Halliford

[Alligator23]

Just wondering if anyone had any recent experience of the school. Just got an offer for DS and its obviously a big decision.

Congratulations! Jumping on as received an offer too. Absolutely blown away by the level of personal detail in the letter. An absolute joy to receive 😊

Yes. The headmaster seems like a very nice man. Also I know they were only ever going to write positive things in a letter offering your child a place but it was pretty accurate in terms of the points he picked up on.

I thought so too. Definitely not a cut and paste job. Made me feel like they really wanted DS and he would be truly valued there.

My son is there. Lovely school. The head is amazing and that style of letter reflects his style overall. Thoughtful and involved. It's a small and nurturing school. Some elements quite traditional but they also have a lot of fun. Lots of opportunities for the boys to get involved in all sorts of things.

Thanks @sallydoodlecat

Pleasure. Happy to answer any questions.

Congratulations on your offer. I am a Halliford mum, and my son is thriving there. I couldn't be happier with the school. The teachers are amazing, and he has the most supportive tutor. There are so many different clubs and activities on offer and due to its size, it always has the most warm and welcoming feel.

@TW17Mum @sallydoodlecat may I ask, is parking difficult at Halliford? The only draw back for us is that there’s no late bus (that goes our way) so that’ll mean pick ups several times a week. Is the car park available to parents?

There isn't a school car park for parents, but you can park at Church Road car park and walk down. Speak to Bursary and see if they can add a bus drop in, always worth asking?

Another parent here. Lovely school, amazing pastoral support for those that need it. Most parents pick up when they do after school sports and I’ve never struggled to get a space either on the side road or the cricket grounds car park . Not sure what your other school options are but it’s a great choice! - feel free to PM if you want to

Hi, well done for being offered a place. We’ve been waitlisted with a very lovely letter too. Not sure what the likelihood we’ll be offered a place is but will keep fingers crossed. I did get a lovely vibe and was DS first choice.

We were waitlisted too. I'd suggest you write to the school telling them it's your first choice and why. Halliford can sometimes be seen as a back up to other schools (wrongly so in my view!) and there is movement once other offers are accepted. Good luck

Yeh no parking. But when I pick up from clubs or events I always park in Wadham Close. It sometimes gets busy but never usually a problem. The late bus goes to Walton train station. We've never used this so can't comment on it.

We’ve just received an offer with a lovely detailed letter that made me feel warm and fuzzy (for 13+ in 2026). The only tricky bit is that we applied for a bursary which they refused to assess until 2025 - which makes sense but puts us in a sticky position. If we accept it and don’t get a bursary, DS can’t go. Really confused…

@TheVineyardMum congratulations! 😊
They must have had parents with this predicament before, hopefully the bursar can give you some guidance?

Don’t lose heart if you are on the waitlist. Lots of boys in my sons year were on waitlist but got places quickly as boys with offers chose other schools. Halliford is (wrongly) seen as the banker for bright boys so they will be accepting places at reeds, Epsom etc instead.
I agree with PP, one of my friends emailed to make it clear that Halliford was their first choice and they would accept a place immediately. She also rang every other day - be visible to them and you will hopefully get an offer. Keeness really does work with wait list places - good luck!

@Whatsblueandflies did you have any reservations about it being a small school or anything else? How have you found it so far?😊

I love thé fact it's small. It's not overwhelming for the boys. They can get to know each other better. Still so much choice of things to do. Personally it was a selling point for me.

@sallydoodlecat yes it was a huge draw for us too and I can see it will offer DS a very personalised experience. Waiting to hear from a couple more and then we’ll see. The schools we’ve applied seem to draw mixed opinion (on here and in RL) but I’ve only ever heard hugely positive things about Halliford. Thank you!

Good luck with your decision! It's a tough time. But I'm sure whichever school you choose will be the right one

we wanted a small school for DS as he is a genius at going under the radar and doing just enough not to get noticed - not getting away with it at Halliford! Teachers know exactly what he is capable of and are pushing him to achieve it (done gently ) and he is becoming much more confident in his own abilities . There are still approx 80 in a year by year 9 so big enough for him to find his group of friends but small enough to allow the pastoral care the school does so well

Sorry to jump on the thread but do you know if in previous years the boys were given any idea where they were on the waiting list, or is it simply a case of waiting?
I’m mindful I want to let them know we are keen but don’t want to bother them too much as I’m sure they are super busy.

@Whatsblueandflies that’s really insightful, thank you. Emerging from the 11+ a broken woman I am keep to hand over the reins now….DS very capable and I want him to go somewhere he will flourish not coast. Thank you too @sallydoodlecat - I was so sure of our choice for DD but this time around it feels a more difficult decision.

@Seriouslyisitbedtimeyet we weren't told. I can't remember if I asked or not but I don't think they would tell you. So we sent a hand written letter to the head and Mrs Clatworthy. I may have got in touch once after that but then left it.

My son was also placed on the Halliford waiting list. Despite letting them know that we are very very keen, we haven’t heard. Does this mean that no offer will be made? We are on tenterhooks.