Rutherford House or Fircroft or Ravenstone Post Reply

[Mum36]

I have two children at Fircroft Primary School (one in year 4 and one in reception) and we are absolutely delighted with the school. It was our first choice, having visited all the other local schools and we feel so lucky to have got in. The head teacher and her deputy have both been at the school for many years and are extremely experienced. I have found that Fircroft is fantastic at stretching and challenging pupils to ensure they achieve their full potential. As a result of this, by the age of 11, pupils’ attainment is generally above average (as stated in the last Ofsted report).
There's a lovely nurturing atmosphere at the school and we've had fantastic class teachers throughout. The range of after-school clubs includes over 25 different activities such as art, drama, gymnastics, football with Chelsea Football Club, Playball, photography, table tennis, basketball, science club etc. There's also a very active PTA, full of parents who really want the best for their kids. Happy to answer any other questions you may have. Thanks.

[shaneleone]

I am also a very, very happy parent at Fircroft. My eldest will be going into Year 1, and my middle will be starting nursery. What I love about Fircroft is that it really feels like a family, and is a true community school. My eldest is thriving, happy, confident, and challenged. The teachers we've had at Fircroft (at nursery and reception) have been amazing, and I really feel a part of the school, even though we're just starting. There are loads of clubs on offer, and I really couldn't feel luckier. Happy to talk by PM or answer any specific questions.

[Jan123]

We chose Fircroft School and our daughter has got in. We are very pleased and have accepted. We liked the school's feel, the attainment pretty good according to the tables and the Headteacher's ethos. We have since made friends with parents locally who are very pleased with the school. Actually many parents with children at other local schools, be they Rutherford House or Hillbrook or St Anselm's or Ravenstones have been pleased so I do feel it is down to individual preference which we choose first. We are very lucky to be presented with such choice here.
many thanks all

[mrbred]

I'd love to hear more about what people think are some great aspects or even advantages of Fircroft over other local state primaries? We are considering a move to the area, but are a bit hesitant as it would put us out of reach of Balham schools like Rutherford House.

[shaneleone]

I have two children at Fircroft, with my third starting next year - and what I love most about the school is the inclusivity and sense of community. The early years teachers are amazing, and my children have been stretched, challenged and nurtured. The head teacher knows all of my children by name, and even bits about their personalities, including the youngest who doesn't even attend yet. There is a very active PTA, and the parents are happy and involved. The school is also representative of the community, and education is a priority for the families there. We are incredibly happy at Fircroft, and I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend it.

[silviahm]

I chose Fircroft over Ravenstone many years ago because my eldest has special needs and I felt Fircroft were less scared of his tracheostomy and were very inclusive of him. My other two followed. My youngest is about to leave ending my 9 year tenure as a Fircroft mum. I have made some incredibly close and wonderful friends. And I have also grown as a person. The school is more diverse than other schools which are predominantly white and middle class. My children are very multicultural as a result and do not choose friendships based on colour or creed.

[princta]

Fircroft is a real community school. The PTA are amazing and there is lots to do to get involved in school life. The teachers and senior leaders carefully track every child to ensure every child does the best they can. They have a number of interventions for children who need extra supper and also extra activities for children who need challenging.
They are a Rights Respecting School which really appeals to me. They ensure children are aware of their rights and those of other children around the world.
They have a broad curriculum unlike some schools which focus too heavily on maths and English and lots of after school clubs. They are strong on sports and performing arts.
The headteacher does tours most Wednesdays and I would recommend you attend one of these.

[mrbred]

Thanks all, very helpful. I have just booked a tour, so looking forward to seeing for myself.

[mumtobusyboy]

Hello I also would suggest considering Trinity St Mary's on Balham Park Road. My son is in Reception at TSM and also went to nursery there! It's quite different to most Wandsworth schools in that it has just one class per year and small classes at that - circa 20! Because the school is smaller it's incredibly friendly and you get to know parents and kids from all years. My son loves it there and is very happy. The school has a fantastic reception teacher who does so much with the kids and he is doing really well. It is a CofE school but this is not over heavy and I like the values that the children are taught as a result of this. The school has had fantastic results as well we are currently in the top 5% of primary schools nationally for maths and in the top 20% nationally for English. We are 10th in Wandsworth! I would def recommend calling the school for a tour which someone will do personally for you. Good luck!

[clare_redrox]

Hi - I have 2 boys at Fircroft ( year 2 and Nursery ), both boys absolutely love it there ! The Head teacher has been there for years - always a good sign ! The school has a very pro active PTA & overall the school has a great sense of community ! Both of my son's are happy and developing well.

[Mum36]

I have two children at Fircroft (in year 4 and reception) and we are absolutely delighted with the school. It was our first choice, having visited all the other local schools and we feel so lucky to have got in. I have consistently found that Fircroft is fantastic at stretching and challenging pupils to ensure they achieve their full potential. The school is also great at supporting those needing additional help. The head teacher and her deputy are extremely experienced, as well as being very warm and likeable, and class teachers are always available to discuss pupils' progress or give any advice needed.
There's a lovely, nurturing, family atmosphere at the school and the range of after-school clubs includes over 25 different activities, e.g. art, drama, gymnastics, football, photography, science club etc. The PTA is very active, arranging many popular fundraising events, e.g. family bingo night, international food evening etc. I would highly recommend this school (including the nursery).
Thanks!

[Jan123]

Such positive feedback on Fircroft School

I was very interested to have heard about Trinity St Mary's fantastic results. Sounds like a wonderful and sweet little school. However we are not church goers so we assumed we wouldn't have a chance?

In the end we decided we wanted a local school with a community feel and were pleased with what we saw and heard about Fircroft School. I liked the Head Teacher and the charming children we saw and know. I very much agree that diversity, respecting rights and inclusivity is a positive thing for our children to embrace very early on and to hopefully carry with them throughout their lives. I was heartened to hear about how the school responded to your child, silviahm. Also am pleased to hear that the children are stretched academically and nurtured at the same time.

Thanks everybody and good luck to everyone looking at schools and deciding. It is a tricky experience especially when catchments areas come into play.

[OJ76]

My son is in reception at Fircroft and has made great progress, is truly happy to go to school, always smiling at pick up and he's made lovely friends, as have I. I feel it's been a nurturing environment, the head of Early Years is fantastic, there have been countless trips and the children have even recorded a CD! I agree that there is community feel to the school and the PTA is very active. As others have suggested, a great way to get "a feel" of a school is to go to their fairs and meet/speak to parents, this is what we did. I do wish there were more after school clubs offered to reception, but this might change in the future. Good luck with deciding.

[upsidedownmummy]

I have 2 children at Rutherford House and can't rate it highly enough . My children have both made lots of friends and love going to school every day which is the most important thing. Rutherford has a very active PTA who do loads for the school and have raised funds for many whole school improvements but it's especially the families of Rutherford who are really great and give the school a great community friendly spirit.
I think Rutherford is quite academically focussed but also has a great sports remit and dozens of after clubs including Lego club, Netball, football, cricket, rounders, drama, etc etc.

I think the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference overall - we are very lucky to have so many great schools to choose from!

Good luck !

[Star]

I would say Fircroft is academically focused and no child is held back thanks to the rigorous system with which they monitor each child's individual progress and set targets, but crucially no child is left behind either, so every child progresses at their own rate. The school manages to instill a love of learning and good behaviour from an early age. Everyone is respected for their individual strengths and talents no child is made to feel inferior. The school is fantastically diverse and is very representative of the area, as much as it is changing. We are looking forward to the wonderful International Food Evening in a few weeks time.
My children are thriving academically and socially - truly nurtured - thanks to the brilliant teachers, support teachers Head and office staff. I could not be happier with our choice and so pleased my children are in this happy and warm environment. There are many opportunities at the school to pursue musical, creative and sporting activities. Parents are encouraged to be involved. The school trips my older child has been on have been incredibly enriching. The PTA work extremely hard to raise funds to keep costs of these trips low. It is a lovely successful egalitarian school. We love it!