Holland Park School or Independent

[HPPotential]

Our DC has offers from Holland Park (in the top band ) and also from a couple of sought after independent schools - the deadline for which expires imminently. Do we forego overseas holidays for a few years and go for independent or is the Holland Park top band equivalent to an independent school in terms of exam results achieved/GCSEs etc but just without as many extra curricular activities etc?

HP Potential -in case it helps I understand that the HP top band/Band A is becoming increasingly in demand with the Band A distance from the school this year being down to 0.535 miles.

Speaking as a Holland Park parent I don't think the top band is equivalent to an independent school in terms of teaching. This may change but early entry to GCSE from year 9, one year courses and patchy teaching is not what I would hope to find at an independent.

I would say though that independents end up costing far more than you think, so from that point of view HPS is not a bad choice at all.

Lynharvey, children initially in Band 1 do not always stay there., so be warned of it applies to you! in my opinion, a lot of independent school candidates end up in this category, selecting a state school as insurance. The final distance will be a bit further and will not be known until the September term starts. I think band 2 or 3 are normally more oversubscribed depending on the number of siblings admitted in a given year.

Although my child has been in the top class of the top band throughout, I think it is wrong to view it as the only means by which children will do well. My child has friends across the bands and some do very well indeed. My child also has to constantly compete with some truly gifted children in the top group, not always easy!

Esko -thanks for your helpful post .My concern was really what percentage of the Band A children achieve all A/A*s in their GCSEs. Do you have any idea what the figure would be?

In my child's class which is roughly top 30 or so for English, it is close to 100 per cent based on what I am told, most have sat 6 so far by the middle of year 11. Not sure about the second class. The classes do not stay the same later in the school especially for options as there can be children from years 9-11 in each one but in the same band if you understand what I mean.

Thanks-that sounds pretty impressive i.e. if you're in the top band you can walk to a £80 million school and get 10 A*/As in your GCSEs and its all free. There must be a catch/downside?

The building might be impressive but it is not child friendly. No lockers for example and the walls are suspiciously devoid of students' work.

I consider there is a cult around Mr Hall. I also dislike the fact that the SLT is mainly male though most teachers are women. I believe teacher turnover is at least 25% a year.

There seems to be a perpetual group of golden children, who win all the prizes and get picked for everything. They are few opportunities for the vast majority.

The most able 15% - 20% or so do get good grades but statistically I would expect that in any reasonable school. Holland Park has on average a brighter intake than for example Chelsea Academy because of the banding test.

Tough for people to comment without knowing which schools you're choosing between. Maybe parents at the other schools can help?

MN164 the school I was thinking of in particular as a comparison at which DC has an offer is Latymer Upper which is also coed throughout with a reasonably high percentage of pupils coming state schools.

Plenty of LU parents here to comment. I'm sure you have read their comment on other threads. It's a school I want to see but have to wait until year 6...

Gosh independent deadline is tomorrow - taking it to the wire OP! Have you decided whether to reject LU yet?

If you're indifferent to the fees (or at least doing a few UK holidays isn't a disaster) then go for the one your kid liked best or is nearest. I hope you get a chance to go see them again before deciding. Best of luck

Thanks to all for comments- we've decided to let DC choose later today as don't want to to be blamed for the next 7 years.

What did your DC decide in the end?