Totnes Progressive School

[CatMarwood]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of Totnes Progressive School? I am considering it for a child who has dyspraxia, dyslexia (diagnosed by a consultant peadiatrician) and is possibly mildly autistic. He currently only copes with school part time and is in year 4.

Go in with your eyes open. Have a good look at behaviour at playtime and think about if your child will be a bully target. And if so, how will the school defuse that. It's a small and I think rather intense place. Not unlike the other alternative school up the road.

sorry that sound very negative, I didn't mean it to be. TPS MAY suit and may not, it won' t be every childs perfect setting but it will be right for some. Maybe your child.

Unis, thanks for the thoughts. I hadn't really thought about a small school having a more intense atmosphere but that does make sense. He certainly could be a target for bullying as doesn't understand many forms of deception and is seen as "odd" by many other children. I will still certainly look at the school and consider this. Unfortunately we are running out options!

Friend's DD went there and was badly bullied. Some staff were great but the school refused to follow the directions of the child's counsellor, resulting in more distress for the child and no sanctions for the bullies. I met some of the classmates at a party; some nice kids, some who were completely up themselves and had no concept of manners or appropriate behaviour. I teach in a secondary school so have a reasonable idea of what is/not acceptable behaviour.

Just remembered, some of the teaching was a bit suspect. Child was informed at Easter by a FE college that teacher had not delivered a huge chunk of the GCSE (old spec so no excuse) so her grade would be massively impacted. Too late for much remedial work and a cause of further distress in an already stressed-out child.

How far are you from Plymouth? If you like the look of TPS you may like PSCA (depends on age and space - they are oversubscribed but do tend to have places come up during the year). It’s progressive but with the safety of being a state school and the benefits of being much larger. Have been told by many teaching staff (who I know personally as well) that far less bullying there than any other school they have worked in. Kids certainly seem happy - and ime quirky kids do well there (I have one, with a bunch of quirky friends ) My son is hopeless at art btw and is quite academic.

In terms of kids with ASD at PSCA - some seem to do very well indeed, others less so. It’s certainly not the answer for all - but I do know some thriving there after difficulties elsewhere. (My eldest son has severe autism so I know a lot of parents of kids with ASD). I mainly know about secondary btw.

H'mm; This school seems to behave in a very unprofessional way. I would look very closely at the Ofsted report, and have a chat to individual teachers. The school does not appear to be very democratic and seems to be run at the whim of the owner. Such a shame.

In year transfers aren't hugely uncommon but are less common in some areas.
Schools are equipped to manage them. It is often more stressful for parents than students.
Emphasise the positives, discuss what they'd like to so in their new school.

Good luck.

Sorry. Wrong thread.

My son is in year 7 at tops. He has been there a year and we previously home educated him. The school is lovely. It's friendly, inclusive and all the teachers know the kids really well. Any issues we have had have been dealt with professionally and promptly. My son loves it and is thriving within the small community. It's not so tiny anymore... 120 kids. It's a happy and creative place with great leadership as far as I can see. They do free taster days so the way to find out is to try it.

I have two children at Totnes Progressive School and they are incredibly happy. They feel like they are part of a big family in a caring and nurturing environment. The teachers go out of their way to make sure that they really get to know the kids and the small class sizes are a real plus. I am really impressed with the calm atmosphere within the school and the fact that everyone is encouraged to work together. I also find it really refreshing to find a school that has the courage to educate children in their own unique way.

I cannot say enough good things about this school. My oldest joined this school after a miserable year and half being bullied at his previous secondary school. He was instantly at ease at TPS and they could not have been more welcoming. Every single teacher quickly got to know him as an individual and tailored his learning to his needs...challenging him in the lessons he was able to excel in, and giving him extra assistance where needed it. He is now on course for 7 top mark GCSE's and its all thanks to TPS. Every time I am at the school I see happy kids (in all the years) and teachers who exude such passion for their chosen subjects that you can't help but feel inspired. Every one of them has time to meet with me too, if I ask, even if its at the end of the day, they will take time to chat. Amazing school....amazing teachers....amazing leadership!!

Just wondering if anyone has any up-to-date thoughts on Totnes Progressive school, please?

Hello. Yes, has anyone got anymore feedback on Totnes Progressive School?

I completely agree with the negative reviews. I wouldn't recommend it at all too. Their ethos is laughable, there is no democracy and everything is run by one dictator, the owner. Be careful, from outside seems great, but has a malignant culture inside.

My Son is still there in year 9. We previously home educated and he started at tops in year 6. We have nothing but positive things to say about the school.

Please don’t send your child here the school is appalling and does not cater for neurodiverse children.