City of London school

[Ilovecashews]

My child got an offer from CLS for 13+. It’s his favourite school but I have some doubts. Does anyone have a child there?

My questions are (and I don’t want to ask my child what he thinks about them as I want him to develop his own opinion rather than be influenced by my own)

— the school felt very claustrophobic, probably due to location. Perhaps children don’t feel that?
— do all children need to do sports that are located outside of the main building? I think they have fields elsewhere? I would rather he didn’t have to bus there and back all the time, and he’s not a cricket/rugby/football fan.
— how’s the pastoral side of the school?

Thank you!

Congrats to your DS! I agree with it feeling claustrophobic (we visited many, many years ago) but my guess is the boys don’t feel that way once they get used to it.

I’ve heard the coach trips to the playing fields for games are mandatory, at least in the earlier years, maybe there’s more choice by Y9. I think it’s only once a week but it’s a bit of a trek - 45 min one way (perhaps longer with traffic?). It’s the balance they’ve struck between the benefits of outdoor physical exercise and the limitations of a very centrally located school.

Does he have other offers you’re considering?

Hi!

my son is currently there, in 2nd form, so same year as your son. He’s never complained about feeling claustrophobic in school, he loves the location/views.

Re sports, they do go off to sports fields once a week on the coach. There is sometimes an option to stay at school and do sports there on site but my son always chooses to go to the fields. Tbh, my son loves the journey with his friends, it’s a nice time to chill out together. I’m presuming it stays the same next year in 3rd form.

@LondonLulu Might you or someone else be able to comment on pastoral care and how competitive/pressurised the culture is at CLS?

So far I’ve only got positive things to say regarding pastoral care, my son hasn’t (as yet) needed any major input but the school are very quick to report to parents/support them through any issues.

Re pressure/competition, my son hasn’t reported feeling under pressure and certainly doesn’t appear stressed in any way. He’s stays at school and completes homework for 1.5 hours an eve but that is with friends and I’ve no doubt there’s chat etc in with that. He is only in 2nd form (year 8), so still lower school. The boys are competitive with each other but not negatively so. They’re all high achievers so naturally want to be the best. Solely from my son’s perspective, he’s very comfortable that some boys are more able in some subjects than he is, he’s not negatively affected, he just observed and chatted to me about it. This is obviously only my son’s experience, others could say differently. I’ve not heard anything from any other parents, so far.

@LondonLulu This is very helpful - thank you so much!

Sorry to jump in but my DS got 11+ offer, may I ask how often the swimming lesson and PE per week? Do they get to do other sports other than football? Thank you very much.

They swim once a week, have pe once a week and games once a week. Football/cricket/basketball/waterpolo are ones that come to mind.

The sports fields are in Mottingham south east London, adjacent to Eltham college. Have a look on a map, it’s a long old way! Boys who live nearby can go home directly after games.