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Secondary education

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

Original poster

St James senior boys Ashford

13 replies

After8itsgrownuptime · 10/07/2020 06:33

Hi All,

Looking at this school for my son who is dyslexic but reasonably bright and sporty. I like the look and feel of the school and the grounds were great. Also very impressed with the Headmaster, but would be great to get some insight from parents who currently have boys there. If we go, he would be joining at year 8 . Thanks

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ripple11 · 10/07/2020 07:52

Quite liked the school too, from looking at it for potential 11+ entry last year, and also playing the school in sport fixtures. I would say if it feels right for your son, you are almost there.The thing for some boys is only vegetarian food :-)

Original poster
After8itsgrownuptime · 11/07/2020 10:57

Yes the veggie thing is a bit quirky but doesn’t really bother us to be honest. I like the fact it’s an inclusive school and the kids seem happy and confident. Just wondered if anyone had kids there and could give me an in sight

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Bakeachocolatecaketoday · 12/07/2020 08:55

I have a friend with a DS there - she is very very happy with it, worked wonders on her dyslexic, quirky son. That said her DS2 has not gone to StJames - when we've chatted my impression is that it can be the right school for the right child and can be fantastic.

When I looked for somewhere for my dyslexic not-at-all quirky son, I didn't think StJames was right, and ended up choosing between Halliford and Radnor - went for Radnor due to higher entrance requirement and more enthusiastic teachers which has been fantastic for us, and have sent DD there.

So I don't have kids there myself but have heard good things about it for the right kids.

Original poster
After8itsgrownuptime · 12/07/2020 17:28

Thanks for the reply baked. My son isn’t quirky, but is very sporty which is why I am slightly unsure about St james. My son also prefers Halliford just from a facilities perspective and also more of his prep school tend to go to Halliford too (although a few go to St james each year as well). We looked at radnor as we have quite a few friends who send their kids their, but it just didn’t click for us sadly. Maybe we should go and have another look as we have lots of Friends who rave about it

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ripple11 · 13/07/2020 10:38

On the sporting front, Radnor, together with Teddington Cricket Club have built a new sports pavilion in Bushy Park which looks really great. They also use nearby sports facilities at St.Marys Uni.So yes a little travelling required but all pretty close.

Bakeachocolatecaketoday · 14/07/2020 10:05

So Radnor is small for a secondary school , but very good pastoral care. I would say it has more of a prep school feel to it than other senior schools. If you are looking for facilities, then yes it's small, it doesn't offer that range of subjects and facilities others (Sports are off site) do but it has a young and very enthusiastic teaching staff.

Halliford is far more of a standard school, it has the sports field on site and DT labs etc etc. I know less about it, but reasonable reports from parents who are there.

lazeonthesofa · 17/07/2020 13:56

I have a DS at St James and very happy to answer questions. My DS has been very happy there. Sport I would say is focussed more on rugby and cricket although that seems to be changing now as the school as grown. There is a lot of sport lessons built into the week which I think is great for boys. They also have 'friday options' where you can do all sorts from badminton, fencing, mountain biking, sailing etc although that may start in year 9.
My DS is fine with the (vegetarian) food, he gets enough meat at home!
We have found most of the teachers fantastic. I also like the fact that you are with your form all the way through the years as the form tutor really does get to know the pupil and so pastoral we have found good. There is a turnover of staff but with a D.C. at a different school I think that is pretty much the same everywhere.
My DS isn't dyslexic but I understand support for boys who are is good as some of his friends are. They offer support for this and many boys including those without dyslexia touch type in class and exams which is helpful.

Original poster
After8itsgrownuptime · 18/07/2020 07:09

@lazeonthesofa thanks for the info. We really liked it and we particularly liked the head. What’s your impression of him? Is he genuinely interested in the boys or is he the marketing face (if you see what I mean). Are there any weaknesses and things you don’t like about the school? My DS is very sporty and we liked the fact that they had such amazing grounds

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lazeonthesofa · 18/07/2020 13:48

@After8 yes I think the head is very genuine and invested in the school. You do have the feeling that he does know every boy possibly as he takes the philosophy lesson in the younger years. I can't think of any specifics that I have been unhappy about. A couple of subjects have had high turnover in staff but that is probably similar in many schools

averythinline · 18/07/2020 13:58

also had DC there - very supportive - sport very good compared to state (cant really compare otherwise as dont know other dc) and the sport will get better once the sports hall finished.....staff really know the kids ... My DS also dyslexic and support good...and doesn't make a kid stand out -he got grief at state school- moved in yr 8 and its been fine....
DS thrived - I quite liked Radnor but felt it was too small in the end and the head was moving when we looked so may have settled now....
DS loved the space and environment - the head has a strong philisphical view which I liked as sets a tone for a school- not sure whether knows the kids but he picks good staff which is the main thing!
weakness I'm a bit of control freak mum and they talk and organise things directly with DS - which he forgets straight away due his SEN ! so have some stressful mornings when he suddenly rememebrs things! I know he has to grow up but its me that gets his stress ...

I liked Halliford as well but too far from us and a bit more orthodox maybe - we've really liked the characterof st james they are very thoughtful

Original poster
After8itsgrownuptime · 18/07/2020 14:24

That’s so helpful, thank you to all of you

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WiseOldBird · 10/08/2020 09:14

My son is in a senior school in Kew. He has not settled as well as I thought he would. I just don't think it is the right culture fit for him. However, his sister has settled very well there. He has dyslexia and is very bright. He loves St James School and is asking me to move him. It felt right to me when we visited. I feel like I should do this but I'm just not sure. My husband is not keen to move him and feels he should make the best of where he is. But I think Saint James would suit him better. My gut is saying we should move him. What do you say?

Original poster
After8itsgrownuptime · 11/08/2020 13:54

@lazeonthesofa sorry to keep asking you questions, but how was the remote support and online learning during Covid? Were you happy with it?
@WiseOldBird it’s always a tricky one. From speaking and talking to the school, they do tend to have spaces in year as they are not as selective Or as desirable as a lot of the schools around SW London. Have you approached the school to see if they do have spaces? If he hasn’t taken the entrance exam previously he might have to do an online one which is what we did for 10+

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