Vic Robinson Co-Chair of PTA

I've been a parent at Chiswick School since 2020. It was a surreal time to move from primary to secondary, and we had no idea what to expect as we hadn't even managed to look around the school before we got our place, via the waiting list, during lockdown. Even with all the restrictions in place, and periods of school closures during that first year, one thing was (and is) really clear: Chiswick School is a community and one that genuinely cares about its students and their families. Our eldest son was in the process of getting an EHCP when he started and required additional support in many areas. When he started at Chiswick, we were unsure whether he would even be able to stay in full time education. Whilst his journey hasn't been easy, and he still faces challenges, I truly believe that he wouldn't even be at school today, if it weren't for the support he has had at Chiswick. From day one, he was supported and his needs were met. The communication was brilliant, and the SEND department helped him in so many ways; he is now thriving. The support and care he has received led to him finding his true passion - Music. His Music teacher, and his singing teacher, saw that potential in him, when he couldn't see it himself. 

Almost five years on, he has had opportunities which surpass anything we could have imagined, and, because he is happy, he has also made exceptional academic progress. He gained a music scholarship through school, and has sung in incredible locations like Cambridge and Oxford Universities, as well as taking part in extraordinary concerts in the local community, such as the recent Beethoven 9 with Kew Sinfonia. Now, in 2024, we have three - very different -  children at Chiswick School and it has been a joy to see how their differing needs and interests are celebrated and met. What Chiswick has done is nurture them as individuals and allow them to thrive. I feel that they are known, and seen. Despite being a large school, their focus is on the individual. For example, one of our boys plays cricket for the school, as well as taking part in athletics and football, and has been heavily involved with History and the enrichment opportunities and workshops on offer; whilst our youngest has only been at the school for just a term and has already joined a band and Junior Choir, taken part in multiple Performing Arts performances and had the chance to join the student council. We feel extremely grateful to be part of such an inclusive community and, as parents, have also found it easy to get involved in the school through the PTA, by helping at events and the car boot sales, as well as joining the community choir. Not only this but, when we have needed to reach out, with questions or concerns, we have been heard quickly and feel that our feedback is always taken on board with openness and interest. Joining Chiswick School has been transformative for our family, and whilst we rarely have any free time with all the activities going on!, we feel very grateful to be part of such a warm and friendly community.