Ibstock

[jumpintheriver]

Our DD has an offer we are keen to accept at IPS. Are the kids there friendly on the whole? I heard a rumbling about bullying but this was from a good many years back, ie 7-8 years ago. Just thought I would see what current parents have to say on this? Also, any comments on the new head? Many thanks!

I have two very happy children at IPS who are very different and both thriving. The eldest is very academic, the younger more artsy. We chose the school over others and have had no regrets. One of my children is quieter and took longer to find her friendship group, but I think co-ed dilutes some of the issues that can occur. Couldn't recommend the school more highly.

I also have DC at IPS and praise it very highly. In our years there, have not seen any terrible bullying (although I do realise that all schools have issues with bullying even at a low level). New head was previously deputy and has been at the school for many years so knows the school really well but already I can see that he is keen to put his own stamp on it. Weekly communication with parents since shutdown began has allowed him to establish a rapport with parents not previously felt with previous head. I get the impression (as he has only been Head since January) that he will care a great deal more about pastoral matters. In fact the new Deputy Head is head of pastoral care and again already I see changes afoot regarding wellbeing. All that aside, it is also a school that cares about academics but not to the detriment of mental health. Their results are amazing given the broad ability cohort they accept (largely due to it being seen as a back up school for most so top % in 11+ exams go elsewhere). Without all the pressure of some other ‘top league table’ schools, my dc is doing extremely well academically and socially at the school and we have no regrets sending them there.

Thanks so much for these replies- it's very reassuring. I am very glad to hear about the new head as I had heard mixed reviews at best about the previous one, though she certainly did put in place so many great changes so I am told.

The new head is a 100% improvement on the previous one and I believe the school will now go from strength to strength.

It will certainly be very interesting to see any changes to the ethos of the school over the next few years under the new Head Master. I wonder if it will increase in popularity as many were put off by previous Head? It has the most beautiful campus of any London school that I have ever seen!

Anyone has a child trying for 14+ (Year 10 in Sept 2022) at Ibstock this January?

My son will try it. Probably online unfortunately..