Kings College Wimbledon - So Disappointed

[Iamnotsoexcited]

My son did incredibly well in his CAT scores (average of 131) so we decided to look at Kings in Wimbledon given its incredible reputation.

We were so disappointed in the school on the tour that we actually left before the Deputy Head could speak. Our overall impression was that:

1. There were no displays/artwork/celebrations of the kids in the corridors. As a result the school felt like a functional building not a celebration of the individuals, almost factory like.

2. The Design Technology Lab resembled that of an underfunded 1970s comprehensive. Engineering and technology are the future, to deny this just seems ignorant. It feels like they are creating children for the finance jobs of today which will not be the roles of the future.

3)An almost claustrophobic air in the classrooms up to GCSE, kids tightly bunched in with no space between desks which were arranged haphazardly. It would not be working environment an adult would thrive in, so I am not sure a child would.

Overall, it had an aggressive feel about the place which I was so surprised about. The sixth form centre, with its low ceilings and lack of space, was the worst. The bell went and shutters went down on the cafe loudly, straight away, as though the staff had had enough and were done. This is at odds with other schools which are creating open coffee shops all day to allow for kids to collaborate together in a positive environment.

I put emphasis on academic achievement, but I was shocked at how negatively I felt about the school. From my son's prep school I know other parents are feeling the same way as me. I am wondering if Kings will be a bit like Blockbuster the video store, riding high until one day because it fails to keep pace with the times, will just lose its shine completely?

What do you think?

So you didn’t like the school? So don’t send your son there then
If he’s as smart as you say you’ll have other offers other choices
His current prep will advise on best fit and suggest schools he’ll likely enjoy
Can’t say I’d get aerated about a school you’ll clearly not chose

Look at the other London schools
City London Boys
Westminster
Godolphin & Latymer School
St. Paul
Dulwich

Great CAT scores means you’re in a fortunate position and you should have plenty of options. This one wasn’t right for your DS, which is fine, forget about it and move on. Just because it wasn’t for you doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad though. Clearly some children are absolutely thriving there, and it’s a bit harsh to create a whole post about how much you dislike a school based on a tour that you didn’t even finish

Thanks for replying, I am not concerned about finding a school for my son. I was more interested in seeing what people thought. Sometimes schools have excellent reputations and overnight they lose their status, I was interested in whether this could potentially happen to Kings?

We visited KCS a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. It is definitely quite formal and traditional and I can see that’s not for everyone, but the boys who showed us around were charming and grounded, not stuffy or snooty in any way. They knew how lucky they were to attend a school like KCS but it was in an appreciative way, not arrogant at all. I think who you get on the tour can really shape your takeaway from the day.

The interim head gave a talk, but it would have been nice to hear from the new head.

I can’t remember the DT/Art areas but the Science labs were impressive. As other posters say, there are plenty of other good schools in SW London which may be more suited.

Some incredible and inspiring engineers, designers, artists and IT whizzes came out of those 1970’s comps which probably tells you what you already know - if the teaching is inspiring and the kids are bright it doesn’t matter what the school looks like.

@paintingrainbows100 , the new head in Sept 2022 is busy running her current school who employ her etc.

@Iamnotsoexcited , re your comment on the DT, my ds is at a school similar to KCS and I'm also struck how all these schools are stuck in the past regarding DT / Computer studies etc with so much teaching focus on Latin/Ancient history etc.
I think it is influenced by 2 things - 1 is the total lack of decent DT and CS teachers in the U.K. and secondly by the emphasis on top GCSE and A level results to get into the top universities. It's much easier to teach Latin and guarantee a class of top marks than teach CS which is hard at GCSE and almost impossible at A level to get top grade in.

This is why touring a school is so important. If you didn’t like it, perhaps look at more modern schools that tend to be mixed like Highgate and Sevenoaks, if distance not an issue.

@paintingrainbows100

We visited KCS a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. It is definitely quite formal and traditional and I can see that’s not for everyone, but the boys who showed us around were charming and grounded, not stuffy or snooty in any way. They knew how lucky they were to attend a school like KCS but it was in an appreciative way, not arrogant at all. I think who you get on the tour can really shape your takeaway from the day.

The interim head gave a talk, but it would have been nice to hear from the new head.

I can’t remember the DT/Art areas but the Science labs were impressive. As other posters say, there are plenty of other good schools in SW London which may be more suited.

This was our experience too. We were shown around by a couple of lovely boys. We thought the school has a good vibe, don't really recognise what OP experienced but strongly feel that everyone should go with their gut instinct when considering what is correct for their DS.

Sometimes schools have excellent reputations and overnight they lose their status, I was interested in whether this could potentially happen to Kings?

Just curious as to what other schools have lost their status overnight, as I can't think of any. I can think of loads that are coming up, and loads that have maintained status despite scandals...

@cricketjoys85 I agree. Latin is great as an academic subject, but we need to focus on the academic subjects of the future. Computer studies, engineering, design etc. My friends in the city say their roles on the way out. I just think Blockbuster the video store thought it had a thriving business and by not innovating they did not move with the times.

Mental health is so important and I think part of that is made up from your physical environment. I was surprised there were no child centric displays on the walls. Do people not think they are important?

Genuine question. We went to Kings expecting to love it. I was surprised I didn’t.

It’s fine for you to not like Kings or the environment
But are seriously saying a well thought of school is a on path to failure like blockbusters? Overnight failure
Schools are subjective experience, some you like some you don’t. But it’s not your role to convince other potential parents that kings isn’t a good school

“the new head in Sept 2022 is busy running her current school who employ her etc.”

@cricketjoys85 very true! I understand,
of course.

Having been to a few Open Days now, it’s just a shame not to hear their vision and ethos,
as the Hampton head was very impressive, as was Latymer’s.

Seeing the school in person is invaluable and I think you need to trust yours and ultimately,
your child’s feeling of the place.

@Iamnotsoexcited have you visited Latymer yet? Their walls and classrooms were adorned with children’s work , if that’s what you’re after. The DT rooms however, were no better than my comprehensive from the mid 90s.

@Iamnotsoexcited , there is a move in all schools away from display boards, the new normal is plain white walls. The thoughts behind the move is that it allows the dc to focus on the teaching in the class.

Perhaps look at some of the big name boarding schools - they are much more impressive to look round. KCS may not have all the “stuff” but the kids who go there are a pretty special and talented bunch and there’s something quite magical that happens
in those types of environments.

That is interesting @cricketjoys85r about the white walls. I feel that is quite sad.

Re the blockbuster analogy, it could be any company that is at the top of its game. The best companies innovate. 3 billionaires have gone to space in the last few months, so I was surprised there was not a nod to this at the country’s leading day school.

I agree @paintingrainbows100 - the Hampton head was very impressive and they seemed to celebrate the kids on every wall. Their science clubs seemed incredible as well.

Doesn’t matter what kings nodded to on the day, you clearly didn’t like it
Essentially you chose on a mix of hunch and measurable outcomes. What suits you and your son. What school has the prep recommended?
You’re in a fortunate position, there are other schools that will be a good fit

@KillingEvenings , the last head of KCS was exceptional and the lady joining next year looks like a good recruit. There is so much demand for ds places that I don't think KCS will lose any demand. The biggest factor could be if the merger of the boys joining at 11 with the prep school boys doesn't go smoothly but they are only 4 weeks into the process.

A school struggling to find its way at the moment could be St Catherine's Bramley (girls school near Guildford) if you have hours to wade through all the threads!

Everything you describe sums up all the competitive London day schools, in my opinion. Particularly them being packed liked sardines in classrooms.

My son didn't even get interview at KCS with 131 CATs for what it's worth. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that number.

Couldn’t think of much worse than sending my son to KCS. It’s not the school it was 30 years ago and whilst I doubt it’ll ever struggle to attract students, the revelations around the culture of sexism/sexual pressures completely put me off. Along with the fact every child I know there still has a tutor and this was certainly encouraged by the old Head.

@Jangle33 That so what I have heard, it used to find the child’s specific skill.

We went to look because it became on our radar as a possible contender. I was so excited. Perhaps because I was excited to see this first class school, the disappointment resonated harder.

I have direct experience of the school, and it is not suited for every boy or every family. I also think tits important to go with your gut. However, I do find it strange you left before the end, all the effort to get there and you were so excited about the place. As you know, it's a lottery for London day schools, so its good to cast the net wide, especially with CATs that don't necessarily guarantee a spot everywhere.

Also don't know anyone with a tutor at the school.

All the schools polarise opinion. You’ll hear multiple POV about all London day schools
It’s about fit. What works for your child,their temperament,their skills,their aptitude. What works beautifully for one child and their parents isn’t necessarily a great fit for all
Also all schools have rumour,gossip,half truth attached to them. Often disgruntled parents who didn’t get a place or got a place and didn’t like it.