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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Feedback on Claremont Fan Court School please?

26 replies

ELiB1 · 11/09/2019 09:36

I would appreciate any feedback on Claremont school please? I'm thinking about sending my ds there in Y7.

OP posts:
milliefiori · 11/09/2019 09:45

It's run/funded by Christian Scientists but not in any way that impacts on student learning afaik.
The grounds are spellbindingly beautiful.
Friends who have sent children there have been super-happy with pastoral care. I know children who were bullied elsewhere who thrived and came out of their shells at Claremont.

It used to have a reputation for being unacademic. I know some bright enough children who came out with appalling grades. But that was a few years ago and they seem to have hugely improved their academic focus recently. They're not aggressively super-selective, so an averagely academic child who works hard should get in and feel within her depth.

All recent reports I have of it are positive. I know quite a few children from there and they all seem really nice, in the way that secure children are. No need for aggressive fronts.

Original poster
ELiB1 · 11/09/2019 14:39

Thank you Milliefiori!Smile

OP posts:
doublesheesh · 11/09/2019 17:18

I would ask around more if you can. It was a dreadful place even 5 years ago, where people who either couldn't get their kids elsewhere went or people who really couldn't give a rats arse where their dc went and it was close to them went. They have a newish head who is decent who claims it has turned around a bit but it seems a little soon for much really dramatic change to have taken place.

cabglo4 · 16/09/2019 14:26

I have two children at CFC, one in the pre-prep and one in the prep and they are both really happy, in the prep school we have run into one teacher so far who was not great, but a quick meet with the Head and all was resolved. The pastoral care is fantastic, the new science block will create some amazing opportunities and all the staff and children seem really happy. I have heard good things about the new head of the senior school and definitely plan to keep both my children there.

milliefiori · 16/09/2019 16:19

@doublesheesh - that's too harsh. I know some very loving parents who have chosen it for valid reasons in the last six years or so.

milliefiori · 16/09/2019 16:19

And I know some current pupils who have got solid 8s at GCSE.

mummy110308 · 18/09/2019 20:21

My son just started at Claremont in Y7. He just loves it. So far so positive

JoJoSM2 · 18/09/2019 21:10

I don't know the school but looking at the official GCSE stats on the gov website and the average attainment 8 is 68. So far from unacademic though obviously not quite in the same league as the very academic schools.

PolkaPenguin · 19/09/2019 11:22

I heard they are trying to move away from the christian science stuff. Friend works there and really rates it. Says behaviour is very good and new head from King's Wimbledon is bringing it up a lot. Not so much a major 'backup' school anymore. More people are actively choosing it.

PolkaPenguin · 19/09/2019 11:26

from the website:
The school has no formal connection with the Christian Science church. Claremont Fan Court School is owned by a company limited by guarantee and registered with the charity commission. The governors are the trustees.

LostMumWheretoStart · 24/09/2019 09:28

Dear mums, What is the class size in Claremont Fan Court school for Year 7/8?

iwillnevereatspaghetti · 24/09/2019 20:38

Improving results, new head, good facilities

Arletta · 27/09/2019 22:27

@LostMumWheretoStart the current year 7 is 112 students with 5 tutor groups. The teaching classes are different to the tutor group so might not be that same number in each class.

11pluswait · 16/01/2020 13:40

Reviving this thread to see if anyone has any advice on what to expect in the interview at CFC .... emails should be out tomorrow according to the info we received. Thanks!

soonbesummer · 16/01/2020 15:08

I know many happy children at the school and the new head is impressive as are the grounds. There does seem to be a shift from it being a "default back up school" to a school that can stand in it's own light.

11pluswait · 16/01/2020 15:10

Thank you @soonbesummer. Those are my thoughts too! I’m impressed with the direction the school is going.

Hopefully someone might shed some light on what to expect in interviews.

soonbesummer · 17/01/2020 12:25

Just so you know, we have heard from Claremont so I think they are sending their comms out now. Good luck everybody.

11pluswait · 17/01/2020 12:28

Yes we have heard too... delighted we have an interview! Good luck to all 😊

BooRadley7 · 17/01/2020 20:50

Could anyone shed some light on the interview process at Claremont?
Is it with the headmaster or a senior member of staff?
What sort of questions can be expected?
Are all the interviews on a Monday?

RiseAgain · 18/01/2020 08:03

Another interview at CFC - ours is on Tuesday Smile
We live locally and most kids on our street go to CFC and parents very happy.
Good luck to all children!

HKSingmum · 22/01/2020 11:50

I would be very grateful for any feedback from Claremont parents about any noticeable changes to Claremont after the new headmaster joined in 2018. We are considering for our daughter, potentially even to move her during prep school in years. She is bright but not moving at a "fast" pace at her very academic prep school but we think she will bloom academically in the right environment as she gets older. Thank you.

Butterflies3 · 29/01/2020 11:57

It’s not Christian Science based now. That was years ago. We are at the school and hearing lots of positive feedback regarding the new headmasters of both the pre-prep and secondary. Parents here seem really happy with the school, teaching and pastoral care. Hope that helps!

HKSingmum · 03/02/2020 13:09

Thank you, I've booked to visit on the next open day!

Arisaig1 · 11/04/2022 18:55

Any further thoughts from anyone on the school. I’ve a v bright boy who struggles socially so I’d compromise being at an academic high flying school as he is now for pastoral care. Any feedback welcome. Interested that the head comes from Kings - are academic standards definitely on the up??

hockeygrass · 11/04/2022 19:34

It's definitely on the up and very popular. The school isn't interested in SEN or any child with a learning issue.
See the thread from this Jan called
"Anyone heard from Claremont Fan".