St Richard Reynolds Secondary and Sixth Form

[Squarebean]

We are moving to Teddington shortly and our eldest has been accepted into St Richard Reynolds sixth form. I am curious to hear everyone's opinion of their sixth form and also, how it compares with Teddington School's sixth form. Being new to the area, we looked at the Ofsted reports and also felt a smaller school would be better. We are hoping to get our youngest in their secondary school because he will have sibling priority, he is starting Year 10. It is very late because our move was delayed and the local authority will only allow us to apply for his place once he is residing in the area. I would like to hear other's experiences of the school, secondary and sixth form. And I am also keen to hear how Teddington School is doing, in case we secure a place there.

Obvious question, but are you Catholic? The school has a strong catholic ethos, so if you're not Catholic your children will be in a minority. (I know one non-catholic student who was unhappy at being made to watch anti-abortion films and found the school to be very conservative on lgbt issues).

If you're going to be living close to the 481 bus route then another school to consider is Turing House. Lots of kids from the north end of Teddington go there. Its quite a new school but people seem to like it a lot. Its a lot smaller than Teddington, probably similar size to St Richard Reynolds.

My DD chose not to stay on for 6th form at SRRCC, mainly because they weren’t offering the subjects he wanted. DD1 is going into year 11, based on what she wants to do, she will leave after GCSE’s too.

DD2 starts year 7 in September.

The comments about the school being very Catholic are spot on.

DS left after GCSE

Thanks for your insights. Our boys were both baptised Catholic and went to a Christian primary school in South Africa so they are comfortable with similar traditions, services, hymns, etc. Do you feel that, at SRRCC, if they are not practicing, it would be difficult for them to fit in?

I feel Turing House is too far from where we will be staying.

My eldest has chosen Maths, Physics and Economics A-levels which they offer at SRRCC sixth form. Would your children have stayed at their sixth form if their subjects were offered?

Going by their sixth form and GCSE results this year, their students are doing very well. Have your children been happy doing their GCSEs at SRRCC? Is there any bullying? Is it very strict? Is the overall teaching and support good?

We have also been looking at Teddington School because of proximity to home. I noted it received a Good Ofsted ranking. What is its reputation like in the area? For sixth form and GCSEs? Are kids happy there?

All the local schools are great - you really can't go wrong with either option. It's a very "leafy" area. Teddington is bigger, and has better sports facilities on site. SRR basically caters for all the Catholics in the borough, so a mix of kids from different social backgrounds, but mostly all Catholic, practising and non practising. They use sports facilities at St Mary's university which is about a mile away.

Two children at SRRCC and both very happy. One going into the sixth form in September. The vast majority of Year 11s stay at the school and they have a good range of A'level subjects.

Surprised to hear it is seen as hardcore Catholic. Not my impression. Also, they have excellent support for LGBT pupils.

Results this year around 50% of A Levels and GCSEs A* and A. The schools key strength is its excellent pastoral care.

Would highly recommend.

That's so lovely to hear. Also puts my mind at ease hearing yours are both very happy there. Also trying to figure out best way to get there. I have heard most secondary kids use buses. Is it easy enough for them? We will be coming from the bottom of Kingston road and my husband says there is a bus stop very near our house. Do any kids cycle to school? I think Kingston becomes Strawberry Vale and looks like a straight route, but is cycling to school safe for kids?

Buses are easy (and free for school children), but lots of kids cycle too. If you put Hampton Wick to SRR into Google maps you'll see there is a quieter cycle route via Broom Rd.

Sorry, I meant via Waldegrave Rd, not Broom Rd.

Just an FYI in case you weren't aware - the school has recently consulted on becoming part of a new Catholic academy trust. Absolutely nothing to worry about, though.

My friend works there, it’s good. Does a sibling in 6th form count as in school sibling, Many don’t. It is religious but that is a huge selling point for most.

Great to hear all your comments. I have checked and the sibling link does extend to sixth form. It sounds like cycling is a good option to get there. Citmapper is showing that a bus takes about 40 minutes (R68) whereas to cycle is 15 mins. We will figure out a route via Waldegrave road, thanks for the tip.
Another question, does anyone know of/can recommend tutors who have helped kids at the school and know the curriculum?
Will it benefit the school to convert to an academy?

Academy - I would think so. The trust will be able to access additional funding, and pool resources for specialist services for example, whilst retaining autonomy for admissions etc.

That's good to know.

Does anyone know if they sixth form has a uniform policy/dress code? Is it business wear?

The sixth form dress code is on their website.

As you said you'd be at the bottom end of Kingston Rd, do you mean the south end, near Hampton Wick Station? From there, the 481 bus only takes 18 minutes. The R68 only goes from the north end of Kingston Rd, near the Landmark Arts Centre, and takes 15 minutes from there.

Maybe try using Google Maps or TfL Journey Planner, as Citimapper gave you a strange result.

They could also get the train to Twickenham Station (but that's not free like the bus).