The Cedars School, Croydon

[schoolsdontyerlovethem]

Just wondering how parents at the newly opened Cedars School are finding it? Particularly interested in how they are finding the quality of teaching, range of subjects/extra curriculum activities?

[ChesterBelloc]

Hi DivM, I'm a parent there; I've just posted on your other thread.

[DivM]

My son has got selected in both Royal Russell and Cedars, he is more inclined to go to RS. Any suggestion or connects to parents whose children goes to these schools will be very helpful?

[ChesterBelloc]

Congrats to your son, Monti!

Maybe we'll meet in September

[Montimeow]

Our son has been offered a place for September 19 with a 20% sports scholarship. We are all delighted 😁

[ChesterBelloc]

Glad it went well, Monti. Best of luck!

[Leatherdead]

Cedars is an excellent school. Its reputation is on the rise and the school is starting to turn the heads of Catholic parents as far afield as mid-Surrey, despite some excellent local state secondary alternatives (St Andrews, St Bede's).

[Montimeow]

Thanks for the info
We had our interview on Thursday evening. Seemed to go very well! You were right very informal, we were interviewed by the assistant head who really just chatted to us about the school and what we wanted for our son. Our son was interviewed by a senior teacher who asked him the usual questions what’s your favourite subject, what do you read, and do you know the school motto (which thankfully I had made sure he did!) just have to wait now for that hopefully offer arriving on the mat on Valentine’s Day!!!

[ChesterBelloc]

Hi there. Our son started at The Cedars this September. As far as I remember, there weren't really formal 'interviews', just an informal chat with the Headmaster (for parents), and a senior member of staff (for our son). There is also the separate entrance exam (English and Maths).

I think their main concern is to establish that prospective parents understand what kind of school it is, what its main aims are, and that this is what they want for their child - as it's crucial that parents and school are on the same page.

I can't give you any information regarding sports scholarships, but I think academic scholarships usually go up to 20%. Perhaps you could ring the school and ask the secretary there if she could give you a rough idea, or signpost you to someone who can..?

Good luck! It's a lovely school.

[Montimeow]

Have read all these comments with interest.
Just waiting on an interview date for our son and us.
Does anyone have any interview tips or can remember the type of questions asked?
We all loved the school each time we have visited for open days, exams and sports assessments. We know they take all aspects into account when offering so want to be as prepared as possible for the interview.
Also anyone know how generous they are with sports scholarship discounts? There is no indication anywhere as to how much you might likely get off fees?
Any information would be gratefully received.

[10Children]

Hi Superbeta. Great to know that your son will be coming to The Cedars for the year from Brazil. We have had many pupils from overseas ever since the school started so all the boys are very used to them and accept them totally. They make some very good strong friendships, many of which carry on after they leave.

If there is any bullying then I am sure it is dealt with very promptly and professionally and certainly will not be tolerated. I haven't heard of any myself. The school does have a high academic level - it's first set of public exam results last year were very strong and we are currently waiting for this year's results. The teaching faculty is very experienced.

My son is just 16 and has been there since the school started in 2013. We are very happy with it. Class sizes differ slightly depending on the year but are generally on average around 18 I believe. Higher up the school this is slightly dependent on which subjects are chosen for GCSE so many classes are smaller than this.

I hope this has helped you. It is a tough thing letting your child go to school so far away for a year. Our eldest son did the same and whilst we missed him greatly and he took a while to settle, it was one of the best things we did. He now sees it as a turning point in his life.
Best of luck

[SUPERBETA]

We are Brazilian and we live in Brazil. My 14 year old son is studying at an Opus Dei school for boys only in São Paulo. We want him to go to exchange and who knows how to continue his studies in England. We have total confidence in the members of Opus Dei. My son told me that all of them are of better quality and they only seek the good of people. The school he studies in São Paulo is still small and everyone knows each other - it's a real family. The mentoring system is exceptional because in addition to the tutors talking to students about all issues - academic or otherwise - they tell parents the truth about their children - positive and negative aspects.
We are in contact with THE CEDARS SCHOOL for him to go study in September of this year -2018. He will be staying at the home of a school teacher who has a little older son. Me and a half husband are excited but afraid!
I would like to know: 1- Is there bullyng in school - are students from other countries well accepted? 2- Does the school have a strong academic level? Does anyone have 13, 14 or 15 year olds at school? How many students does each class have?

[SUPERBETA]

We are Brazilian and we live in Brazil. My 14 year old son is studying at an Opus Dei school for boys only in São Paulo. We want him to go to exchange and who knows how to continue his studies in England. We have total confidence in the members of Opus Dei. My son told me that all of them are of better quality and they only seek the good of people. The school he studies in São Paulo is still small and everyone knows each other - it's a real family. The mentoring system is exceptional because in addition to the tutors talking to students about all issues - academic or otherwise - they tell parents the truth about their children - positive and negative aspects.
We are in contact with THE CEDARS SCHOOL for him to go study in September of this year -2018. He will be staying at the home of a school teacher who has a little older son. Me and a half husband are excited but afraid!
I would like to know: 1- Is there bullyng in school - are students from other countries well accepted? 2- Does the school have a strong academic level? Does anyone have 13, 14 or 15 year olds at school? How many students does each class have?

[ChesterBelloc]

@Margaret10, I'm sure the school will be happy to fully inform you as to their current GCSE provision, and plans for further expansion in the future - especially as I think you're a current parent?

Their teachers are in no different a position to every GCSE teacher in the country, all of whom are having to learn/deliver new syllabi 'on their feet', thanks to Mr. Gove.

[Margaret10]

Can anyone advice me about GCSE subject choices at the school. I have heard that there isn't much subject choice and subjects such as computing and economics are not offered. Do they have experienced teachers that can follow the new syllabus, which is very challenging and are fee increases spent on the provisions for the boys or used for promoting the school.

[Sciencetech]

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what the interview process is like at The Cedars. What kind of questions can we expect them to ask?

[ChesterBelloc]

Hi south, I have two daughters at The Laurels, and a son at Oliver House whom we hope will go on to The Cedars next year. At a wild guess, I'd say that 25% of the secondary intake comes from their primary schools. What would you like to know?

[southlondondh]

anyone have experience of oliver house and oakwood schools and then going onto the cedars laurels schools?

[Missmillsie]

Hi all,

Just thought I’d put my two bits worth in since like some posters have said.. there is not much to read on The Cedars so it’s nicd to get some feedback!
Our son started year 7 three weeks ago now and the change already is immense. He’s a laid back boy who settles in most places but the boy who came back after his first day was on a real high it was wonderful to see! Chatting non stop about his day which most will know is a rarity! Lessons are interesting and the teachers are something else! Really seem to be committed to the boys and very approachable. We couldn’t be happier with the move and have full faith that our son is in the right place for his education 😊
In terms of drop off and pick up I drive into the first car park.. there is someone manning the tram stop to allow the boys to cross safely and I’ve not had a problem being ‘boxed’ in. Just in and out!

Anyway.. hope this helps anyone who is looking for their son! I know it’s such a mindfield!

[Hotdrop1]

Hi GreatAmbitions

Thanks so much for your post. What you've said is really reassuring and encouraging. I only go out to work two days a week (working from home the rest of the time) so getting involved in the school wouldn't be a problem. Again - many thanks!

[greatambitions]

Hi Hotdrop1

You have no reason to worry ; you will not be judged.

From my personal experience , I know other ""super single" parent families who attend the school & I have come to know this through making friends with them at the sport & other school events .
This really is a no-issue & you shouldn't feel as if it is anything to be scrutinised.

As a parent there , I've no idea of other peoples martial status through the school, only as stated, through getting to know people & nobody would really know mine as I attend most events whilst my husband is working or busy otherwise.

The big emphasis is on "family" , meaning ,the school actively encourages you to contact them & become involved in school life ( as much as you can ) in order to have a real working in partnership . You will hear repeatedly " you are the most important educators of your son " & as such they endeavour to live this.
The reference that you make to the website ; I'd never even been aware of . My reality ; my son is year 9 now ( started at yr 7 ) is that he goes to school , I involve myself as much as time or willing allows & I pick him up with no one involving themselves in my home affairs at all.
As for interview during admission process , I know of parents who have attended as singles & this is yet to be an issue.
What they are looking for it seems is that you are sympathetic to the fact that they are Christian in their outlook & practice & that you agree with the general ethos of this & the educational structure.
I hope you can make some sense through my rambling to understand that any school should be judged on how they care for your child & enable him to achieve his potential inside & out of the classroom.
If I found any school that was critiquing anything personal about my lifestyle I'd run a mile.
This hasn't been my experience at Cedars , nor anyone I know.
As for the boys , well I doubt they look further than who's made the transfer window & for how much or what's the latest ps4 game ...

I hope this clears that up for you

[Hotdrop1]

Hi

My son and I are Catholic. How do you think a single mum family would be treated at The Cedars. I notice on their website that they state marriage is the best framework in which to raise children which made me worry that my son might feel 'less' than the other children there. For info, there is no dad at all in his life (but he's a very happy, popular child!).

[LizHK]

Hi! Sounds like the cedar school is a great school.
Is it ok to enter as a Y10 student? Is it difficult in terms of integration? Adaptation?
We also have to look for a house/flat. We are a family with 4 boys.
Any suggestion of area, boroughs nice to stay? Which part of Croydon are you guys staying?

Thank you

[CSLewis]

Positively - I'm sorry you've not been followed up. There's a good chance they're already over-subscribed for next year, but I'm sure that's not the issue here. Have you tried emailing [email protected]?

[Positivelyinclined2017]

Thank you Trixus- I have heard a lot about the head and the teachers and how committed they are to the boys. However, I have tried going to see the school with my son several times and it appears they have some new staff at reception who don't pass on messages and no one has got back to me since January even about the 11 plus entrance exam. Perhaps they are making it exclusive?

[Trixus]

Hello there. We had The Cedars on our wish list for a very long time since we know the headmaster well from our Parish. Robert Teague is a lovely man and the teachers are lovely from what we saw. All the boys that we have seen are polished and well spoken. Interested and Interesting. I know one of the PACT members very well and I can say without doubt that all the PACT teachers and members are passionate about the school. This comes through on every visit. We were offered a place for my son - but we got very lucky and got the one state school that we really wanted in Kensington - had we not got that - we have no doubt that The Cedars would be the school for us for both of our boys. 2 very good friends of mine have their sons at the school - and they are both very happy. Neither have highlighted any concerns over Opus Dei being pushed on their sons - boys have freedom of choice.... albeit there is a strong christian ethos (which i think really makes the school building young men of character). Please do go and see the school. It is growing year on year and the outlook for grades looks phenomenal. Best wishes.