Esher High School - any recent experiences?

[Falcon1]

I really liked it at the open day and am considering over Hinchley Wood due to its more relaxed vibe and more focus on wellbeing. Both my DD and I got a really positive feeling when we visited. Can anyone provide me with intel? I know no one with kids there so it feels like a punt.

It’s a great school. All three of our DC have gone through and done well, been well supported and educated. I’m very grateful that they had such a good school in our catchment.

they also get a guaranteed place at Esher College for sixth form - which is amazing.

Oh that’s good to know, thank you! Can I ask what behaviour is like? Is it well managed? And do you know how strong the SEN provision is? I spoke to the senco who seemed great but would be good if you’ve any experience in this area?

My only experience dealing with SEN wasn’t good - but in fairness was about 6 years ago and with a SENCO who departed soon after. In fairness he did put in place the arrangements my DC needed, but it took a lot of chasing.

I think behaviour is well managed. It’s hard with secondary as you depend upon your child for information but the control measures (ie no phones allowed) always felt sensible to me - even when my children disagreed! Teenage children will always include those who are learning through making mistakes, but the impression I’m left with is of a school that takes pastoral care seriously and really supports the individual children. I hope that helps.

It does, thanks so much - really appreciated

I don’t have a child at Esher C of E but I do know Esher SFC well and agree it is excellent.

Hinchley Wood School is very geared toward academic excellence and is very high achieving because of its intake largely. If your child needs a lot of support then I’d really quiz them beforehand to see what is actually available. For example I asked for something fairly standard and low cost, and which most schools have access to (a commercial package) and was basically told, no can do, cough up yourselves. Trips are also very expensive. The ski trip in year 9 was a whole 50% more than at my other child’s very close- by school’s one. They get great results though!

Yes, the feeling I got from the Senco at Hinchley Wood is that they’d rather my DD apply elsewhere - did not get a good feeling at all

I suppose the other thing to comment if you’re considering between the two is that sixth form college doesn’t suit everyone. My DCs all thrived there, but if your child needs a lot of structure or consistency then a school with an attached sixth form might suit better. Esher High doesn’t have a sixth form so the option is only for Esher College. We feel like it’s a win for our DCs, but if they needed a different environment we could feel quite different I guess.

Thank you, yes it is something to consider for sure. She currently lacks executive function and needs a lot of support with schoolwork. no idea if that will still be the case at sixth form. Esher college does look fantastic though and I can imagine she’d be very excited by all the artistic options for A level.