Thomas' Clapham Post Reply

[sh388]

Hi all,

We have a spot at Thomas' Clapham and keen to hear about people's recent experience - we've toured the school and thought the facilities were brilliant and were really impressed by the headmaster and his vision.

Our son is generally confident, but can sometimes be a bit shy and need time to warm up. I'm a bit concerned by previous posts saying it's a school for alpha/v. confident children. I'd be interested to hear from current parents how much that is stereotype/historic label v. current reality? I've heard they're consciously trying to dispel this, so keen to hear people's experience. Also, what is it like from a nurturing/supportive environment perspective? 

I'd really welcome hearing people's experience of their children's time at the school, or hear from any parents due to send their child there next year. Thanks very much!

[MummyontheGo]

Our son is in year one. He is relatively confident but went into reception knowing no one and so was quite nervous.I can’t speak more highly of the school so far. They’ve nurtured him so well and he’s so passionate and enthusiastic about everything they expose him to there. It’s been wonderful so far!

[sh388]

That's great to hear MummyontheGo! Really appreciate your feedback

[SBY]

My elder daughter is in Year 4 there and I can honestly say that even when given the options to move location, we always come back to how happy she is in that school and how much it has helped her grow.

They are so nurturing, they seem to support the most able and the less able and they really know their children. The senior leadership is quite inspirational and I am honestly so glad we came. I am looking forward to my younger one joining in due course.

It had the reputation of being pushy and academic, but from the inside, there is a lot of care, compassion and understanding for the individual child. I wouldn't be put off by old opinions - have a look, do what your gut tells you, but from our perspective, we could not be happier.

[Expatacular]

Agree with everything shared above. The school is plenty academic and will challenge bright kids, but the thing that impresses me the most as a parent is the level of care that is given across the board. For such a big school, it is truly remarkable how much individual attention is given to nurturing each child and helping them grow. The senior leadership team is impressive, and also accessible and down to earth. Furthermore, they are fantastic role models for the children for how to be kind, positive, calm, and prepared, which I think are essential values in leading a primary school. It is an incredible environment for kids to be in every day. I feel so lucky our DC gets to go there.

[TCparent]

My younger child has just left the school at the end of year 6 and my elder DC was also there for 7 years so I think in total we’ve done 11 years.
Pros
- generally caring and enthusiastic staff. Particularly in the lower and middle school where children are nurtured.
- both the children and I have made life long friendships there and I have found the TC community to be a supportive and friendly one. There are some families who are entitled and don’t recognise their privilege but that is not specific to TC!
- the co-curricular provision is generally good
- the current PTA team are excellent
- Nathan Boller is an experienced head with some good and sensible ideas for how the school needs to evolve. Ultimately the school is however run as a business by the family which I would imagine can lead to conflicts of interest.
Cons
- this is not a “highly academic” school and I would say scholarships etc achieved are more a reflection of the child’s natural ability and parents support in prepping their children rather than the school. Preparation for 11 plus could be better IMO. And the ability of the school to give parents the confidence they can teach year 7 and 8 to same academic standard as london day schools is questionable.
- the sport provision particularly for boys is poor. Lack of weekly fixtures compared to other local prep schools
- teaching of MFL is poor.

[sh388]

Thanks all - really helpful to get your feedback and experience!