I agree Fraggierocks, Happy Mummy - you and the team of Mum's and Dad's behind this drive is doing a fantastic job and you should all be proud of your efforts. Well done!!!

Hi Happy Mummy. I totally agree with you. I am sure it is a great school (not personal experience but have looked round it and liked a lot). Just saying that you should sell it on what IT has to offer and not how it compares, on one or two data points, to other local schools (especially as whatever the rankings this year, might next year be totally different - and that wouldn't mean SFs had suddenly got worse, it would just reflect a different group of children). I think people should consider it as a great local option, on its own merits, that's all.

Seriously, I am very impressed with the groundswell of opinion that has built. You are doing a good job.

Hi Fraggle rocks,

We are highlighting a school which, deserves a reputation based on what it currently has to offer, rather than what it offered seven years ago.
Comparisons have been made from personal experience of individuals and not ignorant guesses. It is important to remember that essentially, discussions about this school are all based on personal opinions and views which are then being shared with good nature for others to view as they wish.

Ultimately one should view all the criteria for school choice and decide what they feel is the best option- I however feel that we are so lucky to have this resource right on our doorstep.

St Faiths seems great and the community support is what all our local schools deserve. Beware of picking stats and competing with other local schools - we can all pick our info to say that one or another is out performing the rest. KS1 data for St Faiths is very good this yr but at KS2 the numbers of boys getting L5+ is unexpected and I think Ofsted has commented on this issue before. Next year it might be a different picture in either direction.

Well done to this group for supporting this school. If it is your local school it seems like a very good choice and I am sure it is working hard where it has challenges.

Thank you for arranging this. So pleased to have found out about st faiths, I have to confess in spite of being locals it was completely off our radar. Really impressed with the warm atmosphere, passionate head, driven teachers and results (out performing all farthing, Beatrix potter and the Roche last year is quite something).

Hi All,

For those who are coming to the St. Faith's Primary school info evening hosted by local parents, the venue has changed to:

The Brewers Inn
(on the corner of East Hill and St. Ann's Hill.)

Time: 7.30pm- 9pm (approx)

Happy mummy !! wrote:Hi SW Tonsley,

Re: Prospective Parents info evening- St Faith's

Yes, further to the success of last year's gathering, there is another info evening. It's an opportunity for prospective parents to meet other local parents with children in the same school year in-take, and to meet parents with kids already in the school. (incl nursery).
Grab a drink and join us in the function room.

Look forward to seeing you this Monday at 7.30pm

Good news!
I keep hearing people mentioning that they are coming to the prospective parent's evening in the Alma, so hopefully will be great to meet lots of mums and dads.

Thank you for this.
She told me she has since joined the St Faith's parents FB page and read the details.

Hi SW Tonsley,

Re: Prospective Parents info evening- St Faith's

Yes, further to the success of last year's gathering, there is another info evening at The Alma (upstairs room) on Monday 4th November, 7.30pm-9pm. It's an opportunity for prospective parents to meet other local parents with children in the same school year in-take, and to meet parents with kids already in the school. (incl nursery).
Grab a drink and join us upstairs.

Just coming back to this thread as I was asked at the playground by a new mum to the area about some prospective parents get together. Are there any details so when I see her again I can let her know.

There are some pics on the school's website, so you can see what they're up to:

http://www.stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk/new-building/

"St Faith’s School has constantly been improving the learning environment for our children. We have developed the Early Years Unit over the past 3 years. As our Junior Class are now full we are investing in improving our junior classrooms. We are extending the Year 5 and Year 6 classrooms; not only increasing the size of the rooms but will be investing in the latest technology. We are always looking for ways to help our children succeed."

I walked past the school and saw the classroom extension building works is nearing completion. Great to see all the investment taking place.

It all looks very impressive and you do not realize how much space the School has within the grounds at the back.

I feel they are pretty pro-active and, which is more impt, effectively pro-active about dealing with my son's issues. They are keen for parents to be involved and willing to listen to my suggestions or comments, but they definitely are on the situation without my chasing them. I am very happy with the way the school is dealing with it actually. My son has certainly made huge strides this year. And I also get the impression they are equally happy pushing those at the other end of the spectrum too. One of the reasons why I chose the school was the way they manage differentation actually. I am a teacher and it was a relief to find somewhere with teachers with such a competent vibe.

I meant to say a couple of other things before. The deputy head also seems like a very clued up, dynamic and energetic sort of person. And while it's clear they don't tolerate bad behaviour, I have never heard a teacher having to raise their voices or sound really cross in order to keep the kids in line. There's a really pleasant yet purposeful atmosphere.

Ah the Tonsleys. Yes. I've suddenly noticed that half the roads there are called that. How unobservant am I?

Hi Mama H,

My daughter is starting there in September so it's really interesting to hear the views from an 'insider'. Have to say, that I have very rarely heard anything negative about the school and certainly no more than any other primary school in the area. Can I ask if you felt the teaching team were proactive in addressing the issue regarding your son's learning to read and write in 2 languages or did you have to push them a little?

P.s The area in which the school is situated is referred to as 'The Tonsleys'. It stretches approximately from East Hill to Old York Road (south to north) encompassing most of it in between.

My child goes to St Faith's - in the reception class currently. I'm not sure it is undersubscribed at the moment - rumour has it that people were turned away from the reception this year. It is a small-ish class at 26 tho, so rumour may be wrong.

I am happy with it. I like the way they have the nursery and reception mixing, I like the small group teaching they do and I like the mix of pupils who go there.

My child didn't go to a nursery and is coping with learning to read and write in two languages simultaneously, so didn't have the easiest of entries into full time education. The teachers really rallied behind us though, they have been really energetic in their support and in looking for solutions, and he's getting on well now.

The only downside I've found so far was that they had a bit of a drawnout changeover between one teacher going part time and another coming back from maternity leave, with a number of supply teachers for a while and they do seem to have two and a half main teachers in addition to the teaching assistants currently, which must take some co-ordination. I like the teaching team now, though, and they seem to have got into a rhythm as far as handing over goes.

And finally, their assemblies are great fun - I highly recommend taking the offer to go up when it is made.

Can I ask - what is the Tonsleys?