Hornsby House School

Our View

Started by Dr Bevé Hornsby in 1988 with 20 children in a church hall; after moving to this site five years later, has grown significantly – now three classes per year with an average of 18 pupils in each.

The Edwardian school buildings have been well adapted for today's use, alongside two purpose-built modern additions, a couple of Portakabins and excellent playground space. Reception has its own building with good sized classrooms and a central play area. No dining room or hot food facilities, but all that will change when the third new building opens early in 2010.
The library was disappointing, housed in a Portakabin, but apparently that is likely to change soon – this is not a headmaster who sits back complacently.

Solid grounding in all the core subjects. Young, enthusiastic teachers with an average age of 36; also plenty of classroom assistants comprising gap year students, post university would-be teachers and several older mothers to add balance and experience. Classes are mixed ability with setting in maths (and maybe English soon) for the older children when classrooms become subject-based.

All said classrooms light and bright and soon to be air-conditioned, 'Overheating is not conducive to learning – I don't want to see lots of sleepy children!' Interactive whiteboards in every class, including reception, and an interesting ICT pilot project going on at the moment in four classrooms, three year 3 and one year 6: each child sits, with four others, at a pentagonal table in front of a work station that drops down when it is not needed. This could be the interactive teaching of the future.

The SENCo works three days a week and has seven 1:1 learning support teachers with her. One state-provided helper for a statemented child. Children who need support are monitored and their parents kept informed; the school itself is a caring, nurturing place. The head feels that most children benefit from remaining in the classroom as much as possible. Extra one to one English and maths tuition is provided, when necessary, by part time specialists, and children who need it are given extra EAL lessons.

A very sporty school, teams are fielded at all levels in all the popular sports. Trinity Fields nearby is well used and matches played against all the similar schools locally. Lots of specialist coaching from sports consultants. Tournament victories include the Broomwood Netball and Battersea Football Cups. Boys definitely do not need to leave before 11 – they flourish here. Excellent music – the chamber choir performs regularly and about a third of the children take individual lessons in a variety of instruments. These take place in normal classroom hours, which does not appeal to all parents. Lots of visits to museums, galleries etc and from year 3 up a field trip every summer, or a 'journey', as it is known.

Mainly local families – the majority live within a mile. As one parent said, 'We are all very down to earth, normal parents who love the school.' Rows of bicycles and scooters line the playgrounds, indicating proximity and the ability to walk to school. Very much a caring for others attitude and seemingly no real discipline problems. Communication with parents excellent and all children are carefully monitored. The school is a charitable trust, run by a board of governors. Bursaries are available in case of genuine need, with individual cases being considered by the head on their particular merits.

All in all, a friendly, welcoming school with a disciplined but informal atmosphere. Happy, relaxed children, all seemingly having a good time. Pity about the Portakabins, but they are necessitated by growth. Some parents feel that the playgrounds can become a bit overcrowded – fine for the sporty children but not so good for those with less confidence. However the school is pretty careful to keep age groups apart with separate playtimes and the children don't seem to mind. A really great local school.

Head

Since 2006, Mr Jon Gray BA (thirties). Young, quietly confident, delighted to have become a head after only 10 years in teaching. Previous experience in boarding and day prep schools together with two years here as deputy head. Is enjoying the further challenge of planning the future development of the school and has lots of ambition and a breadth of ideas. Came with the intention of staying seven years at Hornsby House – is now in his sixth year, loves the school and plans to be here for at least another seven, and probably longer.

Married in 2007 – was thrilled when the school choir put in a surprise appearance at his wedding. A keen cricketer and mountain walker, really likes sport (has taught it previously) and taking children on expeditions. Teaches history throughout the school, bringing lots of humour and fun into his classes. Regularly reads stories to the reception classes. Seems extremely popular, with an easygoing relationship with the children.

Mixed opinions from parents, however – some say he is less approachable than his predecessor, others he is much more visible and easier to talk to. Definitely the latter now, says school. He certainly knows all the children well and is on gate duty every morning to greet his pupils as they come into school. He says that he has increased the focus on academic progress through the school years – each child's development is now carefully monitored. He believes strongly in the balance between work and play and has banned all weekend homework prior to year 6. He also believes 'that we should be preparing children for the business environment they'll be working in in the future, not purely for academic success'; with this in mind he has introduced a school council for year 3 up, encouraging teamwork and showing them how to run elections.

Entrance

First come first served at 4+ with priority for siblings. After that an interview with the head and a morning at the school for assessment. Children with behavioural or learning difficulties will also need reports from their previous schools and will be assessed before being admitted to the school. If it is felt that they could be too disruptive, they will probably not get a place.

Exit

Nearly all at 11, mainly to south London day schools – Dulwich, Alleyn's, JAGS, Streatham and Clapham High, Emanuel, with a smattering elsewhere, including boarding.