by Mumof3Balham » Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:33 am
Dear DJG,
As with everyone else it's wonderful you are adopting a 5 year old. I think the important thing to consider with schools in this situation is what is your new child used to, does he have any issues that need sensitive handling etc and what sort of environment will put him most at ease. One of my friends had her own child with some minor behavioural issues and found the private schools not good at coping with it - he went to several before going to a state primary where he was much much happier and has recently got into a leading private secondary school so it gave him all the right foundations!
From a state perspective I have a friend who adopted a 3 year old and he has been at Earlsfield Primary - they are incredibly happy with how he is doing and the support they have received. I also have personal experience of 2 great state schools with my own kids- Rutherford House and Ravenstone. Ravenstone has in the past had poor press as it went through a tricky period (my kids were there during that time). But the Head Joe Croft is amazing - I would definitely advise meeting him. He is the most supportive and inspirational primary school head I have met in the state or private sector. Some people are put off by the lack of uniform but I've found it makes my daughter in particular completely disinterested in clothes! The teaching is good and the have great SEN support if you need it, it's really inclusive. And if you are worried about secondary schools the kids generally get into where they want to - yes a lot go to Chestnut Grove as that's where they want to go but to give an example this year the yr 6 are going to Jags , Alleyns , Whitgift , Streatham and Clapham, Emmanuel, selective places at Graveney, Greycoat School as well as many others.
Rutherford House is also good - keen on high standards, quite strict and the kids all seem really happy - still only up to year 4 as it's a new school so can't judge where kids will go to. Lots of after school clubs and a great parent network. The head - Mrs Mallett, is a strong character - she has a couple of adopted kids of her own as well as her own children so she could also be a good person to speak to.
The most sought after state primaries in Wandsworth have always been Honeywell and Belville - we have lots of friends with kids there and all have been really happy. But I can't comment on how they would support an adopted child and as you have missed reception class you may struggle to get in even though you would be first on waiting list.
Now my eldest is at secondary school (independent following state primary) I can reflect on the main differences between state and independent primary - one of the good things of state is they get to mix with kids from all walks of life and all abilities - a good grounding for working life and also helping them to realise that not everyone is born with great priviledge. They are not pressurised with lots of homework from reception (which they seem to be in the private sector)- and are able to be children more and play - yet they still get into the same schools afterwards. On the downside there is not so much sport on tap - which means you have to seek that out for them at the weekends and after school.
Hope this helps and good luck - go and see a few - look beneath the surface for happy confident kids.
Dear DJG,
As with everyone else it's wonderful you are adopting a 5 year old. I think the important thing to consider with schools in this situation is what is your new child used to, does he have any issues that need sensitive handling etc and what sort of environment will put him most at ease. One of my friends had her own child with some minor behavioural issues and found the private schools not good at coping with it - he went to several before going to a state primary where he was much much happier and has recently got into a leading private secondary school so it gave him all the right foundations!
From a state perspective I have a friend who adopted a 3 year old and he has been at Earlsfield Primary - they are incredibly happy with how he is doing and the support they have received. I also have personal experience of 2 great state schools with my own kids- Rutherford House and Ravenstone. Ravenstone has in the past had poor press as it went through a tricky period (my kids were there during that time). But the Head Joe Croft is amazing - I would definitely advise meeting him. He is the most supportive and inspirational primary school head I have met in the state or private sector. Some people are put off by the lack of uniform but I've found it makes my daughter in particular completely disinterested in clothes! The teaching is good and the have great SEN support if you need it, it's really inclusive. And if you are worried about secondary schools the kids generally get into where they want to - yes a lot go to Chestnut Grove as that's where they want to go but to give an example this year the yr 6 are going to Jags , Alleyns , Whitgift , Streatham and Clapham, Emmanuel, selective places at Graveney, Greycoat School as well as many others.
Rutherford House is also good - keen on high standards, quite strict and the kids all seem really happy - still only up to year 4 as it's a new school so can't judge where kids will go to. Lots of after school clubs and a great parent network. The head - Mrs Mallett, is a strong character - she has a couple of adopted kids of her own as well as her own children so she could also be a good person to speak to.
The most sought after state primaries in Wandsworth have always been Honeywell and Belville - we have lots of friends with kids there and all have been really happy. But I can't comment on how they would support an adopted child and as you have missed reception class you may struggle to get in even though you would be first on waiting list.
Now my eldest is at secondary school (independent following state primary) I can reflect on the main differences between state and independent primary - one of the good things of state is they get to mix with kids from all walks of life and all abilities - a good grounding for working life and also helping them to realise that not everyone is born with great priviledge. They are not pressurised with lots of homework from reception (which they seem to be in the private sector)- and are able to be children more and play - yet they still get into the same schools afterwards. On the downside there is not so much sport on tap - which means you have to seek that out for them at the weekends and after school.
Hope this helps and good luck - go and see a few - look beneath the surface for happy confident kids.