Oliver House School, Alderbrook or Broomwood? Post Reply

[mettemik]

Hi parents,

My son is almost four, and we've just moved to Clapham South from overseas.

We are now choosing between a school for him from September 2020. The options are Alderbrook (our local state school), Oliver House or Broomwood. For the latter, I am not sure whether we will get in, as they are not even showing prospective parents around. We prefer to go with a local school.

Does anyone have experience with either of these schools? There are some older posts on NappyvalleyNet, but I am was keen for some more updated views.

Thanks so much.

Best,
MM

[schooltie]

Hi I have friends with children at both Alderbrook and Broomwood and they are both really pleased.
Alderbrook seems very lovely and caring with a great sense of community spirit. My friends' daughter seems to have a lovely time and they are very pro the school.
Broomwood 'does what it says' on the tin. It is independent, proud to be so although as with Alderbrook also with a good sense of community amongst parents. More opportunities for sport, drama etc. Good preparation for common entrance if you are thinking of going down that route. The boys split off at about 8 I think so my friends' daughter is now in effect is in a girls schools for much of the time although there does seem to be quite a lot of mixing etc.
Can't help with Oliver House. The only thing I can say from walking by is that it seems a smaller school and again a very happy one. I think it finishes at 11 so more 11+ preparation than common entrance but not an expert so you would have to ask.
I think having a look around is key. Good luck.

[Goldhawk]

Do you want a Catholic education?  Oliver House is strongly Catholic
 

[mettemik]

We are not Catholics. I'd be keen to hear from others with children at Oliver House to what extent the Catholic ethos is integrated into the teaching. When I did a tour of the school, it didn't seem overwhelming.

[coldatchristmas]

I  thought that Oliver House was Catholic inspired but overly Catholic. It is very welcoming of non Catholics? Unless it has all changed over the last couple of years?

[Goldhawk]

[font]I think they w[/font][font]elcome everyone but it is an Opus Dei school

Some older discussion from MN
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy ... 8-Opus-Dei[/font]

[dudette]

I think your chances of getting into Broomwood are virtually nil. They’ll have already done their offers by now and will still have a long waiting list. Worth calling the registrar to see but I wouldn’t put your eggs in that particular basket if I were you! You could always start at a state school and try to switch him in a year or two when places become available. Or just go straight for Northcote Lodge at 8.

[frazzledworkingmum]

My 2 children were/are very happy in Alderbrook. Son now in Whitgift (year 7). Dd still in year 5. I live locally and am currently in a career break, so happy to meet for a coffee and answer any questions you might have.

[MoreCoffeePlease]

Hi I’m sorry to say you probably don’t have much chance of getting into Broomwood or (I believe) Oliver House. We registered my son for Broomwood when he was a couple of months old, and he has not been offered a place for September 2020 - they have a ballot system and I believe around one in three got a place when they did the main offer last year (don’t quote me on the exact figures!). We have actually taken ourselves off the waiting list and I’m sure other parents will have done the same after accepting places elsewhere - but I imagine it will still be quite a long waiting list. last time I checked they were also planning to merge in children from a second site so will be particularly limited with places this year.
I also know a family with a child at oliver house - and the sibling will not be going there in September because she didn’t get a place.
You may get lucky, particularly if you’re persistent / keen, but I’d definitely consider other options.
Local fee paying schools that (i believe) are easier to get into are Dolphin school on Northcote Rd and eveline day school near Balham.
Near you there’s also bonneville primary school, I don’t have experience with it personally but I’ve heard good things. Otherwise Ravenstone school just the other side of Balham - this is probably where my son will go, I like the feel of it, it’s not as close for you but has a large catchment so you’d maybe get in there. Happy to post more details if useful. I’ve spent a lot of time researching local schools!

[JoClaphamMum]

Ravenstone is an amazing school with a superb head. We actually lost the deposit we paid for Oliver House when our eldest got a place at Ravenstone as we preferred Ravenstone to Oliver House. It was by far our favourite state school. I would recommend you having a look.

Having said that, we do have friends at OH and they are quite happy with it.

[Familycompleted]

We have our son at year 5 in Alderbrook and he moved there in year 4 and has thrived. The teachers really invested in education and wellbeing of the children and new headmaster very passionate about his role and the children. The community is really friendly too. Our daughter is in a local private year 1 as we were unhappy at the old local school and therefore got her a place there. Obviously you get more facilities with private school and personalised teaching and specialist teachers, handholding for secondary school entrance prep etc but honestly, go with whatever you feel is right! Both ours are very happy and our son also got into Whitgift (offered from Trinity, Kings and Emanuel too) so doesn't mean that sending to local closes private school options for secondary. You def need to invest more of your own time if you're going down this route but I think ultimately "happy child = good results". Also we personally didn't want Broomwood as it felt more uptight and they didn't like that I was a working mother. Our little one goes to a very down to earth and working parent friendly private school.... go with your gut feeling!

[LP73]

Many parents are moving out of London now so do chat to Broomwood. 

[Hawthorne4]

We moved from overseas and put our children into Oliver House and think it's one of the best/luckiest decisions we've ever made.  We are Catholic but eat meat on Fridays and don't make it to Mass all the time etc.  We love how much emphasis they place on character education.  Lots of other schools talk about it but they walk the walk.  It has small classes (some see as a negative but this has served us well) and they get very good academic results.  It can't compete with some of the bigger schools for the bells and whistles but I think it's a hidden gem.

[honor79]

Not sure if this is helpful but we removed our child from Broomwood a few years ago as we were v unhappy with the education he was receiving: lacklustre academics at top whack fees. My child is above average academically but by no means gifted and we felt there was no stretch at all for him. We weren't alone in thinking this, though I think the Upper School is stronger and people seemed generally happy with it.

[Beenthere]

We actually went and left OH. If you are looking for a small school, happy kids and good character focus then OH is for you. If you are looking for depth in education and solid results into quality senior schools, then look elsewhere (or pay for a tutor). It's not to say kids don't learn anything, but if your child didn't have to sit 11+ it might be ok.