Thoughts on Thomas's College Richmond - those with offers and those at the primaries!

[Nottoolongtogo]

Interested to hear from anyone who is currently at Thomas's for primary and if they have any info on the College in Richmond and how many are seriously considering it for Year 7?

Also interested in thoughts of those with offers and whether you are seriously considering it. Has anyone's child been awarded a Founders Scholarship and if so, are you seriously considering it?

Thank you!

I'm not sure! Sorry, it wasn't entirely clear to me. Realise that's not very helpful.

Congrats! Is she going into year 7? We are very close the signing on the dotted line; for year 7 (boy).

Is he going into year 7?

Yes year 7! Very keen to start making friends for her (one of our wobble points was that she might struggle to make friends since she's coming from a state rather than a prep school background), am hoping that school will share a list of contacts once the final decisions are all made.

Don’t worry about coming from state vs private, I don’t think children even consider this (at least mine wouldn’t!). Everyone will be keen to make friends as lots of children will be the only ones coming from their school.

hopefully we can PM once they get re-enabled!

Thank you that's lovely to hear and very reassuring.

Yea, I felt like if you accepted, you might be pressured into paying money and not sure what is the point of the founding scholarship then. I am sure many found it too risky to accept. We did not apply as the location was not ideal, but also I felt like this was too much of a marketing thing and too risky.

Yes

@violetiris @Nottoolongtogo I am sure none of the kids will care whether you are coming from state/private. Many go into secondary school not know anyone. My dd did not know anyone, but we managed to find and meet people prior to starting. Everyone was excited about making new friends. DS is now in the same boat (for a different school) and we are going to do the same for him and reach out to others starting there (I always manage to ask around and find people via their sports).

That’s amazing. Congratulations to winning the scholarship, it’s great when it’s a life changing opportunity for someone!

We just accepted the offer. If it doesn’t work, will go the boarding route a year later, but hope it will work out in the end!

I don’t think anyone will care. My daughter’s best friend is at a state school and brighter than all her classmates collectively!

Yes I wondered about this and double checked with admissions at the offer day. They confirmed anything above the 10% is entirely discretionary.

We have just accepted too!

Hurrah! Let’s message once PM is back on. Thank you for starting this thread!

My DC got the Founding Scholarship in Year 9. And I think it's well deserved. We accepted the offer.

Hi @SailingCulprit My child got a scholarship for Year 9. We accepted the offer. I wanted to DM you but it's blocked. In regards to your comment about Year 10 children - completely agree. It's not about judgment, but more about expecting particular standards for private school pupils🤓
But in general we really liked Headmaster, the team and subjects they offer. Location is great, we live in Richmond🍃🦌

I completely agree with you. That comment was in such bad taste and I really hope as future parents at the school we are looking to build a community that uplifts all the young people there regardless of their impressive achievements or public speaking ability.

Amazing, really looking forward to meeting you!!! Let’s PM when it’s back on. Well done on your Founding Scholarship, massive congratulations!

I have neither the time nor the desire to hold a debate on this via this platform. Some people got what I said, others didn’t. However, as a future parent, may I assure you that I encourage my children to be themselves above all and we are not racing after achievements, they just happen through passion and dedication. As the message before yours put it very well, it’s not about the judgement but a certain expectation from private school children. Schools tend to build a certain air of confidence and presence because, ultimately, they will need it in future life. I had no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings and messages tend to be interpreted in a different way by different people. And maybe our values just don’t cross, there is no need of judgement as you know nothing about me or my children!

Hi all. We have an offer for year 10 and like what we’ve seen so far. Our main worry is we don’t know what the atmosphere will be like - eg will it be stiff/formal/strict? Has anyone toured the Putney Vale school as this may give a clue? We’re looking for somewhere quite relaxed as our child is very diligent and well behaved anyway and finds anything too stiff rather stressful. Thanks!

Have you spoken to admissions and asked for a tour of Putney Vale so you can get a sense of the vibe? When I had questions I sent them an email and either admissions called me back or they get the head or curriculum to call me. They are very approachable with all the questions.

Asked for a tour of Putney Vale but they were quite reluctant - I think they’re worried about putting people off! I have been able to speak to quite a few teachers now though. All very helpful.

Just discovered Kingston Grammar School is being currently sued through the courts (heard from a lawyer friend in chambers), older girls are leaving in droves, now the staff turnover is shocking.

Chose Thomas’ as away from the pollution in the town, and offering negotiations on fees - depending on “impact”. Talent? Sport? Some children representation not just for county but country in sport.

Any whiff of sporty older sibling, mum and dad. Music? Drama? (EGOT) Shows (Covent Garden runs)? “Sibling energy”—older successful siblings…at Oxbridge even if little one not going. Also a tech factor, any Computer Science, Design background (architecture) is seen as a yes. Doctors and lawyer mums and dads lined the walls (apparently most likely to follow into profession )

The grounds are sublime and the inaugural recruiting line up of staff is like a who’s who: Eton, Winchester, St Paul’s, Westminster, Laytmer all backed by a hedge fund. Applied for a Founding, no. But got a scholarship, yes.

Do you know a lot of people going to Thomas’? You seem to know a lot about the families who applied!