Thomas's Clapham, Streatham and Clapham Prep offers Post Reply

[Flowermummy]

I for one was not even aware of the "managing out" of "low achievers" - so I actually found this info helpful.
Does anyone know if this is common for schools in our area (Thomas's, Broomwood, SCP, Newton prep, Eaton House)? Or only some do it?

Paddy123 - you will see next year that is it not as simple as really liking a school... We thought like you last year (really liked Thomas's, and we still do), but now we have 2 offers and we like both schools (each with their pluses and minuses) and are trying to decide which would be best for our child. Choosing one means you no longer have the option to go to the other, so it's a very important decision to get right. I'm of the opinion that it's worth hearing people's opinions (it's a forum, so mainly about people's opinions..) and weighing them up according to how credible they sound.

[Confus_ed]

I think it is fairly common practice for most of the schools although they'd never admit it and it's hard to work out how much of it is the schools actively nudging children to leave as opposed to parents being disgruntled as it becomes clear the fit isn't right.

My daughter's last school had kids join from other local preps around Yr2/3 and the playground gossip was this was why.

SCP is slightly different as being linked to a senior school the process is more formal. I gather girls are warned in Yr 5 if the school doesn't think they will pass the senior school entrance. Parents and teachers then work out whether they can catch up or need a plan B.

[Confus_ed]

Oh and, I know it is hard, but try not to worry too much Flowermummy - there's actually lots of movement between the schools later on as people leave London and around 7+ time when some kids move across into the all through schools that start at 7 (e.g. Dulwich, Kings, Colet Court ...).

Moving them isn't ideal but there isn't the bottleneck demand for places that you get at 4 and 11.

[papinian]

A couple of comments on the "managing out" of low achievers:

- All of the cases I have had direct knowledge of have involved 4-11 schools, i.e. combined prep / pre-prep (also have all been girls, but that's because my own children are girls). That's a reflection of the fact that prep schools that start at 7+ (e.g. Northcote Lodge) assess at that age, when a child's development is more obvious, and those who reach the requisite level are unlikely to fall behind.

- As Confus_ed notes, "managing out" is handled differently in prep schools that are linked to a secondary school because "leavers' destinations" are not such an important part of the competitive position of such prep schools. Parents are told that they child is unlikely to be admitted to the secondary but are not really put under pressure to move their child out of the prep school - in practice, of course, a move often happens because it is best strategically for that child in securing the best alternative secondary place.

Confus_ed: Do you really think that there is less of a bottleneck at 7+ than there is at 4+ and 11+? My impression was that there are a fair number of "state til eight" families looking to move from the state sector at 7+ - including families whose finances couldn't comfortably support independent schooling at 4+ but perhaps can three years later. Also, I'm not sure that families with children of this age move out of Wandsworth in the way that they did a decade ago or earlier.

[dudette]

Thomas's has a LOT of Oxbridge-educated parents so Paddy, Sofia and Papinian would all feel right at home there.

I'm a bit concerned that most of the people commenting on here aren't actually Thomas's parents. I am and in all my years there I've never heard of a child being 'managed out'. However, you have to bear in mind that while it caters for a broad range of abilities, it's a fast-paced school, with long hours (albeit long holidays) and lots going on, so it doesn't suit every child, and people do move their kids if they either feel they're struggling or if they think another school is a better fit (e.g. I've come across children being moved because the boys' sports are better at other schools). All those Oxbridge parents tend to have quite bright offspring so the average ability is pretty high. Also don't forget that it is quite easy to move kids around after Reception so if the school doesn't suit it's not the end of the world.

If you want to get a better feel for the school, they're having a Xmas Fair on Saturday. I'm sure they'd welcome any NappyValleyNetters wanting to have a snoop (and spend some money!). Take a note of the kids and see if you think that's the sort of child you'd like yours to grow into (although bear in mind they'll all be on a collective sugar rush from the sweet stall).

[Confus_ed]

Papinian - 7+ is undoubtedly competitive but I think most people are aiming for the schools that go to 18 at that point - JAPS, DC, Alleyns, KCJS, Wimbledon and Putney High rather than the smaller preps.

[lolaloves]

We are currently deciding between Thomas's and Hornsby house. I was also really keen on Thomas and desperate for Ss to get in. We know some happy parents and some less so that feel that whilst the current headmaster has cut homework and de stressed the school, it's still very full on. I hear nothing but good things about Hornsby and the 11+ results are amazing. The facilities at Thomas's are really swaying me though! Dd is articulate and confident but also quite sensitive so I am worried Thomas's might be too much for her. I do believe school should be fun until at least 8. Anyone got any views on Hornsby? Thanks in advance

[Confus_ed]

Also 'state til 8' are usually wanting day rather than boarding schools so the schools focusing on 13+ don't really fit.

[pie81]

lola, the obvious difference between the two is Thomas's goes to 13 and sends plenty of children to boarding schools - Hornsby goes to 11 and does almost entirely day schools (one or two boarders a year). Are you interested in boarding, if so that could be a decider in favour of Thomas's, assuming you think your child(ren) would be equally happy at each. If not... well personally I'd always pick the option with 100% good reviews over the one with mixed reviews!

[sw11newby]

My daughter is currently in Year 1 at Thomas's. We chose it mainly on location but I am so happy we did. My daughter is naturally very shy and they have done an amazing job of bringing her out of her shell....in a nice way! Please PM me if you would like to ask any questions

[DonJ]

On a related note from my original post - and it's great to hear from so many parents with experience of the schools in question, so thank you!- am I being insane to even contemplate a double school run (as in, to two different schools?), especially in conjunction with an office-based job... ?

[Confus_ed]

It will definitely be more tricky and I would avoid it if you can.

That said I picked my kids' first school in no small part because it was co-ed and they could both go. We ended up moving them both after a couple of years as it wasn't right for either and really regret having sent them there when I look back on it.

Two school runs gets easier as they get bigger and can use school buses, breakfast and after-school clubs etc... What year will your daughter be when your son starts?

[DonJ]

Three years, so she is 2017 entry, and he is 2020...

[DonJ]

Imagine there are a few disgruntled parents at SCP if their children haven't made the entry into the senior school? Although I guess comes back to how impossible it is to gauge which secondary school is appropriate at age 3, and sounds like they are handling it well...

[Goldhawk]

I would say that all of the schools manage out their low achievers to some extent

Or rather they help them find a suitable school and suggest moving them earlier eg if they don't think they will make the grade at 11+

To the poster who asked about Hornsby - it's a lovely school but the small site is a disadvantage. Thomas' has a lovely big playground and imho better facilities - miniature potters wheels anyone?

Hornsby's PE/Sport dept talks about being inclusive but some of the staff are very closed minded and if your child is labelled sporty they will be picked for all the teams and invited to additional training. Those not chosen are left behind. School swimming lessons are only in reception - year 2.