Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

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maria_ben
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Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

Postby maria_ben » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:31 pm

We are looking to decide on private primary schools soon for entry in 2024. We live in Earlsfiled and we have Roche, Hornsby House and Finton on our list. I do think that all are great schools.. when looking at academics, leavers destinations, range of extra curricular lessons, sports/music/arts/drama, pastoral care. 

We have been on the open days and the feeling you get is different as each school chooses to present themselves in their own way (which is understood). For example, Roche made me feel very at ease and that it is a down to earth school without missing ambition. It felt homey and genuine in the relationships they form with the kids which I really liked. I was not impressed with the premises overall. 
  
At Hornsby's open day, I was impressed with the facilities, the dedicated rooms for drama/arts/music/DT/computing, the broad range of specialist lessons/teachers. We did get to see these classes in action which inevitably makes a strong selling point. The kids seemed happy and calm, the teachers seemed to know the kids well. However, the classes were bigger with ~21 kids (though they do have bigger rooms to accommodate that which is great). During this tour, I did not get that cosy and nurturing feeling that Roche gave me and which I'd love to see in a school. 

For Finton, we are due to see it soon but when i first saw it sometime ago, it felt a nice place to be, impressive music and DT rooms, but the main house felt a bit crammed. 

I would love to hear parents experiences on these schools and to chat if possible.

Thanks in advance. 
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NVG
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Re: Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

Postby NVG » Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:27 am

21 children doesn’t seem huge to me. Most schools have about 20 kids. Remember the upside of that is your child has more potential friends. If they are in a small class there are fewer people to choose from. Don’t underestimate this. My non-sporty daughter was once out in a class where all the other girls were sporty and she was thoroughly miserable.
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GavFitz
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Re: Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

Postby GavFitz » Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:22 am

Hi there! I have 2 children at the Roche: Year 1 and 3. One of mine also went to the nursery there too. We are so happy with the school; you are right to pick up on the pastoral care side of it as is exceptional. The range of activities, initiatives and events that run alongside the busy curriculum only adds to the children’s experience and the class sizes are perfect to allow for all the support my two need and desire for their academics. Mine are so proud of the Roche and feel so much a part of it that they visibly glow with pride at pick up and are full of stories about their days. Not really stories about playground antics but more tales of what they have learnt, conversations they’ve had, things they’re looking forward to and detailed lists of what they’ve eaten 🤣

We are so confident that the children are happy there and that their standard of learning - which encompasses the challenges they are being set - is appropriate for them. I can’t speak of the place highly enough! They also LOVE the building - it feels homely and safe for them. The library at the centre on the first floor is the heart of the school and it has imbued a love of books in both my children. The school prides itself on enabling children to confidently speak to adults, groups of people and peers etc which is so desirable - yes for 11+ interview processes but also socially and for their own sense of self worth and confidence.
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GavFitz
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Re: Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

Postby GavFitz » Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:23 am

GavFitz wrote:
> Hi there! I have 2 children at the Roche: Year 1 and 3. One of mine also
> went to the nursery there too. We are so happy with the school; you are
> right to pick up on the pastoral care side of it as it is exceptional. The
> range of activities, initiatives and events that run alongside the busy
> curriculum only adds to the children’s experience and the class sizes are
> perfect to allow for all the support my two need and desire for their
> academics. Mine are so proud of the Roche and feel so much a part of it
> that they visibly glow with pride at pick up and are full of stories about
> their days. Not really stories about playground antics but more tales of
> what they have learnt, conversations they’ve had, things they’re looking
> forward to and detailed lists of what they’ve eaten 🤣
>
> We are so confident that the children are happy there and that their
> standard of learning - which encompasses the challenges they are being set
> - is appropriate for them. I can’t speak of the place highly enough! They
> also LOVE the building - it feels homely and safe for them. The library at
> the centre on the first floor is the heart of the school and it has imbued
> a love of books in both my children. The school prides itself on enabling
> children to confidently speak to adults, groups of people and peers etc
> which is so desirable - yes for 11+ interview processes but also socially
> and for their own sense of self worth and confidence.
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EB1234
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Re: Sharing experiences for Hornsby House/Roche/Finton Primary schools

Postby EB1234 » Mon Feb 20, 2023 1:18 pm

Hi, we have 2 children at the Roche, one in year 3 and one in year 6, both started from Reception.

I cannot speak highly enough of the school. I wouldn't be put off by the appearance maybe being a bit less 'glossy' than other schools. It has been the best decision we ever made to send our kids here.

Our eldest just did the 11+. She started at the Roche as the most painfully quiet and shy girl. She has received offers from some fantastic schools including a sport scholarship at one. Without being pushy the school got her to a place where she is thriving at sport and stormed her exams with total confidence.

Our second child is in year 3. She is an over confident second child, very different! The Roche have again nurtured her in the right way, to bring out the best in her. She is thriving academically and socially and again the Sport side, which should never be underestimated at the Roche, is going so well. She plays for the school at hockey and netball and loves it. (The school run a lot of sport fixtures for the kids who want to do this by the way).

Both play instruments (the school offer lessons in pretty much every instrument you can think of) and they love the clubs which away from sport include astrophysics, quidditch, Spanish, art, drama, newspaper club and science.

The school safe guarding is spot on, and they have also quickly tackled any behavioral issues or concerns raised by the children or parents.

Most importantly though, we have 2 incredibly happy children and as a family we are very lucky to be part of the most wonderful school community. We have made friends for life at the school, an added bonus!
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