Ibstock Place School - views from current parents please

[Netballers]

DD is due to start in Y7 this September. I'd like to hear from current parents with recent experience under the new head please. We liked the school on open days and know a few happy children there (all girls). We also know an older child who left because they were unhappy (under the previous head). Most importantly, DD really liked the school and enjoyed visits.

What is the discipline like? Are they about positive reinforcement or are teachers strict?

How would you describe the SENCO? I've read in the T&Cs that additional help is charged for in addition to fees - how accessible that is and is the provision sufficient?

What is the state/private school mix like for the 11+ intake?

We asked these questions on open days and would really like to hear from some current parents too.

Curious, why you will remove your dc?

I'm curious to know why you've accepted the school without knowing those things OP?

Bumping this as would also like to hear from current parents under the new Head. I attended an open day last year and the campus is lovely but the Head struck me as more of a politician than someone who’s really engaged with the pupils etc.

Im also especially interested in any feedback on their SENCO. Trying to make a decision for 11+ and although it’s very close to us Ibstock appears to be the most expensive of the Sw London day schools so is it worth it? Do they do what they say they do? Do students generally stay on through 6th Form and are they happy?

Seems like the school has reverted back to how it was when my two DDs attended it many years ago!

We were put off by friends with kids there who confirm the reality is nothing like the gloss on open days. This combined with total mishandling of last year's 11+ process meant they are not full for year 7.
Im not sure there is even a SENCO is there?

Shame as SW London could really do with a good all round co ed rather than another school trying to be Alleyns.

HackettGreen your school sounds wonderful, do you mind sharing where it is?

My daughters are really happy at the school and have been there a number of years (both started in the secondary school). They've embraced opportunities to try different clubs and activities, and have enthusiastic, supportive teachers. I don't know about SENCO but can say the head is highly rated by my daughters and their friends.

Are you saying they are lying about offers on the website that is really worrying!

completely agree and my experience sounds almost identical. Teachers have been very open with my DC about leaving because of the member of staff who is such a problem and it's the good ones who are going. And I was also we were the only family raising very legitimate issues - I knew we weren't but interesting to hear of your very similar experience!

Thanks for the replies but why have so many been deleted?

Probably school lawyers@SwLondonmumof3

This happened with the Brighton thread and the posters confirmed they had not asked for the messages to be withdrawn. I dont think mums net should allow this ort of thing.
It doesnt reflect well on the school if they ask negative comments to be deleted. You dont see Eton deleting comments.

I remember this. @farfallarocks Posters came back and were shocked. It's normally the schools directly contacting Mumsnet threatening litigation.

@softmum @HackettGreen did you request for your posts to be deleted?

@Netballers Did you decide on Ibstock in the end?

We are still not convinced and it’s worrying me that all the replies on this thread that were negative about the school and the current head and deputy have been withdrawn (deleted). What about free speech?

We are looking for honest views of current parents. Particularly in regards to SEN and as your children progress up the school. The sense that I get is that parents and pupils are generally happy in years 7&8 but that as they go up the school they aren’t and that results were a lot lower this year for GCSEs and a levels compared with other similar London day schools. I heard they were changing exam boards mid year now to try to deal with this but that the students and teachers are quite stressed.

Any honest views from current parents in yrs 10+ would be appreciated.

There are some wonderful teachers and members of staff at the school and there are many positives but if you are looking for SEN support I really would recommend you look elsewhere. They are apparently trying to change things but unless they bring in someone at a very senior level who has a real understanding of this area and even more so a real desire for change here, I think it will remain a long battle to get the bare minimum in terms of of support. They don't even call it SENco they call it Academic Mentoring which perhaps tells you everything!

Oh gosh really, academic mentoring?!