Bonneville School - What's it like? Post Reply

[thing1andthing2]

Hi everyone - help needed please!

We are currently living in South Africa, but returning within the next few months.

Husband's job has asked if we can come back ASAP (in a month's time) and we have 2 boys (7 and 5).

We have a house on Abbeville Road, and while St Mary's is our closest we know we have no hope of a place there.

What's Bonneville like - it's our next local primary school. It's gone up to Good, but I'm wondering what the chances are from there into 8+ even with huge tutoring, given we're returning from a system that is a couple of years behind the UK.

Thanks so much

[Nev4]

I would also be interested in any feedback from parents with children at Bonneville School, as is also our closest and (realistically) our only state option.
Many thanks!

[mummymvh]

I have two daughters at Bonneville, they both attended nursery onwards. Eldest is going to be in year one in September, youngest will be going into reception. They have both thrived in the school, the teaching has been outstanding and I am thrilled with their outstanding progress.
There is a great parents association that is very involved in the school. It has a great atmosphere and is, I believe a hidden gem. Certainly far exceeds its Ofsted rating.( Many children do go on to the top private or grammar schools in the area)

[polly1971polly]

My daughter started reception at bonneville last sept like a quiet little mouse - she loves it and is reading, writing and doing all the right things and has completely come out of her shell. I was really anxious but am so pleased with our choice (our other option was alderbrook.....).

[Nev4]

Polly & Mummymvh, thank you both for your feedback. Good to hear such positive reports.
Can you add anything about the Headteacher or future development plans?
Thanks again, Nev4

[Mellomumma]

There have been some previous discussions so it might be worth you checking them out by doing a search. Hope this helps, we love living in the village and whilst our kids will be going to a private school if they weren't I would certainly consider Bonneville as the feedback is overall very good.

[metoo]

Hi
I agree with the poster who says the school exceeds its Ofsted rating. I have had 2 children go through this school and I'd say it's a lovely, nurturing school. My children are complete opposites yet have benefited according to their individual needs.
The headteacher has been there over 8 years; there was some staffing restructuring resulting in 3 teachers for 2 classes in the juniors (thus enabling smaller groups for certain lessons) and the curriculum was adapted to be more topic based which the kids seem to love. The deputy-head hopes and believes they can carry on this way but as education is at the whim of curriculum changes enforced by the government - who knows which way the wind will blow! Whatever happens I'm sure Bonneville will adapt and excel!
The PTA is active and tries to put on both entertaining and fundraising events. The best way to get a feel for a school is to visit - although the school is not organising any open days just yet perhaps you could come along to the Christmas Fair which will be the first or second Sunday in December! See you there

[Jess_BV]

Bonneville Open Day will be held on 25 September at 9.30 am. There will be an opportunity to meet the Headteacher and to be shown around the school by the pupils. All welcome!