Help, I need to get my son out of his school - but NO places anywhere else.

[Smowball]

My son started at the local secondary school last September and it was the worst mistake Ive ever made.It had a bad reputation but we were all assured it had turned around. No it hasnt. Kids play their ipods and ifones in class, they throw things, teachers are leaving left right and centre. His Indian geography teacher is now covering English and Spanish as well. They dont stick to the uniform, homework is non existent. i could go on and on and on........... TBH is it a really rough school. But I have spoken to the local authority and there are no places anywhere else. Ive downloaded the forms to fill in and put him on waiting lists but what if nothing comes up?? Seven kids have left his year already. Ive had meetings with form teacher, year head etc and nothing changes. They basically admit things are a nightmare.

[tweenyb]

this was the case at kemp welch in poole years ago and my folks took me out and home schooled me until a place became available elsewhere

[chattykathy]

Any possibility of moving house? A bit drastic, I know but as you say he only gets one education. I feel so sorry for you and him. Have you seen this?
http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/

[Smowball]

Hi chattykathy. no, moving isnt an option. Thats an interesting link there, doesnt have his school as you need a certain amount of comments to first show, but will certainly keep my eye on it

[chattykathy]

I've not had cause to use it but can't you start it off about your school and maybe get other liked-minded parents to do the same? At one time negative comments from parents could trigger an Ofsted inspection, I'm not so sure now though.

[Jumbo747]

Agree with rowanwitch and PP - those who make the most noise generally get what they want.
I would approach the Head(s) of other local schools directly (rather than going via the LA); get an appt to go in and meet the Head, express your concerns and see what comes of that. Often the personal touch works.......

[Smowball]

have haad meeting with deputy head, who was very nice(well she would be wouldnt she lol). Was very sympathetic and seemed quite shocked bysome of the things I told her. She says she is now liasing with his year head, form tutor and teachers re behaviour in classes, lack of consistency in homework etc and will keep me up to date. I am still planning to send in the transfer form but until a place comes up elsewhere looks like will still have to battle on here

[gness]

Oh Smo. What a problem for you. My son is in his forties but I had a problem with his junior school and wasn`t allowed to move him. I went down every avenue I could, even taking a packed lunch and flask and sitting outside the CEO`s office until he saw me. In the end I removed him in April and had a summer of threats and being told the school I wanted was not in my catchment area. On the eve of the September term starting I had a phone call telling me to take him to the new school. It was a battle though.
The head should see you so, if you can, sit in the corridor until he does.
Others have said, and you know, that this is time you won`t get back for your son. I wish you every success in getting what you want for him.

[Smowball]

Thanks gness, its such a dilemma. he is/was such a bright boy - his sat results were all above average but i feel he is being wasted at the min