Alleyns school - anyone with experience of?

[maggiethecat]

Quite fancy the idea of co-ed secondary for dd - does anyone have any experience of this school?

I agree with Dulwichproudmum. Went to an open day there this year and was shocked about how homogenously "blonde" it all was - in this day and age, I found it very bizarre indeed. Not for us on that count.

Hi
I'm a sixth former at Alleyn's, not a mum so don't know what I'm doing on mumsnet, but wanted to give an opinion from someone who actually goes to the school. I've been here since year 1 and absolutely love it, can't see myself anywhere else, and no, I am not blonde nor particularly outgoing (more quiet and serious.) I agree that it's not particularly ethnically diverse, and everyone is aware of it, but comparing my year to the current year 7s, this has improved hugely.
You can work out for yourself that it is academically excellent, and by the time I arrived in sixth form I genuinely enjoyed learning for the sake of it, rather than for exams, and so do most students. I think that's one of the best things about Alleyn's- I have always felt really prepared for my exams, but in lessons I don't feel as though everything is geared towards them-there is time to relax and have fun as we are taught. Another thing that I think is really important is that the vast majority of teachers are more than happy to go the extra mile to ensure a pupil fulfills their potential, for example if you ask something outside the syllabus they will happily explain or discuss it.
There are loads of opportunities in almost every field you can think of, from chess club to water polo, and most people get quite involved.
Yes it's a bit weird that we have a Costa, but we all love it, so do the teachers, and to be honest so would your child! It doesn't feel like a business within the school, more of a small extension of the dining room that is smart enough to fit with the theater and does extra good drinks :) and it's cheaper than real Costa
The atmosphere is really good, everyone seems happy most of the time, I've never really heard about any bullying, and pupils in general are very willing to get to know each other. I really do feel my confidence has grown a lot during my time at Alleyn's.
Obviously I have no experience of JAGS, but I get the feeling that Alleyn's is a lot less bitchy! Although probably because it's co-ed.
Also UCAS preparation is very good- get loads of support.
I know it sounds like I'm being paid to advertise the school/am the headmaster in disguise but I promise I'm not!!

I was there in early 80s/Derek Fenner. Alleyn's was for 'lively' kids who were not square enough for DC; DC intake was judged on 'oxbridge potential'. Glad to hear tradition is alive and well in townley road - we had the happiest time of our lives & many also got into oxbridge in spite of the parties! If you and your kids are boring - avoid.

Hi
My son got place in Alleyns for Sixth form.
He also got place in Wilsons Grammar school South London.
Commuting wise both good. Can someone please advise academic wise as both are top notch hence a bit confused.

Any suggestions please on academics.

Thanks

Hi @Xtrawberryvibes you will get more replies if you start a new discussion in Secondary Education, as this is an old thread.

If they are both top notch academically then pick whichever you think your child will be happier at, and enjoy the lessons more, as that’s likely to make the difference. Nice problem to have!

If you have a place for sixth form (starting next week?) then you are already on the hook for at least one term’s fees- so this is v late to still be dithering?

but yes, start a new thread.

All the Dulwich schools are excellent in different ways, but I will say in terms of creativity (and I feel I can say this with over 30 years as a professional creative, my husband as well) I was slightly put off by this within the school for these reasons. 1. The school isn't diverse and that limits creative thinking. 2. The arts departments were to shiny for me. I think you need to be able to make something out of nothing. You don't need shiny theatres at that age. It's unrealistic. The facilities are better than some Olivier award winning theatres. My DS did get a place with an academic scholarship, but he wanted to try for a music scholarship. At the time he had only completed grade 3/4 on his instruments because we didn't really push him to do grades, we wanted him to be creative with his music because he was passionate and very good. Allyens was the only school that wouldn't hear him play for consideration because of his grade level. Every other school did and offered him music scholarships. That is shortsighted on the creative front, especially if you are getting kids from the state sector who may not have had the same opportunity to pay for lessons and exams. My DS didn't want to go there after that. I know it's a good school, we have friends with kids there, but It's just something to think about.

My daughter has just left Alleyns post a levels. We were very happy with her experience there

regarding the comment on diversity there is a huge push and I understand a big expansion in bursaries and a soft quota for state school primaries. They constantly have diversity programmes and push hard on black history week and other initiatives around pride etc.

Thank you all for your experiences.