Did you get your first choice 2016 primary school? Post Reply

[Honeybee2010]

I'd love to hear from anyone who got a place at Belleville/Honeywell - how far away are you? It's frustrating getting some information from the council today but having to wait for information on waiting lists.

...re anyone who got a place at Belleville / Honeywell, I think you're on the wrong forum / website for asking this question...they all live a bit further out don't they ?..

....sorry, couldn't resist. I'm sure some living in the immediate catchment were 'lucky', but essentially, school admissions policy in this area sucks. Even the change being bought in next year will do very little to address the 'move in, get a school, move out' situation. And before any bandwagons are leapt on, I can't blame anyone for doing this - the school/council should have clamped down long, long ago so that those actually living in the immediate vicinity of the school get a decent chance of a place rather than people having to 'play the system' to stand a chance.

[Vista]

We didn't get any of our choices at all and were offered Swaffield (live in St Johns Hill area). Does anyone have any feedback about Swaffield? I have read some of the reviews but didn't go to see it. Thanks in advance

[legs11]

Every year there are a lot of comments on this forum suggesting that lots of people play the system and anyone who goes to Honeywell or Belleville lives miles away. I really don't think the problem is as widespread as people think. There are a huge amount of children around here - it's not called nappy valley for nothing - which is why the catchments are so small.

We got into Honeywell last year and we live 190m away. Of our class of 30 there was one person who lived out of catchment and since September only one person has moved out of catchment. Yes lots of parents drive to the school but in many cases this is just laziness. I have seen plenty of people who I know live in catchment who drive to school.

[gabster]

Could I pls just ask which website you use to calculate distance from school in metres ? Is there one that the council recognise as valid ? Thanks !

You can use http://www.schoolcatchement.co.uk - will tell your postcode distance from various schools - but the council use a closer one with a GIS system

[Honeybee2010]

the problem with siblings gaining access to the school even though the family home is now maybe several miles away is still very much a problem today ! If in any doubt, the admissions staff at Honeywell School could provide more factual information. This is why a policy change is being brought in next year. Alas it is a step too small and too late. Again, I don't really blame any parents for doing it but I won't accept that it's not an issue. 6 years and 2 children not getting a place despite living on 'that road' is a fairly concrete personal experience to base it on.

[Honeybee2010]

Could I pls just ask which website you use to calculate distance from school in metres ? Is there one that the council recognise as valid ? Thanks !

You can use http://www.schoolcatchement.co.uk - will tell your postcode distance from various schools - but the council use a closer one with a GIS system

thanks

[Bubs]

I'd love to hear from anyone who got a place at Belleville/Honeywell - how far away are you? It's frustrating getting some information from the council today but having to wait for information on waiting lists.

...re anyone who got a place at Belleville / Honeywell, I think you're on the wrong forum / website for asking this question...they all live a bit further out don't they ?..

....sorry, couldn't resist. I'm sure some living in the immediate catchment were 'lucky', but essentially, school admissions policy in this area sucks. Even the change being bought in next year will do very little to address the 'move in, get a school, move out' situation. And before any bandwagons are leapt on, I can't blame anyone for doing this - the school/council should have clamped down long, long ago so that those actually living in the immediate vicinity of the school get a decent chance of a place rather than people having to 'play the system' to stand a chance.

Couldn't have put it better myself. It's disgraceful. And I'm sorry, I do blame those who do it just a little too, attend your local school! Though I agree, the council should be doing/should have done more long ago, Honeywell should also have clamped down sooner (foundation school, so they don't 'have' to bring in any rule), though I appreciate they wanted to consult on the changes.

[windmill26]

We didn't get any of our choices at all and were offered Swaffield (live in St Johns Hill area). Does anyone have any feedback about Swaffield? I have read some of the reviews but didn't go to see it. Thanks in advance

Hi,I have a few friends with kids at Swaffield and they are very happy with the school.

[lemonzest]

My child is at Swaffield, and we're delighted with it: happy, diverse, friendly school.

I live very close to the school, though. We moved from SW11 whilst my daughter was in the nursery class at High View (which we loved), but I found the schlepp up to St John's Hill every day for the next two terms with a buggy and a 3yo a bit of a strain!

Would personally suggest having a look at High View, and getting your name on the waiting list there! So much easier to have playdates, and make other parent friends in the immediate locality, to help in those random emergencies like sickness/getting back late from work!

[smoothpig]

As an ex Honeywell parent with two children who have been right through the school (we live very near) I would just like to say that none of the children in either of my sons classes got in to the school unfairly. Nearly all of them lived very near the school throughout the time their children were there and many still do, it's one of the nice things about the school. A few moved away in the upper years. It is absolute rubbish that people who live miles away play the system and send their children their through underhand means. I only ever heard of one person doing that (never met her) and everyone thought it was really bad. You do get to know the other parents! To those on the waiting list who live nearby, you will hopefully be offered a place before September as there is a lot of movement and if your child is unhappy at the school you get you can also transfer in year 1 or 2 but most want to stay put.

[SWblues]

It's not rubbish. I know three families who did rent short term to get in - they didn't move miles away once in, only a few hundred meters, back to their permanent addresses. It's a reality, I wouldn't do it but I don't blame them - i blame the system and the school who has allowed this to happen for far too long

[Jenny0620]

If anyone got into Belleville c.400m away or further, please could you comment? Just curious if last years' wider catchment area was a fluke. Thank you!

[mumtobusyboy]

We got Trinity St Mary's in Balham. I am thrilled as my son could not have been happier in their nursery and has made amazing progress. Its a school that seems to never get praise and following but deserves it. Teaching staff are excellent and best of all its small with a real community\family feel. Just one class per year! If you got offered the school but aren't sure I'm happy to answer questions! It is a CoE school but its more about values than religion. Kids are from all faiths and beliefs.

[Shaftesburymum]

Yes we did! Our daughter will be going to John Burns. So far it seems as though none of her nursery friends will be joining her there, sadly. We would be interested to hear from other parents with kids starting reception at JB in September.

[Pud1]

Great to hear some other schools mentioned!