Durand Academy in Lambeth - what's it really like?

[LHW123]

hi there

Durand Academy is the biggest primary school in Lambeth. I've looked around the school but I still can't get a 'feel' for whether or not it would be right for our little ones. (It's on Hackford Road, Stockwell/Oval area in SW9).

Does anyone have any first hand experience of Durand Academy? What do you like best/least?

Or if you don't have any first hand experience have you heard anything good or bad about the school from other local mums?

Would you send your DS or DD's to Durand (or any other Academy school)? If so why or if not, why not?!

Any advice would be so much appreciated ! Thank you x

[DurandAdmin]

Hi there,

Messaging from the Durand Academy admin team here. Just to let you know that we'd be delighted to answer any further questions you might have about the school, or arrange another visit if that would be helpful. Please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,
Rebecca

[LHW123]

Rebecca - thank you. i'll get in touch soon. best wishes

[Mrsrobertduvall]

A comment to the admin team...your website is not very informative. No information about who are senior management team etc, as most other schools have.
Is there a reason for this?

[DurandAdmin]

Thanks for your message Mrsrobertduvall, we have now updated our website with further staff information, we do hope it is helpful: www.durandacademy.com/early-years/staff/

[Mrsrobertduvall]

Thankyou.
I made 4 calls to the junior school, and not one person who answered the phone could tell me who the head was
Apparantly the office manager was not available...but you would think even a temp would have that basic information or atleast find out.

Not a great impression.

[Abuelita]

There's no info on the website about fees in the nursery. How much does it cost? Does going to the nursery guarantee a place in reception?

[Blu]

Durand is a state school so surely the nursery is free!?

And why would someone on the Internet, using MN, make 4 calls to find the name of the Head? I have just done that from my phone in about 10 secs on the 'net. Did you look at the website to find the number ? Odd if who ever answered the phone didn't know, agreed.

It is a v popular school with many local parents for focussing on children's achievement and making no concessions to circumstance For example all parents are expected to play their part wrt to ensuring punctuality, uniform , correct equipment. I have heard parents who find it too strict, and parents who love the way strict rules create a level playing field for all students.

[Wobblypig]

I was on a tube train with children and teachers from there today ... Lets say they didn't impress. I had never heard of the place before today and I am not local but neither teachers and kids represented their school well.

[Mrsrobertduvall]

Blu....there was no information at the time on the website about head, deputy etc.
Their admin team commented above to say they had resolved this.

[Blu]

oh, I see now.
Sorry!

[Mrsrobertduvall]

Will let you off

[Krystal11]

Hi all

I know this message is coming late.

However my daughter goes Durand and the teachers are great the school is very strict and push for the children to learn. My daughter got level 6 and 5's in her SATS. If you want your child to achieve high grades its the school for you. The only thing I dislike about the school is that it does not seem to do creative stuff it school trips as often. It has lost it element of fun and has really focus on excellent grades. Needs to take part in more charitable stuff such as fundraising for Red Nose Day etc.

[Dave7767]

DA is the worst school in the country I do not recommend any one to send there kids there the management is out reach and rude they treat the teachers bad you know what happens when you treat the employees bad please please do not send your kids there you will regret it.

[Dave7767]

Please don't even think about sending your kid there the worst school and staff

[Denis1111]

Absolutely vile principal. Treats staff and pupils awfully. Only concerned with his reputation and making money. Truly horrible person kids are miserable there just look at their faces as they walk to school. Would rather my child have no education than be sent to that army camp. AVOID at all costs .

[pottygoleor]

More on the teachers please , looking into working there

[Out2pasture]

Can I recommend you starting your own thread, this one started in 2013.
MN has a section called staff room which might be a good place to post.