Caterham School 2014

[CaterhamParent]

Anyone applying for Caterham this year? I'm not finding the communication process the easiest. Will nervously be awaiting the post to see what time we're meant to turn up.

How did it go? We are thinking of applying (for next year).

Not good. Maths had a few tricky questions. The reasoning was very time pressured so she guessed loads. English was ok though.

Definitely the least organised school of the ones we've seen, as well as the last to give results.

Shame it felt disorganised , did have a reputation for being very slick but admissions have had a change of personnel recently and I suspect it hasn't really bedded down yet. Results usually timed in common with other local independents for half term but it depends which area you are coming from. Good luck.

I think that the Woldingham and GDST results came out before Christmas, but RGS etc will be halfterm.

I thought that the exam day itself seemed to flow reasonably well, though no idea how the staggering was done as ds was in there for 30 minutes more than one of his classmates. Not sure why they finished late. As an existing parent I have to say that the change(s) in registrar haven't helped this time, but I think it is worth looking past that one role and keeping in mind that the rest of the school is running smoothly and delivering what it promises.

Not involved this year but i haven't heard anything bad - only good stuff.

They are part boarding but that is mostly about overseas people, I think. Most locals see it as a day school.

We are be in the UK looking at schools for next summer. We were impressed by most schools. The biggest let down was Caterham School. They were totally disinterested and was just going through the motion of showing us the school. The Head of school gave the impression we were wasting his time. We sat in his office and every questions was answered by a one liner. It got to a point we had nothing more to ask. So we asked him if he has anything to ask the children (11 and 13 years) and he said NO. Other schools ask about favourite subjects/sports to get the kids talking. My guess is they have more applicants than spaces. Needless to say interview with Head ended in 5 minutes.

You do know the head of C is moving to Wellington next Summer ?

Good for Wellington!. We visited 8 schools and he really stood out as being very cold and disinterested. Even the children felt it. It was unanimous with the whole family Caterham ranked at the bottom of our list. Besides the Head, school was messy with books and bags everywhere. Students in classrooms were not paying attention and teachers just continued talking. Deeply disappointed as I like the area. We've short listed 2 schools. One in West Sussex, the other in Bath. Now we can't decide where is a better place to live. Any suggestions wonderful Mums?. We are relocating from Asia. Thanks!

where in West Sussex ? Personally would go for Bath unless you need to be nearer London

More importantly, do your chosen schools have places? Are your children already 11 and 13? If yes, then you have missed the usual entry points for Year 7 and Year 9. Are you looking for Year 8/Year 10 or Year 9/Year 11? Areas around West Sussex and Bath probably prettier than Caterham by the way.

Schools we've short listed have space subject to entrance test. Looking at going Year 8 and 10 so we are limited as to choice of schools. Most do not have space unless somene drop out.