Ibstock Place School

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Does anyone have any thoughts about Ibstock Place School? It was a bit of a last minute decision to apply, my daughter didn’t think the exam went well, but we have an unexpected place. It’s the most convenient location of our offers so giving it some serious thought. The children all seem beautifully behaved, the school seems calm and has such stunning facilities. But is it a happy place? It’s all a bit too perfect? Any insight or experience appreciated!

@Groundhogday2021 that's interesting - it's the first criticism I've read about Emanuel for quite a while. What is chaotic about it? I'd like to know more. We liked it a lot but worried when I hear that. Considering it for DD currently in Year 4 but it's never too early to start thinking about these things. She likes boys so think it's co-ed for her, not all girls.

Thank you.

Also interested in any more recent views on ibstock? We are thinking of switching Emanuel for Ibstock in light of the better pastoral care but would love more insight..

I wouldn't switch Emanuel for Ibstock... Although entry at Emanuel is very competitive now, so try both.

For reference, Emanuel didn't or barely went into their waiting list l last year whereas Ibstock had exhausted their waiting list and had to contact pupils who weren't offered a waiting list place with offers to fill their places.

@Clairesm for what it’s worth, we’ve found the pastoral care at Emanuel to be excellent. Genuinely, they take it really seriously and are very supportive of the children. When we looked back in 2022 we felt the pastoral care there was better than at IPS, but to be fair I think IPS has made huge improvements to that over the last few years. I’m looking at both schools again for DS2.

I think Ibstock will get 'bad press' for years based on the length of previous Headteacher's reign which WAS cold and outdated. DD was there for a couple of years before we decided it wasn't the school for her but many of her friends stayed on and have seen MASSIVE changes since the previous head's departure. Many stayed on for sixth form.

I think it is an excellent school, in a beautiful location, with excellent teaching staff and facilities, excellent results and now an really strong head and far better pastoral care.

But reputationally, it has work to do.

Thank you for all the replies. Really got a sense that well-being was at the top of the priority list at their recent open day. Emmanuel on the other hand felt like a pressure cooker. It’s all cyclical I guess and with some bad press they refocus…

Emanuel or Emmanuel? I think those are different schools. Emanuel and Ibstock, try for both and see what offers you get. Follow by Holders days etc and the process, heard Ibstock exams last year and set up was not good or caring…may change this year. Do both and your DC will get a feel of both places.

I heard that last year Ibstock use CEM select as the first round exam, which is the same as a handful of schools such as SPGS, CLSG and GHS used as pretest.

The CEM select exam itself is designed to be time pressured, some kids who prepared well found it OK, but some others who didn't prepare or expect this kind of test said it is knock off confidence for their kids and even mention will write to the school to complain said the experience is bad.

Not sure what happen in the end. I guess private schools need to find a way to devise easier less pressure exam for the fee paying parents to make sure all happy.

We applied and got offers from both IPS and Emanuel last year. IPS started as one of our favourites and the way they run the selection process and interactions with their senior staff (which seemed more concerned about the marketing than the substance) meant that we quickly disregarded it. A pity as it has the potential to be a lovely school and their art, music and languages (all things that matter to us) are strong.
We ended up liking Emanuel more than we expected and we know quite a few people that are happy there - they seem to be a good school for all rounders and positions itself as a modern urban school and clearly the HM has a clear vision.
Between the 2, and had we not had other options, we would have gone for Emanuel and so did all the people we knew in a similar position.

Some experience reported from the parents last year IBS vs Emanuel and etc in the following thread

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4723610-sw-london-private-grammar-applying-for-year-7-in-2023?page=31

Ibstock is not improving under new management. Results this year were lower than their competitor schools, Y7 isn't full and many staff left in the summer. There are many unhappy, frustrated parents. The school says the right things in terms of well being and academics but that is not the experience of many. And the fees are much more expensive than other SW London independents.

I’m not sure that this is a representative statement. There will always be some unhappy parents at any school, and every family has their own experience. But to add some balance - my DC are very happy and thriving at Ibstock, as are their friends.

We have DD in three area schools including Ibstock (but not Emanuel) and must say that we have been so happy with Ibstock including in terms of academic mentoring, pastoral care, quality of teaching and leadership too. We were not expecting to like it so much- and previously had turned down a place for other DD when previous head was in post. Definitely parents will have varying opinions within every cohort we have found across our various schools, but we personally have been very pleased thus far, daughter entering third year of secondary. As mentioned in other threads, many schools renowned to be quite good had lower results this year w A levels especially due to shifting grade boundaries- just something to consider when viewing those (for whatever that is worth).

I agree - my elder DC is at a more ‘academic’ london day school and the number of children re-sitting GCSEs (especially English) was substantially higher than usual this year. It seems to have been an issue across the board

I’ve heard similar things to this and comments that criticised the school and new head were removed/deleted from another thread. Things like they say they listen and take feedback but in practice they really don’t.

I’m looking for honest experience from current parents as their children progress through the years to GCSEs/6th Form. This is an expensive journey to embark upon and we want to get it right. Any insights into SEN provision too gratefully received too. 🙏

No school is perfect. I can only share my experience which has been positive over all. Happy to answer any questions on good / bad over DM, rather than invite more debate.
If you are looking for a lot of SEN support, the school is quite honest that this is not their specialism (eg compared to schools like St John’s which is very strong here).
in my experience, the DC who thrive at Ibstock are the allrounders - upper mid academically, and like getting involved in sport, drama, clubs, music etc. it’s very inclusive from that point of view - lots of opportunity

Interesting range of views. Why would comments re the Head etc be removed?

Interesting mix of opinions. I am looking for feedback for Year 9 entry ie 13 plus for Ibstock?