Advice please on Fulham College Boys (the old Henry Compton), Burlington Danes and Hammersmith Academy

[GoldenLibrary]

Both Fulham College Boys and Burlington Danes seem to have got a lot better in recent years, and Burlington Danes sounds like it would be now pretty difficult to get into, but does anyone have any comments, good or ill, about either? I'm particularly interested in FCB, as the old Henry Compton had such a bad rep, but I'm kind of hoping they've put that era behind them.

And Hammersmith Academy - I wasn't that impressed by them when they first started up, but I'm wondering if they've shaped up since.

I'd really appreciate any comments or information.

Anyone? Bueller?

I know BDA and HA but not Fulham schools. Check the last distance offered at BDA as it has been getting smaller for non-CofE primary children, it was I think 1.5kms two years ago, meaning that if you are in H&F you have to live at the very far north of the borough to get in. The head who turned it around has moved on so that is another consideration. It is a big school and sets great score by rewarding academic excellence, it is certainly a very different proposition to years ago.

HA is a new school and not sure it has changed much tho obviously much bigger student body/staff members and they have a sixth form - are you confusing it with WLFS which has had new heads, premises etc since opening? If HA, again check last distances offered tho it is fair banded and you won't know which band your child falls in till after the banding test but it will give a general idea. There is a catchment so you have to live south of Uxbridge Rd for example.

It is a smaller school than lots locally but those who are there like it. Premises are great, it is all new and very modern and well-equipped, and the staff are very dynamic, lots of feedback and regular reports, trips abroad etc. Sport and drama/music are excellent. Obviously no results yet other than Alevels which aren't 'homegrown'.

Sorry meant to say as you have a DS there is another (very) new school in Fulham, or W14 possibly, Fulham Boys, which is another Church school but not sure how churchy you have to be to get in - it opened this September, have heard good reports of the Head pre-openign but don't know anyone there yet.

Thanks, sinclair, that's really helpful.

No, I'm not confusing WLFS with HA - I had been to a HA open day a while back, and I really really wanted to like it then, but just couldn't. Staff and kids were lovely, but the day was total chaos, and I worry that if they can't manage an open day then how can they run a school. Also the head seemed to have very limited ambitions for the children. I am really hoping that it will have settled down a bit and got itself together, because I really did like it and want it to do well.

I was really interested in Fulham Boys, until that debacle where they tried to pinch a primary school's premises, which I thought was awful - I wouldn't want to send DS to a school run by people who thought that was OK.

I think it's unlikely that we'd have a chance at BDA, but it does look lovely. Do you happen to know how long the current head teacher has been there?

Ha! I know what you mean about the open days and it would have put me off too. I would visit this week and talk to the head or heads of KS3/4- my impression is that they are dealing with a wide range but that does include the more able - they have two years now streamed/in options groups etc so can be more honest about what they are offering (as opposed as what they planned to offer IYSWIM)

BDA - Dame Sally moved on last year (Easter? I am guessing) and I think the head is an interim head - that may have changed. There are a few schools in the area with new/interim/new heads - not encouraging.

Fulham Church Boys or whatever it is called - totally agree re Sulivan, but someone close to the set up told me recently that planning to take that site had not been their doing, more it coincided with council's desire to close that school - not sure what truth there is in all this - but they are busting a gut now the new Labour LBHF has reversed the decision to close Sulivan to distance themselves from it. I would look at it and talk to them and if you saw HA or WLFS a few years ago you have something to compare it to - new schools always a bit of a gamble.

Are you close enough to look at Chiswick? Another popular choice from H&F

Hi,

BDA is in a really strong position even without Dame Sally. Parent satisfaction is very high - I know a parent governor there - it's Outstanding and has very high standards.

HA - friends of ours have a child there and are very happy. Lots of updates, chances to meet the staff and very happy students and parents.
Would recommend visiting again, though totally know what you mean about the Open Evening but they seem very settled now. Staff are amazing apparently and small class sizes.

Chiswick School - I went with a friend this week, am a few years off but went out of curiosity. Headteacher was very good.

I have had close contact with all these school very recently through work (not as a parent).

For what it's worth I found BDA lovely, the staff were kind, had a good relationship with all the children (even those who were struggling or presenting more challenging behaviour). I had a 'feeling' and I'd be very happy to send any child of mine there.

Fulham College Boys and Hammersmith, compared to other schools I worked with (about 50 across London) they didn't really stand out at all, for good or bad. As mentioned up the thread HA is smaller and new and it's worth noting FCB has a sort of attached studio school which is more vocational and applied which might be worth considering if you think your DS might benefit from? www.fulhamenterprise.net/

This is an interesting thread as I am considering BDA Sixth Form for my child. Does anyone have any thoughts about it compared to say Holland Park, William Morris etc?

Well we went to BDA Sixth Form open evening, a bit chaotic, very rowdy current students compared to present school! Teachers seem relaxed. Lovely enthusiastic young people talking about the Sixth. Very impressed with the art teacher. We missed the Head's speech unfortunately. Still not sure. Going to see William Morris next week.