Newton prep

[VL12344]

Hello, my son has a place at Newton Prepin Battersea to enter the nursery at 3 1/2years of age. I have been round and liked it, however some of the reviews have made me question if it is really what its made out to be. Does anybody have any experiences to share, good and bad? I have read some posts about the headmaster being a character, poor hygiene, and also posts about the new headmistress from this September.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[KingscoteStaff]

We currently have 2 DCs there and feel very positive about their experience. It is NOT a school that spoon feeds - the children are expected to be active learners from a very early age. Art is amazing, music and drama very impressive and sport also good. But really, it's all about the teachers. They are inspiring and enthusiastic - always ready to go the extra mile to engage a child's particular interest. The level of speaking and listening is very striking - the confidence with which the children talk about their learning is astounding.

The retiring headmaster is very marmite - we think him very effective, but I am aware of others who find him abrasive. I don't know much about the headmistress-elect.

Think about the children who you met when you went round the school. Is that what you would like your DS to be in 5 years time? There's your answer.

[Moominsarehippos]

Reviving this thread! Is there another new Head starting then?

[timmytoes]

I believe the current head of Dulwich Junior starts in September as the new head. She comes with a very good reputation. I understand she is very good with parents and has really knows each of her pupils well.

[KingscoteStaff]

Mr Allen, the current head, retires at the end of this year.

[Moominsarehippos]

Wasn't be quite new though? It can be a tricky time when Heads change.

[KingscoteStaff]

He will have done 6 years. I think he thought he might carry on til the age of 65, but has decided to retire a couple of years early.

[savoirfaire]

Can you say more Traceydeborah? Sounds like you've had a bad experience?

[zoubisoubisou]

Wondering if anyone has an update on the new head, and the many staff departures at NP, which seem quite high? Also, I heard that the head of Years 5-6 rules the teachers through intimidation, is burnt out and is overdue to retire. Concerned an outdated mentality of the head of the year (especially prior to 11+ exams) could be counter-productive to student outcomes.

[KingscoteStaff]

The new head starts in September. We met her when Newton played Dulwich at cricket, and she seemed very pleasant - difficult to tell in a quick chat. In my experience, the staff turnover at Newton is lower than average for London schools.

I'm very suprised at your description of the head of Years 5 and 6 - she is a mature lady, certainly, but devoted to the children and an inspirational English teacher. She certainly wasn't too old to take the whole of Year 6 off to PGL and tackle the climbing wall and abseiling alongside my DS!

[meditrina]

The new head might make the school what it ought to be.

[Mamapreety4321]

Does anyone have children that have moved from the apple nursery to reception class of sept 2013?