Twickenham Secondary

Slubulino · 2024-02-27T07:15:55+00:00

We are moving to Richmond in the summer. We plan to rent a property in Kew or Barnes. my son will be year 8th is September and by the looks of it Twickenham is the secondary school most probably to have a place for him. The academic results it looks above the average and is rated as a Good school. However being the only school not Oversubscribed and reading some old reports on the internet looks like is not a popular choice? I am looking for some reviews or experiences you had with this school? Another school that might have a place is Richmond Park Academy. This one looks like is below average academy. Thank you!

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 08:39

Richmond Park Academy is a better choice in terms of kids but not that great educationally. Twickenham school is a school where the managed out kids find a space but also many ok kids also go there.
Try Teddington School. R68 bus goes there and it is a large school with quite a bit of movement so maybe there will be a space for your child

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 10:20

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 08:39

Richmond Park Academy is a better choice in terms of kids but not that great educationally. Twickenham school is a school where the managed out kids find a space but also many ok kids also go there.
Try Teddington School. R68 bus goes there and it is a large school with quite a bit of movement so maybe there will be a space for your child

Edited

Thank you! What do you mean by “managed out kids”? I am surprised that the academic results are quite good but the school doesn’t seem to have a great reputation.

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RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 10:35

I think that the reputation is because of " managed out kids". If a child is persistently misbehaving, is a bully, is a disruptive kid etc schools are " managing them out" due to e.g. bullying incidents that cannot be resolved in any other way. In most of the counties/ boroughs there is a school that they transfer to. Twickenham is a large school with stronger SEN department and they have pastoral care that seems to deal with it.

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 10:39

It is also worth mentioning that in Twickenham Academy is a Gateway division for Autistic kids 11-16yrs old

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 11:45

I understand! But that I see as a strong point if the kids find what they need there. My son is a gifted kid that will require a bit is support in the social environment. Do you know if they have support for gifted kids?

Also Richmond Park Academy seems closer to where we want to move. But not sure how to interpret the academic results. They are below the average.

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SlightlyJaded · 27/02/2024 11:57

I would go for Richmond Park Academy

Less over-subscribed than some of the Richmond Schools but actually quietly becoming more and more excellent. Even though it's our local school, I refused to send DD there eight years ago because it just wasn't improving as much as it needed to be, but six years ago, I felt far better about sending DS (with a lot of local cohort) due to new head and continued upward trajectory. And none of us have regretted it. He had some strong options for Sixth Form (including GreyCourt and Waldegrave) last year but has stayed on at RPA and is doing really well.

Grounds are brilliant
Teachers are excellent
Communication excellent
Bullying/disruption dealt with properly
Academically improving all the time across the board, but if you are reasonably interested in learning, there is no reason for you to not get excellent results. Last year, lots of kids came out with several 9s each at GCSE and DD's friend who DID go there when we didn't think the school was ready, is now at Cambridge.

The teaching is there if you want it.

There are some idiots - there are always going to idiots at state schools, but honestly, we have been so impressed.

lidonit · 27/02/2024 13:49

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 11:45

I understand! But that I see as a strong point if the kids find what they need there. My son is a gifted kid that will require a bit is support in the social environment. Do you know if they have support for gifted kids?

Also Richmond Park Academy seems closer to where we want to move. But not sure how to interpret the academic results. They are below the average.

Twickenham School have info about G&T provision on their website.

They have a new Headteacher who looks to have good credentials, but I haven't heard any first-hand experiences yet.

The previous head was much-praised for turning the school around, and was very passionate, but having seen 2 of her Open Evening speeches she didn't sell the school to me. Hopefully the new Head will build on her success.

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 14:43

My son is a gifted kid that will require a bit is support in the social environment. Do you know if they have support for gifted kids?

In what way gifted? I would not send a child that needs support in social environment to Twickenham Academy. He would be a target of " managed out" kids from other schools. This is a school for strong and resilient kids.
If he is great at maths then Turing school would be ideal or Orlean Park. But the chances of getting in in Y8 are slim.

Teddington School is a much better choice for a child with social anxiety.

And even the mentioned Richmond Park would be a safer choice

anoukis · 27/02/2024 15:11

Teddington School seems a good option. They have a High Flyers programme and also Kingfisher Centre, a specialist provision unit for those with learning needs. And good academic results and pastoral care.

https://www.teddingtonschool.org/4848/high-flyers-programme

https://www.teddingtonschool.org/4007/kingfisher-centre

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 15:53

anoukis · 27/02/2024 15:11

Teddington School seems a good option. They have a High Flyers programme and also Kingfisher Centre, a specialist provision unit for those with learning needs. And good academic results and pastoral care.

https://www.teddingtonschool.org/4848/high-flyers-programme

https://www.teddingtonschool.org/4007/kingfisher-centre

Edited

Thank you! Not sure if they have a place for us but is on the list ❤️

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Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 15:57

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 14:43

My son is a gifted kid that will require a bit is support in the social environment. Do you know if they have support for gifted kids?

In what way gifted? I would not send a child that needs support in social environment to Twickenham Academy. He would be a target of " managed out" kids from other schools. This is a school for strong and resilient kids.
If he is great at maths then Turing school would be ideal or Orlean Park. But the chances of getting in in Y8 are slim.

Teddington School is a much better choice for a child with social anxiety.

And even the mentioned Richmond Park would be a safer choice

He is gifted with an IQ in the 2%. He is a fast learner advanced in Math and English also Programming. He speaks fluently 3 languages. He is doing well academically with not much effort.

There are other schools that would be our first choice but moving in the area in year 8 we will not have much of an option unfortunately as all the other schools are oversubscribed and we can’t go private 😅.

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tennissquare · 27/02/2024 17:57

@Slubulino , I would consider moving to a cheaper part of London that is further out with more availability of places. It will still be tricky but you might get more choice in Kingston or New Malden. Families move to the borough of Richmond upon Thames for the excellent state schools and tend to stay for the duration of their child's education.

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 18:34

tennissquare · 27/02/2024 17:57

@Slubulino , I would consider moving to a cheaper part of London that is further out with more availability of places. It will still be tricky but you might get more choice in Kingston or New Malden. Families move to the borough of Richmond upon Thames for the excellent state schools and tend to stay for the duration of their child's education.

That was our hope also. To live there and benefit from a good school. What school/area are you thinking 🤔? Thank you!

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RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 18:41

He is gifted with an IQ in the 2%. He is a fast learner advanced in Math and English also Programming. He speaks fluently 3 languages. He is doing well academically with not much effort

If that is a case why you didn't send him to grammar school like Tiffin or sent him for 11+ exams to private selective?
Why don't you sent him now for 13 + exams for Hampton Boys or Kingston Grammar etc? If he is really gifted he should have easly got scholarship. Have you heard about bursaries or scholarships? Trust me, if he is really in top 2 percent and so gifted the private schools would ensure they have him on the register. Why do you consider even school like Twickenham Academy, which is the school where go all kids that didn't get any preferred choices or troubled kids?
He should have easly get to Tiffin grammar but now it is too late and he will only be able to try for Six forms.

Which primary is he attending now that the teacher has not suggested it to you?

When it comes to languages it is mostly about exposure to language rather than congeniality. Children of non native speakers acquire languages at home.

JustWingItLifeEyelinerEverything · 27/02/2024 18:45

tennissquare · 27/02/2024 17:57

@Slubulino , I would consider moving to a cheaper part of London that is further out with more availability of places. It will still be tricky but you might get more choice in Kingston or New Malden. Families move to the borough of Richmond upon Thames for the excellent state schools and tend to stay for the duration of their child's education.

There is no more choice on the other side of the river. Actually in Kingston New Malden Coombes school, Kingston Academy, Greycourt are oversubscribed and she missed the application deadline. Same with selective Tiffin Boys. Richard Challoner is oversubscribed and one has to be a catholic. Hollyfield and in particular Chessington are not good choices.

lidonit · 27/02/2024 19:27

tennissquare · 27/02/2024 17:57

@Slubulino , I would consider moving to a cheaper part of London that is further out with more availability of places. It will still be tricky but you might get more choice in Kingston or New Malden. Families move to the borough of Richmond upon Thames for the excellent state schools and tend to stay for the duration of their child's education.

This isn't true. People move in and out of the borough all of the time. However, you usually need to live quite close to schools to be high enough on their waiting list to benefit.

lidonit · 27/02/2024 19:34

He is gifted with an IQ in the 2%

I know of a local comprehensive school that gives its students the opportunity to do the Mensa test and, last I heard, about 10% of the school were in the "top 2%". That may be because we're a relatively "clever borough", or it may be because Mensa stats are bollox. Either way, being in the top 2% does not mean they will be out of place in a local comprehensive school.

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 20:49

Turing School has a special program for such children. However, the best experience these kids have in grammar schools. It is also a test if a child is gifted - the points will show

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 21:56

lidonit · 27/02/2024 19:34

He is gifted with an IQ in the 2%

I know of a local comprehensive school that gives its students the opportunity to do the Mensa test and, last I heard, about 10% of the school were in the "top 2%". That may be because we're a relatively "clever borough", or it may be because Mensa stats are bollox. Either way, being in the top 2% does not mean they will be out of place in a local comprehensive school.

I have no problem him being in a local comprehensive school. I just want a decent school where he feels included and stimulated. He is in a regular school now and he is happy.

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Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 21:57

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 20:49

Turing School has a special program for such children. However, the best experience these kids have in grammar schools. It is also a test if a child is gifted - the points will show

Yes. But the test I for year 7 and we move in year 8. Can you do an in year transfer in a grammar school?

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Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 22:02

RedFluffyPanda · 27/02/2024 18:41

He is gifted with an IQ in the 2%. He is a fast learner advanced in Math and English also Programming. He speaks fluently 3 languages. He is doing well academically with not much effort

If that is a case why you didn't send him to grammar school like Tiffin or sent him for 11+ exams to private selective?
Why don't you sent him now for 13 + exams for Hampton Boys or Kingston Grammar etc? If he is really gifted he should have easly got scholarship. Have you heard about bursaries or scholarships? Trust me, if he is really in top 2 percent and so gifted the private schools would ensure they have him on the register. Why do you consider even school like Twickenham Academy, which is the school where go all kids that didn't get any preferred choices or troubled kids?
He should have easly get to Tiffin grammar but now it is too late and he will only be able to try for Six forms.

Which primary is he attending now that the teacher has not suggested it to you?

When it comes to languages it is mostly about exposure to language rather than congeniality. Children of non native speakers acquire languages at home.

We are moving from Sweden. He is in grade 5 now in Sweden so he will jump to year 8 in September. He is already doing at home the year 7 UK curriculum for English and Math.

Because we move in Richmond in the summer when he is 12 y old he missed the train of sitting in an exam for a grammar school. :/

I didn't know about 13+ exams. I will check that now. Thank you!

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tennissquare · 27/02/2024 22:11

@Slubulino , why don't you consider the Swedish school in Barnes? Start him there while you navigate the London secondary school system and save on rent by living in an area that is cheaper than Barnes/Kew to pay the fees.

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 22:17

tennissquare · 27/02/2024 22:11

@Slubulino , why don't you consider the Swedish school in Barnes? Start him there while you navigate the London secondary school system and save on rent by living in an area that is cheaper than Barnes/Kew to pay the fees.

Thank you! Yes, I thought about that also. That can be a last option. We would like, if possible, to have him settle in an English local school. But yes, I was thinking as a last option to do that also.

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Ketzele · 27/02/2024 22:26

I have kids at Teddington (at both ends of the academic spectrum) and am happy to tell you about it. But it is a bit of a shlep from Kew or Barnes, being at the south end of the Borough. If you were to move nearer here (and it's lovely!) you would also be well placed for Tiffin, Orleans, Grey Court and Turing. I know London kids travel long distances for school, but I think it's particularly good for kids with social anxiety to have local friends.

Original poster

Slubulino · 27/02/2024 22:36

Ketzele · 27/02/2024 22:26

I have kids at Teddington (at both ends of the academic spectrum) and am happy to tell you about it. But it is a bit of a shlep from Kew or Barnes, being at the south end of the Borough. If you were to move nearer here (and it's lovely!) you would also be well placed for Tiffin, Orleans, Grey Court and Turing. I know London kids travel long distances for school, but I think it's particularly good for kids with social anxiety to have local friends.

I agree that is best to be close to school. My kid now bikes to school 5min. I think we need to visit Teddington. I checked the data and the school is 3% oversubscribed so there might be a chance for us. I plan to do another visit in the spring and to add Teddington on our list. Then I can contact the schools to see if they have any places. Now is too early to do so.

I am happy to hear more about your experience. Thank you!

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