Down to earth private primaries Post Reply

[JHowze]

My daughter went to Hornsby and we really loved it. We're still in touch with many of the families and it has a combination of working mothers and SAHMs, is very welcoming and a good head Mr Rees. Definitely worth checking out.

[Anon1234]

Definitely check out Parkgate House School

[jo.dough]

My children are at Dolphin, which is brilliantly placed on Northcote road. It’s a small school in a church so has a religious founding which comes through in the ethos of the school but isn’t overtly religious. It’s small, the teachers are caring and passionate and they get good results with the kids going to all the good private/public secondary schools. The kids leave with a huge sense of self worth and confidence. And yet there’s still space for entry because they don’t publicise themselves very much (perhaps not very well?). Definitely worth looking at and happy to answer any questions if you message me direct.

[Alice_C]

It sounds like you are very keen to put your children in a private school, but if you are considering state schools, I would suggest looking at Heathbrook on St. Rule Street. It’s a wonderful community with inspiring teaching staff and a super engaged head teacher.

[Samgosden]

Come and see us at Dolphin - we tick all these boxes, but with the addition of small classes, a warm and hearty ethos and fantastic academic results for each child individually.

Sam

[Beachboys]

Another vote here for Dolphin. My older two boys have now gone on to a top London day secondary school and my third is still there. The school's had its ups and downs over the years, but with the new head is definitely on an upward trajectory now. The past year has been brilliant as he's brought energy, music and new ideas, and you can feel the buzz when you walk in. 

What's great about Dolphin? It recognises that children are unique -- each child is celebrated for their talents, whether that's academic, music, sport, art or something else. It's caring -- all the kids know each other across the years and the older ones are taught to look out for the younger ones. It teaches empathy and respect -- I particularly love how at sporting events, the kids cheer each other on even when they're in direct competition with each other. There's a sense of shared responsibility among the parents, teachers and staff, and as a result a very strong sense of community.  

Feel free to pm me if you've got questions. 

[MilliVanilli]

My children, 7 and 9, are at Dolphin School on the Northcote Road. We absolutely love it. My two are very different and it suits them both so well - it’s academic but relaxed, such lovely parents (not snooty!), fantastic teachers who bring so much creativity, excitement and focus in each lesson, yummy organic hot meals, great Sport, Wandsworth Common at the top of the hill to play on and experience all four seasons - we really can’t rate it more highly! Excellent education, thriving school community, down-to-Earth, fantastic new Head, and loads of super extra-curricular opportunities, clubs and themed days x

[WillowRowan]

Very much recommend Dolphin School.

My three very different children all thrive there and it is warm, understated, yet very successful academically as well as providing a very rounded experience with lots of sport, music, drama, and really treating each child as unique. As a parent I have found the school is very straightforward and down to earth (I was state educated as was my husband). We and our children feel we have made lifelong friends there. DM me if you have any particular questions.

[Rrose]

I would definitely second Dolphin. We also looked at a few schools wanting a genuinely caring and down to earth school which included The Roche which was recommended and we were left uninspired. It didn’t feel as competitive as the other privates but was just lacking something for us. When we went to Dolphin School after a friend recommended it both my husband and I were blown away by how much they genuinely care for each child as an individual and academically prepare them in a loving environment . It’s a true hidden gem. 2 of mine are there now and the third will follow. We even do an out of borough commute because it is worth it!

[Ambeeeee]

I don’t recognise the picture of The Roche painted by Anne123. Every child is different and every experience is different so I completely accept that we have just had different experiences.

One of my children is really flying in maths. Does not get it from me! The school have been great about challenging him and giving him access to trickier work. On occasions, he will be asked to explain a concept to another student but this is done to check he really does understand, consolidate his learning and also help him to understand that not everyone sees things the way he does. He’s never been asked to wait for others to catch up.

We are French speakers (second language learnt at school/uni not mother tongue) and think the French teaching is first rate. There is a good balance between vocabulary learning etc and creating an enthusiasm for the subject. In addition to their language learning, my children come home with a great interest in French speaking cultures and the history of French speaking nations. We love getting involved in French week! I really value the passion and interest that’s been ignited in them. It’s given them that love of learning a language that will see them through many a tricky grammar lesson in later years (maybe even enough to properly deal with understanding the past participle ).

We are so lucky in our area to have such a variety of different schools. Not every school will suit every family but I think it’s heartening that so many people are posting here to say they’ve found a great school for them. Good luck to those looking!

[dudette]

I’d just be careful about deciding now that your boys should be going to the same secondary school. The London day schools (assuming that’s what you’re after as boarding schools are much more socially exclusive) are extremely competitive and unless both of your sons are very academic then it’s not guaranteed that just because one goes there the other will get in. Most schools don’t really have sibling policies now. It’s very common round here to have two children go to different schools and I’d actually argue that’s a good thing for them and their relationship. The younger one isn’t following in the older’s footsteps and can be their own person.

[Anne123]

Ambeeee, I am glad your son find the Maths challenging but having the more clever students tutor the ones who are struggling is not the right use of their educational potential or your very high tuition fees.  

As a native French speaker, I can understand that you enjoy the passion and enthusiasm of French week but have you attended the actual French classes. For most of Year 3 my child spent time translating the hungry caterpillar and making a book (more art project than French teaching).  There is no basic French being retained or concepts being taught.  I know this because I speak French, Spanish (and English), when we holiday in France our child can not even recall minimal basic pronouns to use.  When I contrast that with our time in Spain, (as I have been teaching them Spanish (both written and spoken and they take private tutoring) they can both speak to ask basic questions and take great pride in doing all the talking.  On the vocabulary and speaking I would suggest that you wouldn't notice this and you reinforce it so unless you compare the exercises to other private schools as I have with friends and relatives whose kids attend other private schools in London, you won't be able to verify properly.

Good luck finding the right school for your kids.