Kimichi School

Kimichi hasn’t just been a school to provide a superb education for our daughter. It has also been a very bright light at, what was, a very dark and, at the time 5 years ago, a never ending tunnel of many other failing schools, teachers, support staff and heads who profess to fit your child yet who then try to force your child to fit their draconian methods of education, structure and discipline. Kimichi will teach your child and, along the way, your child is both allowed and encouraged, in their own ways, to teach the Kimichi family of superb staff. I will speak very personally about Kimichi as I now have my daughter back from a very dark place. My daughter was offered 2 GCSEs from the home schooling service, and the appalling offering and support from ‘special’ schools within Solihull. She now has 9 GCSES - of those 1A*, 2 A’s and the rest Bs, as a direct result of the expertise, professionalism, skills, tent building, boat tending, sleeping in the staff room when needed, taking a break from lessons, cleaning and overall excellent standard of education that is offered at Kimichi. She, actually now WE are now doing A levels at Kimichi - I say we because you are part of a family of expertise and support at Kimichi. This is a specialist school with a specialist family of staff and pupils. Worth a look and very definitely worth a tour and a chat.

Felt compelled to review after seeing the recent negative comments below. I appreciate everybody has an opinion, but a spiteful rant does not amount to a fair and honest review and certainly doesn’t help readers form a reasonable opinion. My experience and circumstances are incredibly similar to the recent reviewer (Martin) and I also note that there is a common theme amongst many of the reviews…. Compassion, encouragement, support, and the relief to discover such a wonderful place. My own daughter is flourishing under the support and guidance offered by Sally and the team and we are in complete awe of the incredible lengths they will go to ensure to ensure your child is in the best place. As parents we are so incredibly grateful for all that Kimichi School offers and would not hesitate to recommend this absolute gem of a school to anybody.

Kimichi is a very special place, we still can't quite believe we found it. Put simply it has transformed our son's understanding of what learning is all about. He is so much happier and loves the range of subjects taught, the democratic nature of the school and the collective responsibility they have to ensure the school is tidy and organised - everyone plays their part. The music education he's receiving is superb, and the trips, residentials and projects provide a wonderful range of opportunities and experiences. We can't fault it, what an amazing place.

Like other recent reviews, I feel compelled to submit a review that is fair and honest. I feel that the 'keyboard warrior', who has a right to their own opinion, does not echo the views of other parents and pupils. My experience and situation are incredibly similar to the other recent reviewers, and my review absolutely duplicates the common theme amongst many of the latest reviews submitted. Understanding, encouragement, and support, combined with the magical combination of a practical and academic education. Life skills are as important as academic qualifications and this school has a lovely balance. My Son hated school previously and spent a considerable time in and out of education establishments, he has been at Kimichi for about 18 months and I do not think he has missed one day. For the first time ever - my Son has a school that BELIEVES in him and his abilities and that makes such a difference to a child who had a low self-esteem. Kimichi are trying, above and beyond to ensure he succeeds in whatever path he should choose. He is now happy to go on school trips (something that was not a consideration before) and now has the potential to achieve some qualifications, where the situation he was in before this seemed hopeless. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Sally and the rest of the staff and would not hesitate to recommend this school to anybody.

This captures the true essence of Kimichi School. Smiling happy pupils & staff alike. Our son has attended for the past year & has never been happier. Staff go above & beyond both inside & outside of the working day & truly have given our family nothing but support & understanding at all times. He has attended amazing life changing trips to Iceland & the Peak District which has been an accomplishment in itself. Our child had a pretty bleak future education wise prior to starting, but after a year of Kimichi we couldn’t be prouder of all that he has & will achieve in the future under their tutelage. Academic achievement aside, (which he is excelling in music may I add) & more importantly to us, we have a happy teenager who has grown in confidence who feels supported & respected! He is always treated as an individual rather than a statistic & we can not recommend Kimichi School enough. We can offer nothing but thanks & very high praise to all of the hardworking dedicated staff who go above & beyond every single day. They truly are the best.