Jump to content

Recommended Posts

It would be great to hear views on this school please. I like the idea of St Johns for our dc and have heard from some really happy parents with children there, but I have noticed that they have a 'Satisfactory' ofsted where almost all other ed schools have 'Good'.

They seem to have a good PTA and that's a good thing - I've been to their bootsales which are great.


After your post I've just read their latest Ofsted report from earlier this year (which I assume you've read) and can understand why you have reservations in sending your dc there but hope you get some replies from parents with children at the school too.

I have two children there and am very happy with it.

I think that most parents (that I spoke to at least) were surprised by the satisfactory rating. Whilst I am not saying there is no room for improvement, I wonder if in part the Ofsted criticized things that the parents don't mind. For example, they wanted more adult intervention in play in reception which in fact, I don't really want.

The school has also made/are making changes to the curriculum and how things are run.

Why don't you make an appointment to look around and to meet the head and ask her about the Ofsted? I think you would be reassured, and it's always good to have a look round if you are considering it.

If you have any other questions do ask/pm me.

I have two children at St Johns (year 2 and reception) and I really like the school. It has a lovely warm feel to it and my eldest has been very happy there from day one (my other son only started yesterday so a bit early to tell!). The PTA are very active and I think this adds to the community feel of the school.

A lot of parents were very surprised at the satisfactory rating but I think it has given the management team a good focus on certain issues which perhaps had slipped under the radar - they certainly seem to be taking some positive actions to address the issues. I agree with Emily that many of the issues (although not all) I didn't particularly see as major ones. So all in all I would definitely recommend it but probably the best way, as with any school is to go and have a look around and get a feel for it. Good luck whatever you decide!

I would go off your gut feeling rather than just Oftsed reports, I have friends clammering to get in there and myself did a work exp placement (was considering teaching as change of career) and it was lovely - nice staff, friendly yet could keep control, good structure but not too formal, and nice kids and atmosphere. Lots of music, activities, creative work as well as formal learning.

Have been very happy with this school.


My eldest left in July to go on to secondary school this Sept. She was fully prepared for this transition emotionally and academically by the school. I have another in year 3 who has sailed through so far without any probs and a fantastic run of excellent teachers.


Like any school it has its minor problems but anything has been dealt with swiftly and effectively. Most of the kids come from homes where basic manners and positive attitudes to learning are part of normally daily life and this is reflected in the school.


Overall it has a nurturing caring attitude. There are a variety of after school clubs (for which they ask a voluntary contribution of ?1 per session). They also bring in external music tutors and offer lessons in guitar, violin, piano and probably others I am not up to speed with - these are slightly more expensive but no pressure to take them up if you don't want to.


They have a strong core of experienced teachers and lots of TAs - never seems understaffed. The head and / or deputy head are usually in the playground at morning drop off and evening collection and are very open to being approached re any matters.


The children mix well throughout the years and have friends in their own year groups and other year groups and always look out for each other.


I was surprised by the ofstead grading but the school have responded well and are changing things this year with a different approach to homework and a few minor tweaks that probably reflect current fashions in approaches to education. My best guess is it was perhaps a bit too traditional old school for ofstead.


Very happy and would choose again for older two and plan to send number 3.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Our cellar was damp constantly and we were told that there were many underground streams in Dulwich (which eventually end up in the river in Belair Park),  Agree it is connected  to the water table. We had all old plaster removed from walls and replastered, 
    • Andy did a good job for me doing up a flat - bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen for a very reasonable rate. He’s a top notch painter and decorator and can turn his hand to many other trades too. I’d highly recommend him - nothing was too much trouble.
    • A ramp would not be suitable for Love Dulwich. Gradient would be too steep, also length of ramp would go into road. We considered a ramp in the house to get down 2 steps (internal) but an OT who measured said we would need a clear space of around 9 feet plus because of the height of steps.
    • Over the past few months, Jan from Silver Fern Landscapes has completed several projects for us.  (He was recommended by a neighbour.)  We have been very pleased with his work.  Some details are below: Built and replaced several trellis fence panels.  In one part it was very complicated due to a large vine that had grown into/around the trellis.  He was able to save the vine, having unpicked it from the old trellis and then securing it to the new.  The vine went into a bit of shock, but is now thriving. Repaired the top frame to our garden side-return door, replacing rotten wood, and repainting the new to match. Repaired the loose tiles in our front walkway Along the way, during his visits, Jan also gave advice on various topics, such as how to best care for: our recently re-planted lawn, a tree that lost a large branch, and the vine mentioned above.  His working style is straight forward...he shows up when he says he will, discusses what needs to be done, provides timely quotes, completes the work as agreed, and sends an invoice. No drama, no hassle.  We will definitely be calling on Jan again when future garden-related projects arise! silverfernlondon.co.uk/silver_fern_landscapes.html
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...