Radnor/kneller

[farfallarocks]

Considering this for year 7 2024 but I’m concerned that the kneller building wont be ready until 2026 in all likelihood which is a shame and how many places are really available given they have a prep? Im
findjng it hard to get an answer from admissions it’s all very vague and given it’s a two step assessment process I’m not sure it’s worth another exam for dd. Has anyone got more info?

I think you are right to be sceptical about the timing of the building plans. Richmond's planning department is under-staffed and over-stretched. It's a shared service with Wandsworth, with several major applications in its backog. It can take years to get things through, especially applications with environmental impact like this one.

If I was you I might be tempted to submit a comment on the application because at least then you might be notified when it nears major milestones like getting a planning committee date. You can find the application here: https://www2.richmond.gov.uk/lbrplanning/Planning_CaseNo.aspx?strCASENO=22/3004/FUL

I’ve had this one on my radar too. My understanding is they currently have 3 classes in Y6 which is more than usual as they’d expected to move to Kneller Hall next year but it’s delayed (again). They’d planned to add another 2 in Y7 but don’t think that’s happening because of delay in the move. Assuming most Y6 stay on that doesn’t seem to leave much scope for external places but I can’t get a clear answer either. We are having same debate about whether it’s worth the extra exam.

So apparently at the open day the head said one class which I guess is max 30 and half boys and girls so 15 spots. Based on it being an exam in November and then another assessment in Jan we aren't going to apply. It is not enough bang for buck. Suspect different if they used the ISEB or something like that. Plus it sounds as though that move is going to be extremely delayed so its all a bit cramped and limited?

Shame as the ethos seems fab and so did the head!

We’re current parents and love the school - it is indeed a great ethos and head. Our kids are thriving academically, from extra curricular activities and from a pastoral perspective too. It’s a shame that people feel nervous about the situation and are potentially put off.

For me it’s just the lack of places available for external candidates that are making me think it’s not worth the exam x 2. Shame as I agree seems like a fab school once you are in! Come on Richmond planning!

https://www.change.org/p/grant-planning-permission-for-kneller-hall-to-become-a-secondary-school?recruiter=216617336&recruited_by_id=6b8a0550-a15f-11e4-b681-1b74bd3e3727&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_37687504_en-GB%3A10

There is a petition going around currently to put a bit of pressure on the council to step up the pace. Please sign if you are interested!! I'm also a current parent and sadly the school is stuck waiting, it's doubtful that they'll be ready by next Sept but maybe if this plan gets signed off. Apparently there are only a few outstanding issues left to iron out.

Apparently there are just 7 places left to external candidates in year 7 as ALL prep are guaranteed a place regardless of their academic level.

Blimey. The head said one class at the open day so 30 places. Still too few for us to bother . Where was 7 from?

Oh my goodness! When I was at the open day in June they said they we’re going to take a larger cohort even if the site didn’t come through. I’ve just paid the £150 application fee and that’s money down the toilet then. Argh!

According to the prep website they are moving (or have moved?) the prep school to a temporary site while they wait…I don’t know if this means any more external places though 🤷‍♀️

Not all Prep pupils will proceed to Yr7 - those that “cannot access the curriculum” at the senior school will not be given a place, ie if you’re below the required standard. This was the latest communication sent to parents.

Current parents have been told their child is guaranteed a place. Current parent also stated that there are 'very few' year 7 external places. Maybe they don't come clean with that or they lose thousands in applicants hoping to get a place. The temp site is VERY small for year 6. Can't imagine they can take many more into the old site than they have.

I’m a current parent and “cannot access the curriculum” with regards to not having an automatic transfer is as per a recent communication sent to Yr6 parents. There is no communication from the school on the number of places available so that’s open to anyone’s guess!

Apologies I have no clue what this means

It means that there isn’t a 100% guarantee that all prep children will given a place. The communication sent says that an automatic transfer would not take place if a child could not access the curriculum at the senior school and therefore it would not be the right school for them, ie a child will still need to be of a certain standard/ability to be able to cope at the senior school to be given automatic entry. What’s not clear though is how this is determined!

I think that sounds like an extreme end if not getting in eg: very low sen. If you compare to entry level of the local selectives, it’s not touching that. I don’t believe they are too fussy. However still there are very few places.

I agree not accessing the curriculum is not , not meeting expectations. Not accessing curriculum is extreme, unable to read, sit for any length of time etc.
that said the recording of the head at open day does say there are approximately 20-30 places I e an extra class. Still too few for us to bother I think given half boy/girl split.

As far as I heard they are also guaranteeing places at Broomfield House in Kew and the Chiswick school. So not sure were they will put all these children, I am sure they will figure out something as they would not want to miss bums in seats (even if they don't have the seats). There was a fairly long waiting list last year too. It is theirs to lose