LD: Hello Jenny, thank you for inviting me to Hawkesdown school. What age are children able to start at the school?
JM: The children joining our nursery must have turned three in the September they begin. Children joining reception must have turned four by the September in which they begin.
Is the nursery within the main school?
It is. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage in nursery and this continues into reception, ensuring a smooth transition. Once you’re in, you’re in; we’re all in the same building. Nursery and reception children have lunch and assembly with the whole school and they are involved with themed days and events, so it is a great opportunity for them to get involved and fully integrate with everyone else right from the start.
When do you recommend for parents to register at the school?
They can register from birth.
And is it first come, first served?
To a certain extent, what we say in our admissions policy, which is on the school website, is to register at birth and come anytime and have a look around. Some parents like to get a feel for a school early on and are therefore quick off the mark, and that’s fine, but I’d also recommend they come again around 18 months to 2 years or so before they are due to start. This is when I will have a one-to-one meeting with the parents, give them a tour of the school, and meet the child. Then we would offer a confirmed or waiting list place. At the moment, we’re offering places for September 2019, and then over the next few months we’ll be looking at those wishing to join at 2020 3+ and 4+.
Please tell me all about your incredibly exciting news of girls being introduced to the school, prior to me enquiring about the 4+ entry.
It is incredibly exciting! London’s changing, schools are changing, and the parental wishes are changing. I’ve been here at Hawkesdown House School for over a year now, and I've conducted numerous parent tours around the school. The clear wish is that parents with boys and girls want a school where both children can go. Many parents themselves attended co-ed schools when they were younger. I think some parents now want simplicity as well as choice, and I think there is so much that can benefit brothers and sisters from being together throughout.
Unfortunately, there is still a lack of choice for co-ed secondary schools.
Yes, I completely agree, but I think there is a shift happening here. With new schools such as Kensington Park and Eaton Square having opened co-ed senior departments recently.
Which sounds fantastic!
Yes, it does, and we have created a very good relationship with these schools. From our parents’ perspective, it will be interesting to see Kensington Park grow and establish itself on the educational landscape.
There has definitely been a shift over the last few years with girls being introduced to what were boys’ schools especially at 6th form. These schools predominantly have much bigger premises to accommodate this expansion.
Going back to 4+ entry, please let me know whether you have any tests or assessment?
No. For me, the most important thing is to meet with the parents to get a sense of what their educational ethos is, what their values are, what they want from a school, and then for them to see our school and gauge if it is right for them. If they think it is right, then that is perfect. Choosing a school is such an important decision for a parent. They need to feel it's right for them as a family, because the moment they step over our doorstep, they have got to entrust their child to us. I want them to feel safe and confident in their choice.
Thankfully, I know all the parents currently with us feel that this is a very nurturing, family-orientated place, and a very caring place. When people go in to look around schools they do have different agendas, things that they are looking for, so it is about identifying what is high up on your list and making a decision from there.
That’s really lovely to hear, the most important thing is that our children feel safe and happy in their school environment; progress is automatic from there.
Yes, I agree, the pastoral care here is huge, it underpins everything we do. If children do feel safe and happy, they will learn. We want them to feel motivated and energised, curious and eager to come to school, and our children do. They scoot, skip and run into school - they want to be here. When we had a snow day last winter, we had some in tears because they couldn’t come to school!
With the school expansion in mind, will children continue to be offered the opportunity to sit the 7+ and 8+ exams to exit the school?
Yes, we have very good relationships with many prep schools, and there will always be some parents who want to have the option if it is the right time for their child, and they are in the right place academically and emotionally to go for that. You also have parents who live locally and feel that if their child is making excellent progress and is working to their full potential, then there would be no need to change at this early age. So we still want to give parents that choice.
What age does the school currently go up to now?
At the moment, it is Yr 3.
So, this will be your first year of continuing on to Yr 4?
We have announced that our current reception class will be the first to move on to Yr 4 unless there is parent demand to make it happen sooner.
And what about the teachers; will you have to employ new teachers?
Yes, as we grow organically, we will need to employ new teachers. Many of the teaching staff we have now are experienced in teaching up to the age of 11.
I myself, coming into my 24th year of teaching, have worked in many schools that go through to Yr 6 and even beyond. I have personally taken children through the 11+, having taught Yr 6 for many years, so I have plenty of experience.
So, just to clarify, the reception year starting this September (boys and girls) will be the first to go on to Yr 4?
Yes, unless we have parents in our other classes who would like that, then we are happy to bring this in earlier. We have flexibility around this.
That is excellent to hear, in this ever-changing world parents need options.
Which schools do your boys tend to go to after here?
In recent years, we have had multiple offers from schools such as Westminster Under, St Paul’s Jnr, Sussex House, King’s College Jnr, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Summerfields, Wetherby and many more! It can change year to year depending on pupil choice.
Thank you very much for having me, in my brief time here, you have made me feel very welcome. The school has a lovely warm, and friendly atmosphere. I think it’s fantastic that you are growing, moving with the times, and giving parents choices making life convenient, whilst continuing to give their children a great education.
Thank you.
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