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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

St Dunstans Catford - thoughts

16 replies

CAZZERANT · 03/08/2023 13:51

Hi there

Looking for some feedback on this school from any parents who have kids there. My daughter has had a rough time at an all girls school locally, lots of cliqueness, bullying and also very mediocre teaching. She’s academic and we know would thrive in the right environment. Thinking coed might be less toxic and hoping the school stretches pupils academically. But hard to get a real sense so any feedback would be welcomed. She’d be entering into Year 9 so that might have its own issues.

Thanks !

OP posts:
Selondon123 · 05/08/2023 20:55

Our DC starting in September so can’t offer current parent perspective. But we are very happy with our decision, a lot of which was informed by talking to parents with kids higher up the school, all who were very happy, especially re some of the things you are worrying about. Hope it works out for your DD.

Maccarron · 30/09/2023 10:23

Hi
sorry to be the bearer of bad news, we had a terrible experience resulting in a court case against St Dunstans, discrimination,there were multiple failures on the part of the headmaster and the school,we were not alone, there are still cases being brought against St Dunstans, they are fine for high achievers. I’m happy to provide details
All the best

Brugmansia · 30/09/2023 15:30

Hello Maccarron
I'd be interested in hearing more as it's somewhere we're currently considering for DS. So far we've mostly heard good things, but I'd really appreciated a more rounded view.
Thanks very much

Maccarron · 11/10/2023 15:20

My experience and that of a number of parents was shocking, there appears to be a pattern of poor treatment of children that struggle resulting in them being removed. We ended up taking the school to court, they were found to have discriminated and failed to provide an education, we were not alone, I know of a number of case that ended up in court along with some that are currently being persued.The school attempts to silence via NDAs or threats of court action
The impact on my Childs welfare was devasting,

Stopsnowing · 11/10/2023 21:47

Maccarron’s experience was why I was out off the school. If a school accepts a child into year 7 it is responsible for him or her until GCSE.

farfallarocks · 11/10/2023 22:07

This is terrible to hear. I was about to apply as I really liked the school at open day. I thought we’d found a gem!

Bogiemum · 14/10/2023 10:36

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Fifireee · 14/10/2023 10:39

They didn’t notice my niece was dyslexic despite my sister in laws attempt to ask for help. They had her from when she was in nursery. Then when everything went wrong with her GCSE’s they tested her. My sister in law believed private schools could do no wrong. My niece is now doing a-levels at a state comp and is thriving.

Bogiemum · 14/10/2023 15:53

Thanks for responding. That’s a terrible shame for your niece, glad she’s doing well now.

isa2 · 17/10/2023 21:26

Just for the record - our academically bright son has had a very good time at St Dunstan's, and many of his friends would say the same, though obviously this does not invalidate the experiences of those whose more complex needs have not been met. I think it is in transition to becoming a more overtly academic school and that has had negative impacts on some. But if you would like a stimulating and relatively progressive environment for an able child without major additional needs, I think it is a good place to be, with a particular recommendation for the very lively musical life of the school.

Catwoman100 · 10/02/2024 10:15

Just jumping back on this post to see if anyone has any fresh views to share on experiences at SDC, particularly this point that they had been managing struggling DC out before GCSE?? Thank you!

Lins99 · 26/01/2025 22:27

Just looking for some fresh opinions on St Dunstan’s teaching, happiness of the children in 2024/25…

Thesunisfinallyout · 27/01/2025 11:08

My daughter enjoyed her time at St Dustans; she is academic though so no issues or additional needs

Himawarigirl · 28/01/2025 08:39

My daughter has started year 7 this year and is happy. She came from her primary school on her own so the main challenge was the social side, as lots more children seemed to know each other and be in friendship groups coming up from the junior school etc than we’d been given the impression of when we asked at open days. But she has made her way. She is academic so the school suits her and she loves all the activities built into the curriculum and available as extra curriculars. Feel free to pm me any questions if you like.

RichmondTeri · 27/03/2026 20:04

I saw St Dunstan boys both on a train pulling into Blackheath and disembarking. They were outstandingly polite and gracious. I was in awe. It felt like being in a rural countryside village in another era. I would be very proud if my grandson attended that school.

Dangermouse999 · 29/03/2026 12:05

There is a risk with some private schools (and state schools too) that pupils are 'off-rolled' to help the school maintain its exam performance rankings.

A friend of mine has a son there who is exceedingly talented musically and is on a music scholarship. By all accounts he's enjoying his time there.

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