City of London Freemen's School (CLFS)

[AlwaysMoreThanMeetsTheEye]

Seeking views (ideally from direct experience) on CLFS. We are SW London and it is one of the schools on our radar for 11+ (2023 entry). Academic results seem outstanding but I am really interested on pastoral care (for a down-to-earth and sociable but also slightly anxious DD) and also sports, art, and music provision. Many thanks in advance.

@Epwell, thanks for your message, really appreciated.

Thanks so much all for your openness and sharing your experiences (especially as, given their nature, it must be quite painful on occasions). A school definitely off our list.

Wow - how recent is the bullying? Was anything done? I’ve a happy child there who is a v nice kid - honest - and one where I’m less sure it’s right. Where did you move to and was it better??

I have a nice child there who currently appears happy and not aware of issues - but I’m alarmed to see the issues highlighted and it would be great to see more personal experiences, good and bad from parents at the school in the junior and senior part. I have a number of concerns separate to those mentioned above but I don’t yet have much direct experience of the issues highlighted. That’s not to say there haven’t been issues I just don’t know of them. What are other people’s personal experiences good and bad?

@Arisaig1 What are your concerns - please fee free to DM. We wanted to apply for year 9 but rather concerned about the above.

Hello All,
My DD is preparing for City of London Freemen’s and I have been worried after reading posts about bullying on mumsnet. I would really appreciate some feedback please.
any parent who’s child is currently attending the school.
Thank you

No direct experience of bullying but I’d suggest that robust, able, confident kids do best there. Particularly in the juniors they expect a v v high level of independence- it’s hands off not pastorally nurturing.

Thank you so much for your reply.
that’s good to know.
My daughter is pretty confident and independent, however after reading all the posts regarding bullying I got really worried.

I think they’ve had some issues with girl cliques - not directly aware of the issues but I think they’ve got some projects in place to try to help. DM me if you want any more info.

How did people go yesterday? We got waitlisted? Does anyone know if there tends to be much movement at CLFS?

I do have concerns around some of the comments on here but I was really impressed at the September open day and my DS enjoyed the assessment day (which I didn't expect).

I think there is movement- as people can put it in as 2nd choice.

I would agree, it is definitely a back up school for many applying to the (even) more competitive surrey indies! I am in similar situation with DS. We have been offered a place and DS is thrilled, he loved the school tour especially the DT department. I am still weary about the many, many posts that have stated the rife bullying, racism and sexism that flourishes there. However on the other hand all the school reviews and the league tables present a fantastic school of academic excellence! Are these recent cases of bullying etc and have they been duly dealt with or is there still a recurrence of such behaviour within the school, without being addressed properly. I would love to hear from current parents as this would help with my decision ☹️

Our DD has been offered a place too and she’s very happy and excited. She loved the school on its open day, and was also very impressed with the co curricular clubs.
however, we ourselves are in a doubt because of the same comments that you have mentioned. I have spoken to a few people and they are quite happy. Also, another new parent mentioned that they researched well and found out while their visit that the pupils were happy .
Its a very good school, but still confused!!