Holland Park School

[mummykanga]

I am wondering what experience anyone has had of Holland Park School recently. I have a very bright child - dyslexic but 145 IQ - who loved the school for the greenery, library and apparent dedication of the children... but I am concerned by a couple of things I have heard about how kids are treated - At his current school teachers are all very kind, and for my gentle boy that's appreciated. He struggles with naughty boys there though.

I can't comment on provision for children with dyslexia, but I have 2 children there and both are very happy. It's strict, but I think these days most schools are. Communication with teachers is good. Issues are flagged up promptly and teachers will call parents if they need to. Like all schools, it's not perfect, but we are very happy with it so far. My children are in years 10 and 7. Both different bands. Hope that helps 😀

I visited the school and found it soulless and aseptic . The open morning was just a stage for an egomanic headteacher whose presentation was all about himself. He even included a picture of his home cupboard to explain how tidy he is. The teachers were silent. Apparently very high turnover due the teachers being obliged to work on Saturdays and half- terms, to replicate the 'work ethic' of the Head (as he boasted) . I know of one child with SEN quietly made to leave and another who was very good at school but he came to hate studying so much he left without A levels.

If you want somewhere without too many naughty/rough kids to suit a gentler child, then I’d send him to a nice coed school in outer London. Completely different vibe to inner city schools.

I echo what @chiaralev said. And I really wanted to like it. I came away feeling it is run by fear. It’s the teachers I fear for most

One of my kids went to HP fairly recently and under the same regime. If your kid is outstandingly bright, outgoing and talented he may well join the elite bunch that is adored and upheld as exemplars by the SLT.

My DD is dyslexic and despite being in the top set, received little support. She chose another school for Sixth form and is now at University. Her confidence was destroyed by the school and she was surprised at the caring attitude of teachers at the less fashionable local comp.

There are silly kids in all schools and in all sets at HP, though DDs friends in lower sets say it was much worse.

The comments about the Head and the way teachers are treated are spot on, sadly.

I would echo what others said about it being a school where a bright, able and committed child may excel but it’s not for everyone.

The social side is neglected. Lunch hours are shorter than any other school I know, all after school clubs are voluntary so not well attended, no residential in year 7. Overall just very few chances for kids to bond and form friendships. Year 7s therefore take a long time to settle.

Huge emphasis is put on preparing for GCSEs from very early on as they take some exams early. Lots of pressure that your kid will either respond well to or not.

Thanks all so much for your advice and thoughts - my guess is it's not for us as while he might well end up being a golden child the notion of a favoured few bothers me, and conversely the lack of kindness he might receive would be a major problem.

My daughter started in year 7 recently and is loving every minute. She has very quickly found a lovely group of friends and the teachers have been brilliant.
Yes the shorter lunch time leaves little time for socialising, but there are after school clubs every day, where they can get to know each other and actually I think a long lunch break can be a really intimidating time for children who are shy or not part of a group. They also have Holland Park right next door to the school so can arrange to meet there with friends after school to chat.
Standards are high and my experience is that as a result, children work hard to live up to those standards.
I can not fault it - so far, so good!

I think there is a honeymoon period after starting a new school. I hope your positive experience continues though.