Holland Park school. Any updates?

[malfrale]

Hi,

I went to the open evening at HP and actually the new headteacher made a positive impression on me. He is aware of the problems of the school and did not try to play down what happened last year. He briefly explained what being part of UL involves (not much difference to the freedom of the school, apparently) and explained how they are addressing the issues pointed out in the ofsted report.

Having said this, obviously open evenings are some kind of show so I would welcome some insider information to understand better how are things these days in the school, how many kids or teachers have left, etc.

My child would start in September 2023.

Many thanks

@Plitvice yeah it’s such a shame. From what we heard from YP in the area though, the school was never really a hero in recent years - just had a head (now left) who was a whizz at marketing and manipulation 😁. We wouldn’t consider it either at the mo. Why would you when there are better options around? My DC aren’t going to be guinea pigs for new owners of the school

I agree. There is every type of school imaginable available so why take such a big gamble? I know a headteacher (or two!) who would be really successful as a spin doctor so I am not surprised.

@MumA123 you had mentioned that your child would be joining. How is it going? Can you please let us know a little bit? Thanks!

@malfrale congratulations, I hope your child will love it there! Please keep us informed on how it’s going. We will apply this coming October, seriously considering HP!

Seriously, are there no other options for your DC than this school? I would never send mine to an inadequate school! For sure, there is a new head but he will take time to bring about change - particularly as he has inherited some SLT who were PERFECTLY HAPPY to work in the oh-so-toxic environment created by the extortionately paid former head Mr Hall and his deputy. They knew EXACTLY what was going on and never called it out yet they remain on the SLT which is incomprehensible to me and does not bode well.

Interested to see this thread pop up as we are thinking about Holland Park. Having read this and the Ofsted, it’s just too much of a gamble. Also not good that senior leadership team from previous regime still in situ. Why on earth! Where else are parents on this thread considering? For our DS, we thinking West London Free, Fulham Boys? For younger DD, Lady Margaret’s looks great as does Greycoats. Have heard mixed reports about Chelsea Academy. Kensington Aldridge fabulous but too awkward a commute for us (as is Twyford which would be our dream school)!

Hi OP. I wouldn’t opt for HP if I were you. Why would you? You haven’t given any info as to why you like it? Don’t choose it as an easy option (HP will offer places to all and sundry now as students and parents voted with their feet!).

So many other choices. Teacher turnover enormously high at HP even for London. Where else you looking at? I live in RBKC and have one child at HP (won’t leave as has good friends despite us urging switch) but my 2nd and step child gone elsewhere even though could have got in under sibling policy.

Very struck by PP saying that SLT is still full of people who endorsed the discredited head. That’s a red flag to me.

WLFS and even Latymer are worth a try for high achieving children for those looking for state options.
I understand why HPS still appeals to some parents. The site is impressive, there are fee savings to be made and yours may just be the type of student who thrives and achieves highly there (there always are a few in every school).

Yes. My son is one of them. In year 9 at HP and thriving with wonderful and kind friends by his side.
We had a meeting with all of his teachers for his GCSE options and they were all well prepared, informative and kind. We were positive surprised after those meetings but - as our son is very happy there - never considered moving him.
His friends at Fulham Boys on the other hand live in fear of forgetting their pen (or doing any minor mistake) and getting Saturday detention. Not an option at all. All based on fear and squeezed into the tiniest of classrooms.

So yes, if anyone considered Holland Park we can highly recommend it, Parsons is a good choice and the head of the year (for year 9) is great too.

That's really lovely to hear. Mine stayed in the private sector but I always imagine what it might have been like in an alternative reality!

I had professional dealings with HP school last school year and was absolutely horrified. There are serious behaviour management issues there, and no cooperation with other agencies (police and children's social care) to resolve this. There have been incidents in the local press - just google and see the sort of things these children are doing with teachers just looking on. The school was defensive during an investigation where they were partially at fault, and it was the worst case of 'shutting up shop' I've come across working with schools across London for my entire career. Though we live reasonably locally I didn't put it down for my son who starts yr 7 in September. I did visit with my mum who loved the building, and the children who showed us around were absolutely lovely. I also know a child there who is achieving well because she is incredibly bright but she has a number of teachers per subject which is a disadvantage. There is no art on the walls, no feeling of children actually being in the building, it's like a corporate box. I wish all well on this thread with children there, but I'd choose anywhere but for my child personally.

@Hereipop we went for Twyford, which feels really well run, with a strong academic history and great results, the children's work covers the walls, there is outdoor space, a general reputation for kindness, and good SEN provision. The buildings look like children use them, e.g. there are scuffs on the walls, but overall a lovely atmosphere and no rumblings of disorder/authoritarianism which HP had suffered for many years before the fallout.

Wonderful @Dumbphone - you can’t get any better than Twyford. A vibrant environment when we looked round - cf. Holland Park so bland and joy less.

Here is one hell of an update. Us parents unfortunate enough to have DC there have just got email announcing that the new head is leaving in May! He’s only been head since September! The instability is a huge worry as we thought school was improving under him. No idea why he is going….

@Balcony66 Oh I'm so sorry. Maybe the SLT does need to change. If they're not letting the Head make choices than it'll be the same again and again. That's really unfortunate.

Thanks @Dodgeitornot - yes you could well be right. The head inherited much of the old leadership team I think. I have one DC there already and one due to start in September. Will have to get on case and find an alternative asap

It might be a good time to get the year 6/7 child on the waiting list for another school. If they get a place that would probably numb the elder sibling up the admissions?

@Camdenish I was just thinking that.
A head leaving that early means there must be huge issues, unless there's a really sudden unfortunate family situation. When that's the case they normally vaguely mention it.
They would've known the Head was leaving from around Christmas or Feb latest. Horrid of them to only inform parents of it once they've accepted places.

Where I am it’s usual for the local paper to report on a change of head with something from the school media team saying where and why they’re going. The head is retiring, moving countries, moving to be near family, step up to head of MAT, that sort of thing. I’d want something concrete like that to explain joining in September and resigning after little more than a term. It might all work out for the best but I’d want clarity from the governors.

Good suggestion @Camdenishand hope you right about DC1 too. Will get onto it 1st thing

@Camdenish This is also the case where I am. I think that's honestly the case in most places and lack of said statement suggests it's not a departure that's been made on amicable terms.

bump not numb!

I just checked their website. You're telling me a headteacher who had been at his previous Headship for nearly 10 years, has just quit at this school after less than 2 terms? That's quite scary. I would not have wanted to be at those governors meetings.

I think we need to be asking questions of the Governors! We thought new head was great - as did other posters on here who went to open evening last Sept. It’s a real shame he’s off. I wonder why?