Holland Park Secondary School

[hillbilly]

I would be interested in hearing up to date views. I was impressed by the Open evening in September and they have answers all my subsequent questions promptly with in depth answers when I emailed them however they were none specific on GCSE options, saying that it depends on the band the student is in. I'm also interested in a parents' view of the availability of school trips.

I'm in the same situation as you lynharvey. My question to HP parents, is whether there really such a massive divide between the highest of achievers and everyone else?

Thanks for your helpful comments uncannyballet. As hillbilly says any other HP parents' views on this academic/social divide between the top achievers and the rest would be welcome. It seems to rather defeat one of the benefits of a state school education, namely to mix with all. Mind you I hear HP has very short breaks for lunch etc so I guess there may not be much time to meet people from outside your class/band.

Hillibilly and all that can help: you said the school has answered all your emails, maybe because you have been offered a place already, so perhaps you can help me. We are thinking of moving very close to HP as it is our only chance to get in, but we are not sure whether our move will be seen as a last-minute attempt and therefore disregarded. We would really move and make the new address our permanent residence, but we are afraid after all the effort our move will be seen as a cheat (I guess a lot of people only pretend to move). My question really is if anyone knows if there is a requirement for the child to live in the area for a long time, or by the application date and after (as I always assumed), or else. The admission criteria seem to want to scare people away but are not very clear as to what checks they use to check this "permanent residence", and what are the exact requirements that need to be satisfied. If anyone can help, please! Thank you

Hi LaStefi. I'm not sure about the rules or criteria on length of time in residence. I would advise that you speak to the admissions department at K & C town hall. My DD has just started year 7 and is in band B and thoroughly enjoying and embracing the school. Holland Park is not right for everyone as is the case with any school. They appear to be putting a lot of emphasis on after school activities contrary to what I had heard previously. Obviously we are only half a term in but we had always hoped DD would get in and so far, so good.