Mount House, Hadley Wood

[CanteringAlong]

I am interested to learn more about this school. However, I was reading the website and the governors seem to be venture capitalists, i'm guessing from the company that own the school. I'm wondering what this means for the school, who goes there, how things are run. I know private schools are a business really but this is new to me and I find it hard to understand.

My children are shy and I am looking for a small school but one that is nurturing with the right staff there with strong interest in pastoral care foremost.

My child is at mount house. And I don’t recognise any of the negatives that have been discussed here. I find it’s very supportive environment. Child is in top set maths and science. Small class size helps with focus and behaviour. Have no idea what behaviour is like is bottom set. There is a real community and all kids and teachers and parents know each other. I question why anyone would have such negative views on a school they were paying for. Makes no sense. Would not recommend St John’s. Have a look into the ownership and governance. I’ve never seen anything like it.

I’m really glad your child is thriving that’s what every parent wants.

I think it’s important to acknowledge that experiences can vary within the same school. Factors such as year group, set placement, individual needs and teaching staff can make a significant difference to a child’s experience.

While some families have positive experiences, others encounter serious challenges that shouldn’t be dismissed particularly around pastoral care, academic outcomes and concerns about bullying.

Sharing different perspectives isn’t about attacking the school it’s about ensuring prospective parents have a balanced and realistic understanding before making an important decision to make it a pleasant experience for students who are there and those who had left,

There are genuine concerns being raised by multiple families. The lack of consistent pastoral support, academic performance compared to other independent schools and how behavioural issues are handled are matters that deserve scrutiny.

You may not have experienced these issues personally, but that does not mean they do not exist. Children talk, and parents who raise concerns should not be dismissed simply because their experience differs it sounds like how the school is.

Every parent is entitled to recommend or not recommend a school based on their own child’s experience. Based on others they would not recommend Mount House.

You looked into on ownership with other schools but look at the academic performances what parents have said you also can look at but Mount house position which was placed under their partnership saved the school let’s not deflect.

it is not a community it’s exclusive and selective to what meets the need of the school.

You may not have experienced the community feeling and excellent support but that does not mean it does not exist. It definitely does.
For example there is a whole year parents WhatsApp group. It is a very supportive and positive place. I have never read anything negative on it at all.
For example senior leaders have dealt with all and any concerns ever raised and gone out of their way to reassure and provide feedback even at weekends.
Positive experiences shouldn’t be dismissed as non existent just because you have experienced something different.
Many parents and children clearly would recommend mount house. We wouldn’t be paying thousands of pounds each term if we weren’t happy. We’re not dumb.

I’m pleased what you’ve experienced with the comments not all can agree with you and that is ok!

A year-group WhatsApp or active parent network does not necessarily reflect the lived experience of every child within the school. Communication forums may feel positive while underlying concerns still exist.

The absence of negative comments you presume represents one space it does not mean there aren't any issues.

Many families choose to raise concerns privately, escalate them formally, or withdraw their children some families have chosen to share on this platform we can’t get defensive nor emotional when it doesn’t align we all have different views that should be respected.

its not an attack it’s not the place to be emotional or defensive either.

Paying school fees also does not invalidate concerns As parents, we invest financially and still have every right to question standards of pastoral care, academic outcomes, leadership decisions, and how bullying is addressed because that remains an issue.

Positive experiences are recognised. But concerns should not be minimised simply because others are satisfied.

Sadly It has not worked well for others no one should ignore that it’s not to appease those that fit as everyone is different it then deflects the objective of making improvements and developing and then nothing changes.
you will continue to have the same issues

TBH, sadly I wouldn't recommend mount house school. It has some wonderful dedicated class teachers, but the leadership's inexperience causes them to make terrible decisions with regards to pastoral care, taking problems that could have been managed calmly and intelligently and making those problems much worse. During our child's time at the school, the leadership,s approach has caused harm to both students and parents. Sadly, I would advise you to avoid.

I would not worry. They are owned by a group called Blenheim Schools which is a mainstream independent school owner. Big players and about as financially secure as it comes. Can feel the difference with having education people. I have one in the school and one due to join sept 27 and went to open day in about Feb for my second. Can see difference and Head is great, keeping the nurture and community but clearly ambitious too.

I am sorry you feel that as it really does not sound like our experience of the school. Pastoral team are so caring and focused on the children. Seem to be fair and listened to context when I needed to give them some info on something. Good communication when we have had usual bumps.

My daughter is bright, we had offers from a couple of schools that are very selective but decided MHS. She is doing really well and chosen for lots of opportunities, they seem to get the child’s interests quick and nurture and find things for them to be really challenged. I am happy and sending my second there in a year.

I posted something earlier this morning that relates to this. The school is owned by Blenheim Schools now. Big financial hitters, there’s no worries there. Look at where their backers are! You can see the investment already as a parent and school appears to be growing too.

My DD is very settled at Mount House, she’s had her share of difficult times which is also all
part of growing up and sadly it is mainly a result of social media (mis)usage which is up to both the parents/carers and schools to try to control, which is extremely challenging. Pastoral care was very supportive at the time and she’s now through it and positive.
Teachers are in the main strong and importantly she’s progressing academically.