St. Augustine's Priory Senior School, Ealing, West London

[EmotiveBubblez]

We visited St Augustine's Priory (SAP) Ealing today and the school definitely moved up our application list for 11+ 2023 entry.

I would like to hear from current and prospective parents on the pros and cons of the school please.

@EmotiveBubblez My girls are joining in September (one to the junior and the other in Year 7). I love the feel of St Augustine’s- I think the grounds and the farm are so unique to have in West London. It has definitely made me feel that I don’t need to move to the countryside for the girls to be playing in an orchard at break and feeding chickens after school. I love the sport as well, the girls there seem really grounded and non-pretentious but equally hard working. The Head is amazing. I genuinely believe that good leadership is so so important to the success of the school and she is incredible- when I first moved to Acton I would never have considered it as a school but she obviously has a vision and the support of the school/teachers to drive it through. So big thumbs up for me, but they haven’t started yet haha! So maybe ask me again in a year. I hope I am still as positive. What did you like about it?

Thank you @Onceanexpat1 for your response.

I was struck by the friendly, warm and welcoming manner of all staff and pupils. The open day was impressive but did not seem like they put on a “show” or that it was contrived or the the girls were rehearsed. Like you said there was not an air of pretentiousness. Felt very natural. The girl who toured us was impressive - down to earth, engaging, very knowledgeable and intelligent.

the facilities are very impressive and speak for themself. Although on a large site , I like the fact that the school is small and nurturing. The Catholic ethos coupled with the forward thinking mission was a big plus for me.

the range of subjects we were very happy with and also impressed by the clubs on offer too.

liked the fact that the Head’s husband runs the farm and that there are development opportunities for the girls at the farm too.

I left thinking my daughter would feel comfortable, happy, inspired if she attended the school.

we will be applying for 2023 entry.

@Onceanexpat1 How are your daughters enjoying St. Augustine's?

I hope its going well.

Can you share any tips for advise please

Hi @EmotiveBubblez so far they are loving it! One has joined the prep and the other Year 7. My eldest had a little wobble at the start of the year, but that was more jusy general anxiety about moving to secondary and all that entails (moving around the school, remembering timetable etc). The school were SO good about checking in on her and making sure she felt happy and settled, and by Friday she skipped out after an amazing week that included pressing apples to make fresh apple juice! I still feel so grateful for the space and the sport. They have both been doing assessments and are being pushed and enjoying the work too. So, early days still, but big thumbs up from me. How are you getting on with your search. I don’t envy you- so happy that is all behind me now.

Hi @Onceanexpat1

great the school was supportive to your daughter, glad they are both enjoying the experience. wish them both well for their time at school.

difficult not to pin your hopes on one school, juggling the different dates for exams, interviews and scholarship dates. I’ve changed my whole mindset now that I have some dates and the list is getting shorter.

Also trying to create a calm environment for my daughter too, she has been asking lots of questions which is good about the process and exams.

there is so much to do now she is in year 6- homework everyday plus after school activities and Atom (my head is spinning)

Hi there could you tell me about the girls from St Agustine priory school

@Holaxxx from what I understand they are not pretentious, a real mixture of girls. We will be applying seemed like a very down to earth group of girls whose parents are hard working and more not he average side compared to other Indies.

Happy to hear from other parents...........

Curious about this school, not much out there. Has anyone applied for sports scholarships here?

How is the assessment process?

Hi @HappyMama2024
There isn’t much around about St Augustines, I think if you are local though then it is definitely on your radar. Did you read their recent Good Schools Guide review? That was a great summary I thought. My daughters didn’t go for a scholarship so I can’t help with that I’m afraid but call the admissions team there, they are super friendly and helpful. I think there is a day of assessments but I don’t know what they do. The main sports are hockey and netball. Good luck!

We live locally. Yes, I read the Good Schools Guide which was an excellent review. I understand the Head is leaving.

I will contact the Registrar, thank you @Onceanexpat1

Hello,
do you have any feedback on this school?
thanks

Hi @Sofiaest

i cannot speak highly enough about this school. It is a very warm school, both girls and families plus staff are very friendly.

the facilities and location are brilliant.

my only critique is in relation to sports if you are looking for a school that is pushing sports - this is not the school for you. However they do have a new director of sport who came from St Benedict’s and is determined to refresh their sporting offer and make it more structured focussing on development of the sports scholars, fixtures, competitions and such.

the teaching staff are very approachable and engaging.

the clubs on offer are excellent.

communication from the school is good too.