Harrodian/Ibstock/Emanuel

[Richford]

Hello

I'd love to know what people think of Harrodian please - we are considering it together with Emanuel and Ibstock - although don't have places at any yet so may all be academic. Harrodian is the most convienient but the only reports I've heard of it aren't the most complimentary - ie that it's not particularly academic, more like a country club, you need to drive a Range Rover or a Bently to fit in...... Does anyone have any direct experience please?

Harrodian did quite a bit better in the 16-18 yr performance than Emanuel or Ibstock.
All schools and colleges in England - Compare school and college performance data in England - GOV.UK

but i guess it depends which way you want to analyze the data.
emanuel if you look at the numbers is missing the data on 4 students out of 146, were they ill on that day or tested off site? two missing from ibstock. makes me wonder if the missing students are students who's grades might disrupt the stats...

6th form data isn't always helpful because of the large movement of pupils between schools and to colleges.

@Richford , go with your gut but yes your assessment of how Harrodian is viewed is not unusual. Also take into account how much fees are going to go up from Sept and how hard any school will work to keep them in line with inflation/NI increases etc

Sorry, thought those were your 3 choices for naming your new child.

Thanks Redrobin75. Do you have any experience of Harrodian - is it an accurate assessment? We are a very normal family - there will be sacrifices to afford private - esp with the vat. Is it a school where "normal" families will fit in?

Thanks GildedRage - that's a really interesting link. I think all schools try to massage the data to some degree but overall I would hope it is reasonably accurate!

Harrodian : well off families , less diverse than other two schools , is after very confident kids

Ibstock, Emanuel: more down to earth families . Competition for Emanuel is fierce !

@Richford , sorry I'm not a parent and don't know any pupils there currently.
If you read previous secondary school entrance threads you will see that prep heads say it's the hardest school to predict who will get offers.

Apply to all three and go to the open days and see how the process is handled. Once you get offers, go to the school events for offers and decide.
Ask those questions about GCSEs etc to the teachers. Those schools have a percentage going to US universities so would be doing SATs etc.
Check schools curriculum and subjects options for GCSEs and A levels.

Emanuel's entrance process leaves a lot to be desired ( forgetting to give kids extra time, leaving them to freeze outside for 40 mins to get in) I could go on. However, I think once it, its great, they just have 1000s of kids to choose from
Harrodian - really liked the interview, very different and I really liked it, its a bold choice, not traditional at all.
Ibstock - would avoid, reports of over zealous discipline and declining standards, look at their GSCE English, totally unacceptable results

However, you must see for yourself as everyone's experiences and gut feel is so different.

Ibstock' English Language 9-7 % are better than Harrodian's aren't they- according to their website anyway? Why are they considered so bad?

I dont know why Ibstock gets some negative press - i read that some feel discipline is too harsh but I thought that changed when the headmistress left and they seemed really hot on pastoral care at the open day. Any current Ibstock parents out there that can share their thoughts please?

As for Harrodian, seems like marmite.

Slippersandrum that doesn't sound great. Have you been a parent at the school?

@Slippersandrum would you mind sharing where your children are now? By PM if you prefer. I have a son currently at one of these authoritarian academies, but could afford an independent school, and I am very keen to move him to a school that is kind, as you put it.