Farnborough Hill under the new head

[EversleyDad]

Hi All

We are starting to think about senior schools for our DD (starting in 2019). We have heard (and read) excellent reviews about Farnboro' Hill, but these reviews are all older than 2 years (when the previous head was in charge). The new head (Alex Neil) seems good, but how has the school changed under her leadership? Is it better, worse or unchanged.. and why?

Reason is ask is that we have always been led to believe it is a selective school. However one of our friend's daughters has just got in who is far from intelligent (her Mum's words!), so we wonder how selective they really are? My DD is bright, so will she be streamed?

This sounds snobby, but we just want the best for DD and this is a big decision to make with no real honest facts to go on.

Please tell me your honest opinions.

Thanks so much

Concerned Dad

Hi,
This school continues to be well run. I have found the Head to be warm and approachable. I am impressed with the level of teaching in most subjects, especially science.
If you want your daughter to have a well rounded education and develop a caring attitude, I would recommend this school.
Standards are high academically, there is also an emphasis on sport, music, drama and moral and social responsibilities.

It is pretty easy to get into but attracts a decently academic bunch. The most academic around there tend to go off to GHS or St Cats but those who want a smaller, catholic education tend to opt for Farnborough Hill. It is a middly school. It isn't as known for SEN and supporting weaker girls like Prior's Field and Manor House but it equally is far from super selective.
Depends on your comparison. If you compare it to London where an 11+ place at a school regarded as academic is a real tricky achievement, it is not at all academic or hard to get into. If you weigh it up against the other Surrey girls' schools it is decent. Not the highest flying, but not the lowest. Very traditional, rigorous education in a very supportive catholic community.

We went to Rydes Hill Catholic Prep school. There were always a couple of very Catholic families who would only apply there, as they wanted to continue a Catholic education, but in general, most of girls tended to apply as a "just in case I don't get into GHS, Tormead or St Cats". I don't know anyone who didn't get a place. Having said that, those that went, for whatever reason, have been very happy there. I would caution, however, that it is quite traditional, and still retains quite a high level of Catholic focused teaching and events.

Thanks to all who have replied - I really appreciate it. Having looked at a few of the other schools and done the open day thing, FH is looking the favourite. I realise no school is going to be perfect, but all the girls we have met in FH seem to be well balanced, intelligent and pleasant which, in my eyes, is more important than having straight A's yet being a fruit cake.

I am still interested in anyone else who has an opinion on FH under the new head and I hope these (and more) comments help others in this situation in the years to come

Thanks once again...

To add to the chorus, my DD is joining the school 2019 intake (believing she’ll pass the exams but you never ever know 11 year olds). While she’s very academic and intelligent, we opted for FH as she has an acting career and they were willing to support her dreams on top of her rounded education. I found the existing student very down to earth and lovely. We prefer this to the more local private schools. (We live in Ascot)

I would be really interested in more information about the high focused Catholic teaching mentioned. How Catholic -orientated is it. We are non Catholic and pretty agnostic so I’m wondering if it’s right for us...
Thank you in advance for any thoughts

You have to look at what it achieves for the individual child, given that it is less selective than, for instance, the Guildford schools. It takes a relatively wide range of abilities; but does its best for each of those girls. Some will be academically high fliers, others will not; but everything will have been done to help each girl achieve her potential. The new head is delightful; but also shrewd and not to be under-estimated. As far as the "Catholic thing" is concerned, it informs the ethos insofar as they aim for a kind, inclusive and morally sensitive environment where religion is taken seriously; but in no sense is it hardcore. All points or view are respected, so as long as you are not actively hostile to Catholicism, you and your daughter will feel comfortable. It's rather a special place

I teach in a school where some pupils go on to FH. The girls come back to see us and are absolutely raving about FH. Parents also seem really happy. A couple of girls in my sons year have just finished at FH and they really are some of the loveliest, well adjusted, intelligent girls I know.

My daughter attends the school currently (03/20), so I'm in a pretty good place to comment. Plus my niece also attended under the previous Head. I can tell you this is a very good school in my opinion. And we have huge respect for the current Head (Mrs Neil) who runs the school with empathy and discipline in equal measure.

Is it a super selective school? No. Will the school take any girl regardless of ability? No. Your daughter will have to pass an entrance exam and be interviewed by the Head. There's no automatic admission if your daughter attended a feeder prep school.

The school aims to get the absolute most out of every girl it accepts under their entrance terms. They push them hard up to their own personal limits. If your daughter has been to a prep school, the transition shouldn't be that troublesome.

Would I recommend this school? Yes. They take above academically average girls with a view to make them in to the best they can be. But it’s not an academic ‘hot house’. The girls are challenged and motivated to max out their own personal ability.

Zombie thread

Being honest, I am not a parent in fact I recently left the school after 5 years. During those 5 years I experienced both of the headteachers and the whole environment changed. The new head has turned this school from being a 'family' to a number system. As a student I can say that when the new head joined I did not feel like she made any effort with the students and instead we were all numbers. Especially now I can say that the school, though it was very good and focused on "educating the whole person", it has now turned into a place that is "wholeheartedly" hated by not only students but also staff, in fact whole departments have left in one year of me being gone. Neil and the bursar has changed this school to a money-making scheme and has removed the school's history.

Would I recommend the school? for only educational purposes sure you get good grades, but for developing your daughter, no the new Farnborough Hill only cares about the look of the school. It does not work on the mental health of the student apart from the few teachers that help the kids when they need it most.

I don't know anyone from the Guildford schools which appear to be very highflying. I know lots of people who are at or have been at Farnborough Hill and agree they seem to be well adjusted and nice young and not so young women. Unlike my bitchy state grammar school!