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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Westbrook Hay Y7+

4 replies

Tinysparrow · 13/09/2024 16:46

Does anyone have any experience of Westbrook Hay school, particularly for Y7 onwards? I know it's introducing Y9 from next September and I'm looking for a secondary for my Y6 DS for next year.
It feels like it could be a bit of a wildcard as they don't have the track record with GCSEs but I've heard good things about the school in general so would like to consider it - we're going to the upcoming open day.
My ds is good at English but less so at maths, and loves drama and art. We live in Bucks but grammar isn't right for him so looking at all the alternatives. He likes taking part in sport but isn't top team and I'd like him to go somewhere where sport is encouraged and there are lots of opportunities for all abilities.
I'm interested to know what the school is like but also whether there are many kids who attend from the Amersham/Chesham area or if most kids are Hemel/north of the school based - because I'd like him to have local friends. Plus keen to know the number of children in Y7/8 and whether most stay on from Y6 or are new to school at that stage, and also whether significant number of current Y7/8s are planning to stay into Y9? My ds definitely benefits from smaller classes but I don't want to send him anywhere too small.
Thanks - I don't know anyone who goes there so welcome any local and current opinions and experience.

OP posts:
Tinysparrow · 27/09/2024 10:56

Bumping - anyone?

OP posts:
DibbleDooDah · 28/09/2024 14:45

Have sent you a PM

hrolles · 07/01/2025 00:33

Hello, I would appreciate any views on the Westbrook Hay school for year 9 onwards from September 2025… heard some positive things but worried about the fact that there is not track record… does anyone have any views?

DibbleDooDah · 07/01/2025 08:24

@hrolles Nobody will be able to comment with any real evidence as WBH won’t have a Y9 cohort until September 2025. It is a totally unknown situation.

What is known, however, is that current parents are choosing for their children to stay on. There is a lot of support for the school and I do think they will do a great job.

It fits a really nice spot in the local independent secondary sector. Small (about 40 in a year), nurturing with great pastoral, very outdoorsy, not an academic hot house and coed. The head and senior management team are passionate about what they’re doing. I think they will make a success of it, particularly with value add on GCSE grades.

If you also look at historic leaver destinations after Y6 and Y9 it gives you an indication of academic cohort - grammars, local independents (Berkhamsted, St Albans, St Columba’s and RMS) plus several boarding schools and local comps. It’s a real mixed bag that shows they can meet the needs of the individual child.

You just have to get your head around the fact that some children will have to be the first “guinea pigs” though. Nobody has a crystal ball.

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