Honeywell vs Belleville Post Reply

[nvmum0906]

Hi there, 

I was wondering if anyone has any experience of both Honeywell and Belleville schools and can help me with a comparison? My son has now been offered a place at both schools having been originally placed on the waiting list for one of them. 

I know Belleville has just been awarded Outstanding in all areas on their latest ofsted report which is wonderful but I am slightly apprehensive about the fact that this academic year is a 'bumper year' with 150 children in the reception intake. 

On the other hand Honeywell is known to be slightly more nurturing as it is smaller with just 90 children in the year group, however they haven't had an ofsted inspection since 2010 which seems an awful long time ago. 

Are the after school activities and clubs available at both similar? 

Does anyone have any recent experience of either or both schools and would be willing to share their thoughts please? 

Many thanks! 

[MrDad2018]

Bumping this one, as we are in a similar boat and would love to read recent experiences - particularly Honeywell since the change of head.

[Nightmares]

Hi there, Honeywell is a decent school but to be fair they rely heavily on parents employing tutors from approx year 3. Belleville have always been tagging behind but the children are far better equipped and the parents have not had to resort to full time tutors quite as much.
But you need to go along and visit and make your own mind up get a feel for both. SEN at Honeywell is not very good either. Good luck

[Socialbutterfly53]

I can’t speak to Belleville apart from acknowledging the outstanding results of the recent OFSTED inspection. Honeywell Infants (nursery through Year 2) is a lovely school, top notch teachers, education and happy children. The feel of the Junior school (Year 3-6) has indeed changed in recent years with the change of head and, in my experience, not for the best.

The new head is less interactive with children (she rarely leads daily assemblies so children don’t feel that they know her and vice versa) and I know many parents who have had underwhelming interactions with her whether everyday interactions or raising concerns. More and more children seem to be leaving Honeywell Juniors for other local schools and at earlier year points. I’m sure the juniors is still a very good school by all accounts, but you are right to ask for a fresh perspective rather than rely on reputation or OFSTED from many years ago.

Good luck!

[virginiafal]

Our son is very happy at Belleville. It's a very inclusive and active community. He has a wide offer of extracurriculars every day after school: chess, cricket, drama, tennis... We definitely feel it's an outstanding school (with or without the report). He's made lots of progress in his reading and writing and genuinely likes coming to school every day.

[PaulDoing]

Well, I think Honeywell should be better...

[betsyboop]

I would go Honeywell, it seems the education will be more rounded and also more differentiated (so more extension and/or more support as and when needed)

Belleville's very skewed towards maths and English at the moment. It's moving away from the other subjects to the point this year the school report didn't mention any of PE/Games/Art or music at all, despite all the bragging about having Specialist teachers giving weekly lessons.
Our reports were just around Maths and English with a line about one science activity done in the year. The other subjects didn't get a word, and they seem to be seen as fillers rather than a legit part of the curriculum.
It's a shame as I think primary school should be a rounded balanced experienced and it's taking away a chance for lots of children to shine in the other subjects. 

 

[curly]

I have had children in both and I would say Honeywell every time. It is a much more nurturing environment and celebrates individuality rather than trying to make all kids the same.

All depends on what kind of child you have. If you have a compliant child who just gets on with it then either school is good, but if you need more of a hand hold then Honeywell.

Belleville policy is not to engage with emailing parents, they will come and find you in the playground. Ok it you don’t work but annoying if you do. Honeywell does and is much more communicative.

Yes the head has changed at Honeywell and that caused a stir with the parents that like the old head. She is more of an introvert so not so people facing but cares about the kids and that is what matters