Thames Christian College - experiences?

[GroveMum]

Hi,

Has anyone got any experiences or views about this school - good or bad that they would like to share?

Thanks

Dont know much except we know a lovely and bright girl who went there.

Cheaper than other private schools and the website suggests it is no frills. I like the idea of there being an alternative to the sleek and glossy private schools if you have don't have enough money, but have good reason to want to avoid a failing South London secondary. I would assume some very motivated parents and a wide ethnic and social mix.

I hope someone posts as I would like to hear some good things.

I posted originally because I was thinking of it as a possible Plan B in case my daughter has problems at her new massive scarey comp where she starts in September. I don't know if I could really afford it but have to do something if she hates it and at £800 pm it is the cheapest option. Also understand they are good with dyslexic kids.

I was acquainted with the Mum of a child who went a couple of years ago and she did not think much of it. BTW we are not Christian but she said they do not push the Christian bit that much.

Hi,

I went to the open day at Thames last October straight after visiting Emmanuel. I much preferred Thames. The location and building was not that impressive, but the warmth from the staff and students more than made up for that. I spoke to all the teachers and a lot of the students, the former seemed genuinely interested in ds although he wasn't with me at the time. DS also has a condition similar to dyslexia which I think the school would cope well with. Also liked that school is very small for a secondary school with just over 100 students. DS's current school only has 80+ students so shouldn't be too much of a culture shock. However I think they may be expanding their Year 10 intake so I don't know how this will affect numbers.

Also spoke to a friend of a friend whose ds is at Alleyns and she sent her dd to Thames in Sept and couldn't be happier with the progress she has made.

My only concern is that they only have 1 form entry (22 children) and although we try to follows a christian ethos in the way we live, we are not practising church goers. We hope that this doesn't go against us.

We will be taking ds to see the school in Sept/Oct and we just hope that he loves school as much as we did.

Hope this has been some help.

Thank you for sharing your experience, it makes such a difference if the staff are genuinely caring.

Hi I am sending my son there ( Thames Christian College) this September. On visiting I had a very warm feel about the school and the Headmaster seemed very genuine, a real difference from his previous prep school in West Sussex. Will keep you posted on his progress.

Busy, thread is 3 yrs old so you may be better off starting a new one.

I know this school has a very high number of pupils who leave mid year for some reason and that the staff are not that good as some are parents and not qualified. I think that their results were the lowest in Wandsworth.

I am very happy with my experience of Thames and how my son has developed academically and socially. Last year’s GCSE results ranked 6th out of the 17 secondary schools in Wandsworth, with those ranked higher being academically selective independent schools. Last year they had 79% A-C grades. This year they got 91% A-C including Maths and English. (See
www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/education/school_tables/secondary/12/html/212.stm?compare= ) There are a couple of teachers whose children go to the school - does this make any difference? These teachers are both well qualified and caring.

My son is in the school, and I have to say, that I'm very pleased with everything. My son is more The academic type, and he fits very well in the school. I find him being much more confident, and being more and more inquisitive about the news, musique, science, asking a lot of very interesting questions
he's changing in a nice teenager, inquisitive, kind, Independant and really happy.

The teachers, all of them, are doing a great job, they know each student very well and they are able to stretch them academically. My son feels safe in this environment of respect and kindness.
Our experience is outstanding.

My child attends the school. It has been a great experience and they have developed on many many levels. Hugely supportive and prepares young people for the real world. It is a real school, by real I mean it encourages independence and maturity and a sense of respect for each other. Good Choice. Opps if I have put this message in twice !

Yes my daughter attends Thames and it is wonderful. Last year she spent year 7 in a more selective school with lots of facilities and new buildings, however, she experienced bullying from both teachers and children and the management was not good, with teachers failing to follow crucial policies that are the foundation of childrens morale, such as rewards and sanctions. At Thames, the children are constantly recognised and rewarded for their strengths and there is mutual respect amongst all staff and children, so everyone treats each other very well. My daughter is reasonably academic, but being in a more mixed peer group is very positive and she is going from strength to strength in her studies. We are very impressed with the presentation of her work and how motivated she is to complete her homework and do her very best. I work in education and spend time in many schools, private and state. Without a doubt Thames is a gem, I can see that as a parent and as a professional. It's all about the people, and they are great, both the teachers and the children. The teachers are well qualified, experienced and knowledgeable. If you want to be sure your child will be loved, respected and performing at their maximum potential then this is the right school. No one gets lost in the crowd, everyone is known and acknowledged. Very strong art and drama departments too.

I also sent my son to Thames after trying a local secondary school. My son is dyslexic and the local schools which we could access in our area could not meet his educational needs - we did try for nearly two years and it was a horrible experience for my son and our family. I agree totally with the last comment, Thames is a lovely school and the staff are extremely caring as well as being exceptional teachers. Even after a short time at the school my son is thriving socially and being academically challenged for the first time since starting secondary school. I am also now having proper conversations with him again.....

Any updates on this thread? I am thinking of this school. The building and surrounding area look terrible, but I'd like to hear people's experiences of the school

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Hi - I feel for you trying to get some responses!

Have you tried a more local forum? For example NappyValleyNet (Wandsworth focussed I think). A few things came up on a search there? Also elevenplusforum is not just about grammars, but also indie school chat, you might be lucky?

nappyvalleynet.com/community/search.php?keywords=thames%20christian%20college

Good luck!

Don't know anything about this school in particular, but based on some comments I would be worried about the school's financial health. No matter how good and caring the teaching, it's not going to help if the school goes bust halfway through year 10, and falling rolls, tiny year groups and shabby buildings don't bode well. My secondary went bankrupt after I finished my O-levels. Ask some hard questions.

Thanks for taking pity on me. :-)
They say they're starting building work on a purpose built new school premises Grant Rd this winter and expanding to a three form entry and a sixth form. I think they've been saying that for at least a couple of years so hope it;s not pie in the sky.'

This is an amazing school! I have two children attend Thames and highly recommend it.

My daughter moved to Thames from a larger girl's independent school where she was incredibly unhappy, moving her was the best decision we could have made. She was a changed child, and once again enjoys going to school. Academically she is also doing really well as happy children usually do but I think that the amazing teachers have made the most difference. She works hard and her effort is acknowledged and she is stretched and challenged all the time but always in achievable ways so that she feels successful. The students can easily contact teachers if they have any questions.

My son attended from Y7 and has always loved it. I asked my son what makes Thames different to other schools and after a brief moment of thought he replied 'The teachers actually really care about you'- I think that says it all!

I have found the pastoral care at Thames to be the best of any school I have been involve with. Being small the teachers know all the students when there are any issues, which is inevitable in any school, they are dealt with very quickly and sensitively. Bad behaviour is just not tolerated.

The school is not in a beautiful building but the atmosphere inside is wonderful. The kids actually enjoy going to school. If you are looking for a pretty school then this is not the school for you. However, if you want a school that works with you to nurture a well rounded happy child then Thames is just what you are looking for.

I would suggest that you have a look at Thames and see for yourself what it is all about.