Francis Holland Sloane Square

[SW6mom]

Hello! I am hoping to get some information from parents with children at FHSS Senior School. How do you find it? What is the catchment? Is it true they are adding an extra year 7 every year starting with this year? If so how will that impact the school? Do they cater to all abilities (stretch those that are academic for example)? Is it diverse? I'm trying to help my daughter decide which secondary school offer to accept as we are lucky to have a choice. We really loved FHSS but she also has an offer from a more academic school. It's making the decision tough. Commute to FHSS is shorter by 15 to 20 minutes. Thanks!

Hi there - we're in the same boat, so bumping this for you.
I was hoping that FHS would have an offer holders visit. I think we'd really benefit from seeing the school again. Not sure how well a request would be received though...

Hi ColaPip I emailed the registrar and asked her some questions. Apparently they will be in the office from Wed so we should hear back then. I'll keep you posted! What other school are you deciding between? We are waiting to hear from JAGS on Friday but also have an offer from City of London Girls School.

We have FHSS too but it was only one we wanted.
We did look at JAGS but DD2 didn't like it.

If I remember correctly the grades at FHSS have been improving year on year so they are working hard to improve and maintain those.

I was pleasantly surprised at the heads speech on the fact that loads of qualifications does not guarantee you a job or a career at the end of it!
My child seems very academic so we wanted a school that would push her out of her comfort zone, but not make exam results the be all of school.

But the academics are not everything when it comes to work now.

I have been fortunate to have a career lasting over 30 years but I am only just starting my degree now.

I am seeing more and more young people apply for our entry level jobs already with a degree and associated loans to pay back, having to start again as there is an existing qualification structure they still have to work through. They may get some credit from their degree but not fully. But they just are not getting work with the degree they have and I don't want my child in the same boat.

Just found out there is an offer holder day!!! Great news! We will definitely go.

My Daughter is going with her Dad as I'm away. 😁

@tiggermummy70 that's great! I hope the girls will meet :)

We’re also interested in views on FHSS after receiving an offer. Also debating our options and definitely going to the offer day.

@bashstreetkids that's great :)

Really pleased there's another chance to visit. We'll be there also!

We are on the WL for FHSS so can't go to the offer holders' day unfortunately, but we would love any feedback on the school please from anyone attending the offer holders' day tomorrow. We have two particular questions, one is whether they offer rowing and the other is why the dip in the A level results (at least last year)? Many thanks!

Hi Everyone,

Off to the offer day. Does anyone need any other info that can't go this morning?
I will try & find out info on rowing.

Both husband & I can go together so DD2 is happy.
My Dd2 is wearing white & navy uniform with green jacket & camo backpack if you spot us & want to say Hi!

We have friends DDs go there Yr 7 and 8. Haven't heard a bad word about it. Although the school itself is a bit small, the girls are all very happy and thriving. They do netball etc. In Battersea Park which is a short coach ride away. Sounds like s nurturing school.

@BlitheSpirit didn't find a pe teacher to ask about rowing, but will check all booklets see if there is more info.

regards to A level dip this was addressed.
Because they do so well at gcse level they find a lot of their top academic girls have chance to go to Westminster (& another which we forgot)
Co-ed seems to be a big reason.
They are opening a new 6th form centre in September and plan on increasing numbers to 150 (from 100) across lower & upper.
They are also tabling the idea of co-ed but not on cards for this year.
So they have quite a small six form (currently less than 100)

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much @tiggermummy70 - that's very kind of you indeed. We really appreciate your help!

That makes sense on the A level results dip. Maybe the other co-ed (at 6th form) school mentioned was KCS (Kings College Wimbledon).

Is the planned increase in numbers just for the sixth form? I think I read that they have an extra Y7 class as well, but maybe that's already happened. And would co-ed be from 11 or 16, if it goes ahead?

Co ed for Sixth form.
Yes KCS and added Channing as an after thought.

Sorry put the form details on other thread.
4 forms in year 7 - 84 girls.

they have a new girls day late June where they meet classmates & teachers.

They also do 2nd hand uniform on that day too.
School is very into reuse & recycling.
Helpful for the wallet.

Yes it was Westminister, Kings College WImbledon and Charterhouse that many girls leave to but they also get new girls into the sixth form too from other schools. Same teachers that teach GCSE teach in sixth form so quality of teaching is same. Increase in numbers started in 2019 in year 7 to four form (84 girls) and has remained the same for this coming year too. They will increase in the sixth form also as Tiggermummy70 said. If they do Co-Ed it would be just for sixth form but nothing confirmed yet.

We really liked our visit today and am pretty sure we are going to accept FHSS. Real buzz about the school and the feeling that they are doing something a bit different. Seems very nurturing too.

should of added we accepted our offer while we were there today.

@BlitheSpirit
rowing is for Yr 9 & 10. at Fulham Reach Boat Club. Fridays after school.

Many thanks @tiggermummy70 and @SW6mom. Really helpful to get that information.