Harrodian

[AlwaysGoodToChat]

We are considering applying to Harrodian for 11+ for our daughter - quite bright (upper set in Maths and English) but anxious and not very confident, sociable, not very sporty (more into the social aspect of sport) but quite musical and also enjoying art. It was suggested by her prep as a potential but we were initially put off by the reputation as 'celebrities playground' - we are a professional couple with a house in a middle-class area of SW London but by no means hyper-wealthy or famous. Any views really appreciated, including (especially?) on the pastoral care and inclusivity.

I don’t have a child at Harrodian so I can’t comment on the teaching or ‘political agenda’ however in terms of results I think Harrodian does very well. Last year at A-level Latymer Upper was ranked 36 and Harrodian was ranked 42, ahead of schools like Putney High, Emanuel, Ibstock which all have similar fees to Harrodian.

Don't just look at A'level results, yes the Harrodian have done really well but the subjects or the board may not have been as academic as say Putney High or Emanuel. Look at the school and go with your gut but also dont be afraid to move your child if it isn't working.

@beentheredonethat52 , exam boards moderate their results so that you would get the same result sitting any paper.

@redrobin75 , they do but the content can be harder from different boards and schools.

e.g Emanuel school did Of mice and Men for english and Dulwich College did Pride and Prejudice a couple of years ago which is arguably a harder text.

Harrodian subjects and boards may have been different but overall the university results look similar for Emanuel, Putney, Harrodian and Ibstock. Oxbridge is a crude measure but last year Emanuel (2) Putney (6) Harrodian (6) Ibstock (2) and also very similar looking results from all four for top Russell Groups. I don’t think anyone can claim the Harrodian results are poor.

@Ilikelists in no way am I saying their results are bad or good. What I’m saying in my original post is look at the school and go with your gut. If you like the school for your dc then the small class sizes of the right independent school for your child will always achieve the results for your dc

Sorry shouldn’t really have tagged you! It was more from the earlier post about the poor results and the political agenda at Harrodian.

From what I can see, they had a 78% A*/A for A levels, and 76% 9-7 for GCSE, this is hardly a school that is underperforming from an academic perspective. Not sure what the purpose of EvaMcGill's post is... However, if you are unhappy at a school, perhaps move your DC somewhere else. You will however find that all schools are required to teach about EDI in the curriculum and LQBTQ+ is very much part of this.
I have no personal experience yet but have heard some fabulous things about this school, a friend's DD is there. I am planning to go to one of the open mornings in the Autumn, and will report back! FWIW, I think there is no substitution for visiting, asking questions and forming your own opinions.🙂

I understand having toured the school that homophobia and racism aren’t tolerated.
i have friends who sent their two sons there and were very happy. The pastoral care following the parents’ divorce was first rate. Both boys are now at Russell Group universities. The school’s academics are very good and competition is strong for places at 11+