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Secondary education

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Original poster

Claremont and Halliford

71 replies

Justicebieber · 11/02/2023 15:40

Hi, so we have an offer for both of these (very different!) schools and are struggling to come to a decision and we were hoping the wise people of mumsnet can help us!

DS is bright, everything comes easy but he needs a push, and is very sporty. We decided against using a tutor for the 11+ as it was all very last minute and he is state schooled. He’s done well to get these offers and I want to feel super excited, I just can’t help wonder whether we should have pushed him to fulfil his potential (too late now!) We also applied to a few ‘super selectives’ and unsurprisingly he didn’t get past the first stage.

Sport and pastoral care are both really important so not placing all emphasis on academics, but would love to hear from current parents at these schools as to their experience re academic stretch / quality of sport in reality.

Last resort if we decide neither is the right fit is to move him to a prep to 13 and try again next time more prepared! I really don’t want to do this and hope one of the above will be right but also keen to hear if anyone has done this.

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 12/02/2023 22:08

ThamesMum78 · 12/02/2023 21:43

Thank you @freezingone that’s lovely to hear. I know we should have a gut but it honestly keeps changing! My DS probably keener on Halliford-helped by the lovely admissions process and offer event. We had always had CFC in our sights and Halliford was a late addition. I never thought I’d consider single sex until we went there.
I think my concern is that whilst Halliford feels right for now, CFC might feel more future proofed for later-bigger site, co-ed etc.

@ThamesMum78 - are we the same person? I could have written that post myself. We are constantly going back and forth with our thoughts and favourite school al of the time and DS seems to like elements of both schools, which isn’t helping!! I wish it were clear-cut and we had a gut feel too.

OP posts:
ThamesMum78 · 12/02/2023 22:17

@Justicebieber 🤣 perhaps we are! Selfishly it makes me feel better to know we aren’t the only ones struggling to make the choice. They are both lovely schools and I’m sure he could be happy at both. I know it’s a lovely problem to have and we are grateful to have it. But nonetheless I wish someone/something could decide it for us! Every time I think we’ve reached a verdict-doubt sets in-either way.

Original poster
Justicebieber · 12/02/2023 22:28

ThamesMum78 · 12/02/2023 22:17

@Justicebieber 🤣 perhaps we are! Selfishly it makes me feel better to know we aren’t the only ones struggling to make the choice. They are both lovely schools and I’m sure he could be happy at both. I know it’s a lovely problem to have and we are grateful to have it. But nonetheless I wish someone/something could decide it for us! Every time I think we’ve reached a verdict-doubt sets in-either way.

Snap!!!

OP posts:
FlyingPandas · 12/02/2023 22:30

No direct experience of either school (yet - youngest DC currently prepping for 11+ and these may be on our list) but I have friends with DC at both Claremont and Halliford, all very happy and positive experiences at both.

But if it helps these are probably the three main considerations to ask yourselves:

-Do you want single sex or co-ed?

-Do you want the smaller/down-to-earth town boys grammar type feel (Halliford) or the more rural, beautiful building and grounds, minor public school type feel (Claremont)?

-How will DC get to school and how long will their journey be? If you're struggling to decide between schools, a good rule of thumb is to take the school with the easiest journey! For example Halliford has a bus network but also easily accessibly by public transport (bus or train to Shepperton). Claremont has a bus network too I think but not as easily accessible via public transport, and tbh all the DC I know there are/were taken there and back by parents every day because it was easier. (Which is fine in Y7 but gets wearing over the years, one of my friends was mildly demented by her years of twice daily school run by the end of Y13!)

But at the end of the day DC are likely to thrive at either. Good luck with the decision, they are both lovely schools.

Ilovechoc12 · 13/02/2023 13:19

OP - I'd ask you to consider where you live to each school

Haliford bus / no late buses is an absolute pain (if they do sports / club after school) That's why I'm hoping to get my boy out. However I've got 3 different school logistics to deal with 🤪🤪🤪 and the train service isn't great hence I have to drive twice a week to pick him up at school 😡 which is just extra hassle. However if you are in a better location it might be easier for you.

Original poster
Justicebieber · 13/02/2023 15:53

FlyingPandas · 12/02/2023 22:30

No direct experience of either school (yet - youngest DC currently prepping for 11+ and these may be on our list) but I have friends with DC at both Claremont and Halliford, all very happy and positive experiences at both.

But if it helps these are probably the three main considerations to ask yourselves:

-Do you want single sex or co-ed?

-Do you want the smaller/down-to-earth town boys grammar type feel (Halliford) or the more rural, beautiful building and grounds, minor public school type feel (Claremont)?

-How will DC get to school and how long will their journey be? If you're struggling to decide between schools, a good rule of thumb is to take the school with the easiest journey! For example Halliford has a bus network but also easily accessibly by public transport (bus or train to Shepperton). Claremont has a bus network too I think but not as easily accessible via public transport, and tbh all the DC I know there are/were taken there and back by parents every day because it was easier. (Which is fine in Y7 but gets wearing over the years, one of my friends was mildly demented by her years of twice daily school run by the end of Y13!)

But at the end of the day DC are likely to thrive at either. Good luck with the decision, they are both lovely schools.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.
It is so tricky! I think DS is wowed by the CFC grounds and facilities, sport and GCSE options and we are comforted by the warm feel of Halliford because he is so young and it seems such a big step! He’s totally indifferent to boys only or co-ed tbh.
If one of them was closer / easier to get to then that might sway it but journey time is the same - one being the school bus, the other public transport and he seems to show a preference for the sch bus and the opportunity to ‘chillax’ after school before starting homework 🙄

He need to be surrounded by similarly bright children to be challenged as needs competition, but wouldn’t have loved the pressure of Hampton (or maybe he would have done and we should have really gone for it - I’ll never know) - I think if I look at GCSE results Claremont has the edge.
He doesn’t seem to be too fazed that he will know no one at either….

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 13/02/2023 15:56

Ilovechoc12 · 13/02/2023 13:19

OP - I'd ask you to consider where you live to each school

Haliford bus / no late buses is an absolute pain (if they do sports / club after school) That's why I'm hoping to get my boy out. However I've got 3 different school logistics to deal with 🤪🤪🤪 and the train service isn't great hence I have to drive twice a week to pick him up at school 😡 which is just extra hassle. However if you are in a better location it might be easier for you.

Thank you.

I guess I hadn’t thought of the infrequency of trains to Halliford, just train vs sch bus. I think either option I’ll be picking up one or two nights per week. Also strikes and cancellations adding in more problems. Hmmm

OP posts:
yummymummy676 · 14/02/2023 09:07

In my experience the pastoral care at Claremont fan Court has been fantastic. The new pastoral deputy head has made huge changes - for the better! Has introduced a pupil wellbeing building and the students from different year groups all get to mix together. Claremont is really on the up and the results last year were great. There aren't many co ed schools around liek Claremont and we really wanted coed as let's face it, that's real life.
p.s. Someone told me a fast bus might be introduced from SW London - might be worth looking at?

RedDogBlueDog · 14/02/2023 09:26

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

ThamesMum78 · 14/02/2023 09:50

yummymummy676 · 14/02/2023 09:07

In my experience the pastoral care at Claremont fan Court has been fantastic. The new pastoral deputy head has made huge changes - for the better! Has introduced a pupil wellbeing building and the students from different year groups all get to mix together. Claremont is really on the up and the results last year were great. There aren't many co ed schools around liek Claremont and we really wanted coed as let's face it, that's real life.
p.s. Someone told me a fast bus might be introduced from SW London - might be worth looking at?

Thank you so much, this sort of insight is invaluable. I had a long chat with the deputy you mention at the open day and was so impressed with him. He seemed very kind and approachable too. But I’ve not heard much about him from a current parent.

I agree that coed if more like real life. And my DC gets on really well with girls too so he’d miss that side.

Original poster
Justicebieber · 14/02/2023 12:53

yummymummy676 · 14/02/2023 09:07

In my experience the pastoral care at Claremont fan Court has been fantastic. The new pastoral deputy head has made huge changes - for the better! Has introduced a pupil wellbeing building and the students from different year groups all get to mix together. Claremont is really on the up and the results last year were great. There aren't many co ed schools around liek Claremont and we really wanted coed as let's face it, that's real life.
p.s. Someone told me a fast bus might be introduced from SW London - might be worth looking at?

Thank you - agree, super helpful and delighted the pastoral side is good - that’s so important to us. Are you happy with the academic side of things? Nurture but with a push (or shove, ideally!!) - def not after hot-house environment but want more than just a ‘nice’ handhold if that makes sense!

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 14/02/2023 12:56

This reply has been deleted

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

I liked the idea of the vertical tutor groups too - think it’s great they get to mix across years like that. Do they still get a chance to form peer friendships as quickly, I wonder?

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 14/02/2023 12:56

Ps I’ve heard they got new caterers last year and the food is now awesome…

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 14/02/2023 20:52

@RedDogBlueDog @ThamesMum78 I think we’re pretty much decided - if you decide to accept please let me know and maybe we can get our boys together - sounds like we’re coming from a similar direction and all have boys going no one else.

OP posts:
Original poster
Justicebieber · 14/02/2023 21:40

*all have boys going WHO KNOW no one else 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
ReeC · 14/02/2023 21:59

So glad I found this thread as we’ve also been trying to decide between Halliford and CFC over the last week & it’s been so hard! Think both DS and hubby & I are leaning more towards CFC but every now and then I start to question if this is the right decision! The one sticking point for us is that our DS will be likely taking the bus but the nearest bus stop is a 20 min walk from our house which seems a bit much. I have emailed the bus company to see if there is any flexibility on the route but still waiting to hear

redrobin75 · 14/02/2023 22:22

@ReeC , I'm sure a CFC parent will reply but all the dc at all the schools have so much stuff in their rucksacks plus sports kit plus musical instrument etc. For example if he plays cricket he will have a full cricket bag once a week in the summer term. 20 mins each way is quite a long way with so much stuff. Also do you have a back up plan for collecting him from school if he has to stay late. Plus don't forget dropping him at school for Saturday sports fixtures.

RedDogBlueDog · 14/02/2023 22:36

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

Schoolapplicationjoy · 14/02/2023 22:51

If it helps Mr B said 45 of current year 7 came from 45 schools and knew no one. DD will be in the same boat.

ReeC · 15/02/2023 12:58

@redrobin75 Thanks so much for replying especially as I hadn't even considered all the kit that they may need to carry ,so thank you for highlighting! I WFH mostly so can pick my DS up later but getting away pre- 4pm on a daily basis is not going to be possible. I really hope the bus can accommodate 🙏

RedDogBlueDog · 15/02/2023 16:28

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

sallydoodlecat · 15/02/2023 17:15

You may have already chosen. We were in this position last year with twins. Logically it would have made more sense for both to go to CFC but we went for Halliford for my son and an all girls school for my daughter. We love Halliford. Everything they say about their values is true. They push my son. Is down to earth. Encourages the boys to try different things. I really rate the head. They've just had an outstanding inspection. We are glad we went down that route. CFC seemed lovely too though so I think either decision will work out just fine.

Original poster
Justicebieber · 15/02/2023 17:23

sallydoodlecat · 15/02/2023 17:15

You may have already chosen. We were in this position last year with twins. Logically it would have made more sense for both to go to CFC but we went for Halliford for my son and an all girls school for my daughter. We love Halliford. Everything they say about their values is true. They push my son. Is down to earth. Encourages the boys to try different things. I really rate the head. They've just had an outstanding inspection. We are glad we went down that route. CFC seemed lovely too though so I think either decision will work out just fine.

Thanks for posting. How pushed is your son? And his peers. I don’t think I’d want my DS to be too dog again and instead would need some good competition to motivate him. Are you happy with the sport?
I loved the Head and Mr Fulford and really got a nice feel when we were there. And the inspection report reads so well. It’s so tricky!!!

OP posts:
sallydoodlecat · 15/02/2023 17:31

He's pushed enough for him. He himself commented that he's being pushed! Their reporting system shows how they're doing and what they could achieve and encourages performance without feeling too pushy. Sports provision is great for him. He's not massively sporty but really embraced rugby which he had never done before. For boys who are sporty there's so much opportunity and lots of fixtures. My son surprisingly has discovered a love of the choirs which I wasn't expecting.

ggssgg · 15/02/2023 19:51

It's a personal decision in the end but having had occasion to visit both in a professional capacity, I'd go for Halliford for a boy every time. There's a true kindness and sense of morality there. They push academics in line with the boy (not to raise their grades publicly) & turn out gentlemen. As one poster says it is more like a town grammar school than the stately home feel of CFC.. depends on what you're looking for in a school though I guess.