It is a very underperforming and toxic school. Children have problems and the teachers don't listen…read moreto the children.

Hampton Hill Junior School is a large (360 pupils) junior school nestled on St James' Avenue not…read morefar from Hampton Hill High Street. It is housed in a rather picturesque building dating from the 1920s, though it has been expanded and improved since. Hampton Hill Junior School educates pupils from years 3 - 6 (ages 7 - 11), and is linked with Carlisle Infant School (meaning that in most cases, pupils will finish Carlisle in year 2 and progress fairly seamlessly with their classmates into HHJS). The headteacher, Bill Jerman, is excellent. He is a strong leader, taking no guff from the children! He impressed me particularly when my daughter attended. I was writing a paper (I was a mature student doing a part time degree) on religious education and collective worship, and asked, after a parent teacher evening, if I could attend a 'normal' (as opposed to harvest) assembly. He told me I could, and we arranged a date. It occurred to me afterwards that I hadn't told him who I was. I arrived on the appointed day, worried that no-one would be expecting me, but sure enough, he greeted me, got me settled before the children arrived, and then discussed the yearly assembly programme and RE scheme of work after the assembly. My daughter had good teachers with a couple of truly excellent ones. The school runs extension programmes for gifted children which benefited my daughter, and also taught French (in a fun, non pressurised way) to its year 6 pupils. All in all, this is a very good state junior school, which prepares its pupils admirably for secondary school and beyond.

What an exciting day of Celebration at Tasis yesterday. Approximately 20 countries represented at…read morethe Graduation. Many proud parents and students. A luncheon on the grounds after provided a feast fit for kings and queens. Roast beef, chicken, salmon, shrimp plus beautiful tasty salads and vegetables. Fruits and desserts were delicious as well as beautiful. Now add champagne and wine...absolutely delightful meal.

Do your research and talk to as many people as possible and visit as many other schools as you can…read morefind (and there are many)...this is an okay option for a brief posting abroad but by about 2 years the cracks will begin to show. Slowly you will begin to find that families acknowledge they will need to make up for TASIS's many issues on their return to their home country or via other means. There are too many issues and problems to list here but the waning enrollment (drill down to numbers class by class, do not accept gross enrollment information), recent Ofsted issues (do not accept the "party line" rather read the reports themselves--paying special attention to the issues with leadership), mass exodus of families that had hoped that TASIS was a long-term investment (including families with 4/5 kids who have chosen to put their younger kids in other schools rather than risk their education), standardized testing results (although they are unlikely to share these with you), the list goes on and on... it is a beautiful campus but there are many, many options for your children both in UK schools (especially if they are younger) and other International schools. One of the reasons there are not more negative reviews is because many people are so happy to be free of the place that they never want to look back. Do your research--look at faculty turnover closely, pay specific attention to whether the people who are responsible for your children's education have actually studied education and have the kind of resume you would expect from any equivalent school in the US (especially the administrative personnel) and ask as many questions as possible about special needs support qualifications, methods and long term planning for your children.

We found Athelstan House School by pure chance - discreetly situated in Hampton. Our daughter…read morestarted when she was just turning three. From day one she loved it. There is a strong family atmosphere which we felt was really important at such a young age. She is now in year 1 and we are very happy to say still loves going to school everyday. The classes are small with a teacher and two assistants so we feel confident she will develop to her full potential. The teachers have a strong belief in what they do, a great school, a lovely learning environment!

From the owner: Independent pre preparatory school for 3 to 7 year oldsread more