Schools Post Reply

[RRK]

Hello
Any advice is greatly appreciated on Dolphin school, Eaton house and Wandsworth prep for my son who will start in Sep 2021. We are also considering Belleville school if we get a space but not sure if it is a good fit given the numbers in classroom.

I love the facilities at EH but wonder if it is too disciplined compared to the other two. Wandsworth prep is bit far from us so not sure, thought I liked the humble atmosphere....

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

[Mumofjust1]

My child is currently in Yr 6 at WPS having joined the school in Yr2 from another local pre-prep. We chose Wandsworth Prep for its nurturing environment, small classes & welcoming building. We do not live very close to the school either but it is worth the journey.

The teachers couldn't be more dedicated to their jobs and know every child in the school by name. During lockdown the schools provision for the children was absolutely fantastic - from day one!

The new Head Teacher ( who was previously one of the class teachers) has many exciting plans for the schools future.

Please DM me if you would like to chat more.

[Rinkydink12]

We live close to WP and would never consider it as it seems so cramped and small.

Currently have a child at a local primary which is great and are considering EH in a few years time.

I do really like the fact that going to the local primary means we have made lots more local friends and on the walk to school we always see someone we know.local means much easier for play dates and parties etc.

We have used an education consultant to help us work out future options etc.

[SBitt]

We have a child at Dolphin School and we love it. Outstanding teachers, great community, small classes and academic focus. Can’t praise it highly enough!

[Beachboys]

I have 2 kids at Dolphin and 1 who's just finished Year 6. The early years provision is superb, and as my kids have moved into the older years, they've done brilliantly academically without being pressured to achieve. The head and her team are quick to take feedback on board and most importantly, my kids are happy. Do message if you need more info. 

[RRK]

Thank you v much. At dolphin, do they have an outdoor space or de they only go to the common? Whenever I m walking on northcote, I try to have a look but all windows are closed... I am waiting for the lockdown to be over to go and visit.

[Beachboys]

They go up to the common twice a day. In Reception, they go to the playground on Chivalry Road, and in other years, they play on the common.  

It's suited my kids, particularly the older 2, who have never been big fans of playground equipment. They take balls and other things to play with up to the common with them, and it means they have a much bigger area in which to unwind/burn off energy than a typical school outdoor space provides.  

[szerma]

Schools are a very emotive topic because most people will think that the one where their child is at to be the best, so I apologise in advance if I offend anyone.

Of course if you don't mind paying private fees, please do send your child to private school, because there is no doubt that it will buy you better facilities and higher teacher to pupil ratio. However, if you can get into Belleville, please think of what a wonderful education you will get for free. My daughter is now in Year 2. We have had a few kids each year transfer in from Dolphin from year 1 (because that's how long it took them to get in) and the parents felt Belleville was as good, or better if you consider the facilities, outside space, and the additional clubs / activities that are available (of course all is on hold at the moment but hopefully will restart soon). It's an academically strong school, and whilst the class size is big (30), your child will develop different skills than in a private one (e.g. having to find themselves and develop friendships in a bigger group). 

Whilst a lot of the parents (and pupils) live in terraced houses in catchment, i.e. are upper-middle-class, there is certainly greater diversity than in private schools. I also find the parents very down to earth; I am sorry to say, but I found e.g. when the kids were at private nursery (they went to two different ones), that some of the other parents were quite snobbish / standoffish, which I never found at Belleville. 

[Beachboys]

I think the shift of kids from private to state, and vice versa from state to private too, shows that we are privileged to live in an area with so much choice, and is reassuring in the sense that whatever choice you make now isn't set in stone.

We aren't upper-middle-class terraced-house owners, but have chosen a private education for our kids for reasons I'd be happy to discussion offline.

I can't speak for other private schools but I promise that Dolphin parents are, on the whole, sensible and not at all snobby. 

[RRK]

I have a boy and he is active, and I am not sure how kids get the attention needed in a class size of 30. We like Belleville school but the class size worries me. On the other hand, I am not very convinced in a boys only school either. Anyone can provide more feedback on Belleville? Thank you.

[2009Kat]

Belleville is an excellent school.  They have plenty of active boys! In terms of attention needed, we've never had a problem - the teachers have always been very on the ball with the kids needs (and I have a kid who really does need attention). You'd be surprised how well kids can do in class, kids come out of Belleville with good academics.  It is very well organised school.
However, there are some children who really do need smaller classes to thrive and you'd need to decide if that's the case with your child.
Also, plenty of kids move schools.  Whatever you decide for reception, if it doesn't work then of course you can move them.

[RRK]

Thank you, this is very helpful. Is it easy to change schools? I am not familiar with the system here in the UK. I only heard about the 11plus and how stressful this is...

[RRK]

Sorry perhaps one specific question- in terms of academics, would Belleville be at the same level as a private with good academics too (example Eaton?) or would the child require extra tutoring to move in later on if needed. Thank you again

[RRK]

Sorry perhaps one specific question- in terms of academics, would Belleville be at the same level as a private with good academics too (example Eaton?) or would the child require extra tutoring to move in later on if needed?
Can you also please comment on the hygiene side at Belleville, toilets etc? My son will require to go to the toilet more frequently and some assistance at the start. I didn’t visit Belleville from the inside and wonder how far are the toilets from reception class and how clean they are. Thank you v much again

[2009Kat]

Schools follow the national curriculum so there are set things each year group should be learning.
State schools will not prepare children for private school entrance exams so many parents pay for tutors if that is the end game (as do many parents of kids in private schools as well). Many kids from Belleville and Honeywell etc go on to independent secondaries.
Belleville has a virtual open event on its website now as well as meet the head sessions so your specific questions on cleaning should be probably addressed to them.
From memory the reception classes are placed nearest the toilets at the Webb’s site.