West London Free or Chiswick School

[geleve]

Hello, could any one share any recent experience about the above two secondary schools? Wondering what the pro and cons would be knowing both are good and coeducational. Thank you

WLF has pretty draconian discipline.

I know of 2 students who have left in last 6 months because they were so unhappy there and much happier in their new schools.

I looked at it for DD a few years ago, and she sat the music scholarship there (which was the least demanding of any music scholarship in London.... literally aural tests and nothing else. They didn't even want to know which instruments played or grade levels). It did not even come close to making our final short list as just didn't get a good vibe while we were there... an hour sat in reception can tell you a lot about a school.

Thanks OhCrumbsWhereNow. We are also going to sit the musical aptitude test and heard similar. Interesting to learn about the draconian discipline. I heard this now from a few other academic non religious state schools...

free schools often have an odd atmosphere, harsh discipline etc.
often tend to value corporate image over individuality or creativity.
but that's just my opinion.
some people like the regimented approach, some parents that is.
fewer students do.
so what, they've got to learn to knuckle down.
if you're happy with that, then so be it. i am not.