Hornsby house and Thomas's Post Reply

[Franklin girl]

Hi,
Our son has been offered a place starting in year 2 for both Hornsby house and Thomas's.
Does anyone have experience of these schools that they can share to help us make their decision? Would
Love to know how happy the kids are/where they end up afterwards etc. We are moving from an (out of town) state to private and so want to make sure we are also making a prudent financial move.
Many thanks in advance

[Scribbler]

I don't have much knowledge on Thomas's, but our boys are both at Hornsby, and our experience there so far (reception to year 2) has been absolutely wonderful. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to help.

[ladyofacertainage]

If you want your son to stay to 13, it's Thomas', to 11 it's Hornsby. My 3 all went to Hornsby and it was great for them, but have friends who went to Thomas' and they loved it too. All at secondary school now (just) and there's no difference between the kids. In the end go for the one you have the best gut feel about, that suits you and your famioly, they should both be willing to show you around again to help you make up your mind

[snowyhunter]

You are lucky to have a choice of 2 excellent schools!

I have 2 children at Hornsby and they (and we) love it. It's a very nurturing school but achieves academically as well. The impression I get is that Thomas's pushes the children quite hard so it depends whether that would suit your children. If you haven't already go and visit each and as a previous poster says, go with your gut.
Good luck

[jafina]

I have 3 very happy children at Hornsby. I get the impression that the new Head is keen to improve the academic "rigour" of the school, despite it being non-selective. I still think it will be less pushy than Thomas's but I don't think there is a massive difference anymore.

Most children leave Hornsby after Y6 to London day schools. This year the vast majority of boys will be heading off to Whitgift, Emanuel, Dulwich College and Alleyn's with 1 or 2 boys heading off to board (out of about 30).

Visit them again and go with your gut (or shortest commute!).

[Lulubear]

My son attends Thomas's and is very happy there. He is in Year One. I haven't noticed any pushiness at this stage in his school career but can't say how it would be higher up the school. They get some homework but it is not too demanding. He manages to fit a number of after school activities in and occasional play dates. The children seem to have a lot of fun in the lower school (reception to year two) which is the part of the school I know. I can't compare directly with Hornsby although from what I have seen of it and it's reputation I think it's a good school too so you are spoilt for choice!

I think the Thomas's has done a good job so far of developing my son's abilities and enthusiasm to learn.

You can choose to stay to 11 or 13 at Thomas's as they prepare for both sets of exams. You make the decision later not at the time of joining the school.

The school is quite sporty and has a wide range of after school clubs on offer (not just sports clubs but many other choices).

You can pm me with any specific questions if you wish.

[Franklin girl]

Thanks so much for all your replies so far / really helpful!