone has direct experience to suggest that that's a real problem, that too would be of interest.
For the record, I liked it, and my son's a Catholic at a Catholic primary so regular and active practice of his faith would be quite in keeping with his life experience. And because my impression is that their ability range is wider, it might be a place where DS would get some self-esteem from performing really well rather than feeling that he's dropped into an average position at a more selective school.

Thanks, all.

OP posts:
MrsSteptoe · 30/10/2013 19:41

Bumping in the hope someone might yet respond?

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Swanhilda · 30/10/2013 21:24

I know several people whose sons have been very happy there. It seems to have a good pastoral support system and very geared to individual academic strengths. It does not select on faith criteria or seem that hothousey btw, they take Protestants at primary certainly!
One mother moved her child from Oratory there and said he was so much happier as it made allowance for his personal talents, and he raised all his GSCEs a grade higher than first predicted in mocks, due to the care of the teachers. So not a place where you are expected to get all A*s but if they can help do your personal best they will.
I think you need to find some mothers with children there to talk to if you live in Ealing!

MrsSteptoe · 30/10/2013 21:53

Thank you, Swanhilda - I appreciate the response!

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dimestore · 31/10/2013 12:20

My dd is at St Benedicts and is extremely happy there. It caters for a range of abilities and although children are given every encouragement to reach their full potential, they are not pressurised and her homework has always been manageable. The pastoral care is excellent and they sort any problems very quickly.

Sport is certainly a strength of the school. I can't comment on rugby, but from what I have observed from my dd, everyone is encouraged to do their best in individual sports, but if it isn't a child's strength, they won't feel excluded. Interestingly my dd hated sport at primary school but has grown to really enjoy most sports since being at St Benedicts.

If I am describing the school, I always find myself using the words 'it is a very happy school' - but do go along to an open morning if you haven't been already.

MrsSteptoe · 31/10/2013 15:11

I'm so glad I reposted to bump my question! Thanks, dimestore - I've been to an open morning and I did like it. Naturally, we have reservations about the rugby mania since DS is unlikely ever to be much of a rugby player, but he's not too much of a duffer with a cricket bat so provided you stick him out in cow corner when he's got to field, there's hope for him yet! Thanks again x

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nice2chat · 08/03/2015 12:31

My daughter is thirteen and very happy there. It's a great school especially if your child is catholic (although not necessary) and gifted or musically talented as scholarships and bursaries available and less competitive than some schools. They do not hothouse children as the emphasis is developing the whole person with extremely strong music and sport departments. A huge new art block is now being built. All the kids seem very happy and fulfilled! If you live in or near Ealing it's the only school I would recommend.

EmotiveBubblez · 10/10/2022 21:35

Any current parents at Bennies that could share their thoughts please?

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