Felsted (Essex) - views on quality of teaching, attitudes and behaviour

[Baubles9877]

We have offers for my two - DD year 5 and DS year 1. It's the kind of all-round school we have been looking for and suits us in terms of area. We are currently 45 minutes away but want to move house anyway so will move closer.

Before we make a final decision I want to make sure I haven't overlooked anything as we don't know anyone currently there.

Appreciate that top kids may be creamed off by the Chelmsford grammars but generally do the students there have a good attitude and behaviour? Quality of teaching good?

We are doing this to avoid entrance exam risk for year 7 - DD quite impacted by covid in her state primary. Doing tutoring but risky.... My younger DS is really bright and we want to move him ASAP.

Any feedback welcome!

Have you made any decisions yet?

We are fans! My eldest started in reception and now is slightly older than your DD, and my youngest is currently in Reception class. We are generally happy, as like you, we wanted an all round education and, boy(!) Felsted really delivers there with Forest School, swimming, every sport under the sun including golf and horse riding, an amazing music Partnership with the guildhall, great trips out, so many exciting opportunities etc etc I could go on. I haven’t noticed kids being creamed off into the grammar, and actually Felsted has good GCSE and A level results and plenty of kids go to oxbridge and Russell group universities.
but they also cater for everyone who isn’t on an academic track and gave solid SEN/learning support provision too.

the downsides for me are minor gripes that depend on how you engage. They work really hard to create a school community so lots of events etc for parents - many parents are very involved and it can be a bit cliquey. But having said that, not everyone is, and on the whole everyone is lovely. It’s also a bit commitment in terms of time - most kids at school 8-5 during the week and Saturday mornings too (from yr5), and then long holidays!

New Head of Prep just starting so can’t comment on her, but in general the staff have so far been very approachable and committed.

My kids are happy. That’s what really matters, particularly at Prep.

Yes we have decided to accept!

I keep having wobbles as I read the odd negative comment about teaching or friendships being cliquey, but my gut feel is that it is the right decision for us all!

Everything about it has been so welcoming and caring so far.

Hi there, I wondered if your children ended up going to Felsted and if so how you’re finding it? We’re considering moving our daughter who is in year 2 to either Felsted or Bishops stortford college. Not sure she will get in to BSC and Felsted is literally up the road but have heard mixed reviews.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you

Patch80 - yes my children did move to Felsted and have nearly finished their first term. It's honestly been brilliant. They settled in literally after one day and made loads of friends. The school is so very caring and supportive. We have been able to email any teacher and get a fast reply if we have any questions or concerns. The families there are welcoming and friendly.

It's a very happy place - I think it's a bit of a "carrot and stick" approach. They offer so much - so many sports opportunities, league activities (their version of houses), extras like music theory club, Young Voices choir - they keep them very busy, as well as the regular co-curricular activities and curriculum sports/drama. I would say it's work hard, play hard!

In terms of academics, I think we knew it wasn't quite so strong (or strict) as BS College (and my daughter may not have thrived under too much pressure). For someone who naturally coasts and doesn't push herself enough I have to say her attitude to homework and studies outside of school has done a complete U-turn since being at Felsted. She previously hated doing work at home, but here the approach gives the children a lot of independence (e.g. gradual changes to moving around to lessons, subject specialist teachers and their own Chromebooks to manage - year 5). She knows exactly what is due in and plans ahead to get it done, plus doing extra at home to stay on top of things. A totally different girl. I think with a change in attitude the rest will follow...

It's a really personal choice and nowhere is perfect, but we think it's a really great all round choice to suit a range of children. My son in year 1 is thriving and we have seen a big leap in his reading due to reading with staff every single day and the nurturing environment is wonderful. He has confidence and pride in himself, and is getting more ambitious.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions.

Thank you so much for your very detailed response. We have been very focused on BSC and have her booked in for the entrance exam in January. My husband is very academic focused but I’m not sure it will be the right environment for her to thrive. We both want her to be pushed and do well academically but it sounds as though with the right backing that can absolutely happen at Felsted. I have to say I have found them to be very responsive and caring, in contrast to BSC.
It’s really good to hear how positive you are about Felsted, it sounds as though your DD is very similar to my DD as well and it’s great to hear how she’s thriving.
Just questioning whether to still go through with the 7+!
Thanks for your help!

Patch80 - good luck whatever you decide. If she does the entrance exam then at least you will know where she stands and if BSC is an option. I did think it was a fantastic school but I didn't spend too much time considering it as it was totally full when we were applying. We wanted to move my DS for year 1 as well as DD for year 5 and there was no hope of any spaces coming up.

Have a great Christmas!