Hurlingham School? Post Reply

[Expatacular]

Our DD has been offered a spot at Hurlingham School to start reception in Sept 2022. When we registered her at birth, we lived closer to the school, but we have since moved to BTC so the location is much less convenient for us than it used to be. We are undecided about accepting the place for her, as we are yet to hear from a few of the other independent schools closer to where we live. We like many things about the school and think it *may* be a good fit for our DD. However, I am concerned about the daily commute for drop-off and pick-up. I was also a bit wary to learn that last year's reception classes did not fill (they have 2-forms this year rather than the usual 3-forms). I wonder if that is an indication that the quality of the school is beginning to drop a bit?

I'm wondering if another in a similar position in past years have ever managed to "pass" on the initial offer and later secure a spot from the waitlist, if they do decide that's the best option for them a few months later? Also, I'd be keen to hear from any current parents about how the school feels since the new head has taken over.

Many thanks in advance!

[Starr]

It used to be very oversubscribed when I lived near and had a baby. Parents liked it because it was a more nurturing and a happy school.
Unfortunately tiger parenting is on the rise with those who expect their children to get into certain senior schools, all mapped out from birth so they want preps with 7 plus and 11 plus success. Conversely, people have said Hurlingham now gives a lot of homework in the latter years and now not as nice and nurturing a school as it was. Again this must be due to the fierce 11 plus completion and demands from parents to keep up.
My impression was its a nice school with a good range of destinations at senior.
It's a minefield and I hope you get some first hand reviews: mine are anecdotal.

[Expatacular]

Parents liked it because it was a more nurturing and a happy school.
 

Yes, this was the impression we got when we first registered her. I like the individual attention and they seem to really care about the children. Our daughter is very bright, and I suspect she would do well at any school, but I'd like her to be someplace that feels supportive. 

Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate any and all feedback, even anecdotal. As you say, it really is a minefield and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed by it all. 

[Laurettap20]

Hi,

My eldest has been at Hurlingham for almost 5 years now so we went through all the changes (change of headmaster, 2 lockdowns…). I think it still is a very nurturing school who care a lot about children, we felt we were really supported during both lockdowns and the teachers are brilliant. It has become slightly more academic maybe, without excess. No school is perfect but it is important to find a school that you feel it is a good fit for your child, Hurlingham definitely is for mine. Both my children are enthusiastic about school.
My youngest has just started and it is true they have 2 classes instead of 3 in reception this year, but I don’t think it is because the quality of teaching has got worst (no teachers have left and the new headmaster is managing the school well so far) more because of the change of circumstances of many families who live nearby. Because of Brexit and Covid a lot of people decided to move away from London; other families have chosen schools like PH or Ibstock in order to avoid 11+.
These are my 2 cents.
I would say trust your gut, you know what it is good for your child and family.

Good luck!

[Expatacular]

Thank you for this thoughtful reply. That's all really helpful and encouraging (and, indeed, very in line with our impressions of the school). So happy that there are so many happy families and children at that school.

[EHMorris]

Don’t sign up for a long commute to primary school if you don’t have to. Nothing to do with the school, but six years of that commute will be really draining.

[juliette_cap]

Hi there

Definitely share Laurettap20's experience. I have 3 children across the school, eldest having attended for almost 7 yrs now. Very nurturing environment throughout with a real focus on kindness amongst the children and how to navigate socially as well as educationally. Would agree the school has increased its academic focus however would not say it has impinged on the children's happiness. Rather has opened more doors for them as they progress so successfully through 11+.

Correct re small class sizes for this year's Reception. London in general suffering from very low Reception intakes. Have heard this is due not just to Covid but a very low birth rate for this year's intake.  Hurlingham seems to have a higher intake than quite a few of the other schools in the area however so obviously doing something right!

The new head has been fantastic. Has shown an incredible willingness and flexibility to listen and act upon parent feedback. He is obviously trying to create a real family dynamic with parents engaged to a real degree in the children's learning and progress. I've found him to be kind and thoughtful, clearly committed to the children's success and luckily supported by fantastic teachers if I'm honest!

Thoroughly recommend.

[Expatacular]

Thanks all for the feedback. We've decided on a different independent primary that is walking distance from home. I liked so much about Hurlingham, but we ultimately couldn't stomach the idea of 7 years of driving 20 minutes each way. 

[Starr]

I think you made the right decision given you are now BTC.
I like the sound of Hirlingham too, but too far for you.
Best wishes