Harris Westminster Complaints

[concerned123456789]

My son studies German, Physics, Maths and Further Maths at Harris Westminster. His German class is at the Westminster School.

In early October, I was asked to sign a form agreeing for him to go to Munich in July 2017. After I signed the form, we discovered a summer programme in Physics at Cambridge. He really hopes to go.

The Westminster School said he was "not allowed" to miss the first few days of the three week German trip to Munich, eventhough he lived in Munich for six months 2 years ago. Harris Westminster called me today to say that unless he goes on the trip, he will be required to withdraw from German and will have to go to the library. Moreover, at the end of year 12 he will have to leave Harris Westminster as he will not have 4 A levels.

Is it just me, or is their position not equivalent to blackmail?

@Clavinova,

Your question is irrelevant. That is why I did not answer it. The issue was about missing two days on a three week trip.

I would disagree with your interpretation of their behaviour. To threaten expulsion is not simply intimidating. It amounts to blackmail. At the very least it is bullying. I find your willingness to excuse their behaviour deplorable.

My son could have taken German at another sixth form. I don't agree with enrolling a child in a school just for the name or the 'free ride'. He was the only student from HWSF to be offered a place.

The Westminster School offered to take on students from HWSF. No one forced them to do so. I explained to Westminster that I was more than happy to withdraw him from the course if they felt we were not suitably 'grateful'. Westminster's position was that they wanted my son to remain on the course.

The Principal of HWSF agreed that my request was reasonable and rational. I consider the matter settled.

@LongHardStare,

1.) No, it is hardly a fortune. How exactly would you know?
2.) As you do not know my son, it is hard to see how you would know which option would be better for him.
3.) The Westminster School has nothing to do with his application for Physics.
4.) HWSF said they would not support his application, as stated previously.

Hi concerned123456789
We are looking at Harris Westminster for our DD. Asides from this incident, how do you and your DS feel about the school? Mostly in terms of Academics and social life? Also, how does he feel about having lessons at Westminster? Do they welcome the Harris kids or make them feel like a social experiment? Thanks