Moving to Devon - year 9 independent schools

[Coffeemorning579]

We are thinking about moving to Plymouth / Yelverton in Devon. DD will be going to yr 9 in Sept and wanted to get views on independent schools in the area. I think the choices are Plymouth College and Mount Kelly. Any views / advice? DD is bright and does ok in main subjects but is more creative and loves English, French, drama, art, music etc.

@shootme69 why do you say PC has a far better / more successful swimming programe than MK? Can you give some more details? We’re considering both schools for our year 10 son because he’s a swimmer, so this info is important to us. Thanks!

Well, that’s answered our questions. DS hated his taster day, said he felt deeply unwelcome and that the boys were being horrible in class about other people and he never wants to go back. I did not expect that.

So sorry to hear that, I hope he forgets that horrible feeling. Was that at PC or MK?

Sorry to hear that @Libre2. Is it worth another try? Very difficult as they get older.

We’ve decide to book another taster day at each school (PC and MK). Hubby has been looking at both their financials and I’ve been looking at the ISI reports. Some observations are MK is very solid financially but PC is struggling. Sale of Millfields will help but not sold yet. Looks like it’s being sold in 6 lots. Schools is currently running on overdraft facilities.

in terms of ISI reports, PC is rated excellent and MK is good. Interestingly for PC the head was listed in Jan 19 as Jo Hayward as an interim. In May 19 the new permanent head was listed as Jonathan Cohen? However the current permanent head is Jo Hayward - not sure what happened there? If anyone can shed any light it would be appreciated.

We already met the head of MK at last visit - he seems very good - personable and fully engaged with the school. We’re due to meet Head of PC at taster day after half term.

Sorry, to be clear DS had his taster day at PC. He was slightly harassed by one of the boys whilst he was there and said that the disruption in class was similar to at his comp - which seems unlikely. Anyway, it has had the added effect that he suddenly seems a lot more settled! I am somewhat disappointed as I am sure he would do better academically at PC but you can get a lot of tutors for £16k a year I guess.

Hi, I’m aware this thread had no posts for a while but I wonder if you made a decision and how you feel about the chosen school.
We are looking between MK and PC for a place for my son who is a swimmer and very bright too…will welcome opinions from current parents.
Thanks in advance

Speaking as someone who actually went to plymouth college i do NOT recommend it.
the teachers DO NOT care about the kids as long as they get their results and will say you're overeacting if you're being bullied by someone they need around

also had my chest commented on by a male member of staff there.