by Bubs » Fri May 17, 2013 9:16 am
Chesterton School in North Battersea is another example of where a group of local parents have gotten behind the school, taken the leap of faith, and led to an 'oustanding' Ofsted and a waiting list to get in for some years.
Having said that, I do really feel for those who have chosen a school, planned ahead, and made a family home SO close to the school, in their preferred area, to have their hopes dashed. It must be devastating and I have every sympathy. I do worry about the rate the catchments are shrinking, even with a sibling 'in situ' already.
I recall when BV added their extra form, the reason why HW was able to elect not to do so, was because it was a foundation school I believe - so HW were slightly different in that the 'school' owns the building (hence why the PTFA raise funds for new playgrounds, windows, etc). Whereas with BV the council still owns the buildings, so pay for all repair - BUT can dictate that an extra form be added. I think .... it was a while ago .... baby brain ! Apologies if that's not entirely accurate.
As an aside I've truly never experienced any of the snobbery people remark upon either, to the contrary - it's been a real friendly community, with a load of support when need for us since moving here. Perhaps that's why people are so keen to try and stay here & preserve the feel of the area.
Yes, house prices are seriously rocketing as those priced out of Chelsea and Fulham head in, and catchments are shrinking as babies keep on coming, and less private school places are taken. But the people living here remain, in my view, to be a lovely bunch - not looking down on anyone, just wanting to try and raise their families in their area of choice (not be pushed out to other areas, or to have to travel miles to school their child or take up a place at a school they're less comfortable with).
As I said in a previous post, inverse snobbery is rife in some posts on here. Empathy is lacking, and relying on rumour is all too common.
Chesterton School in North Battersea is another example of where a group of local parents have gotten behind the school, taken the leap of faith, and led to an 'oustanding' Ofsted and a waiting list to get in for some years.
Having said that, I do really feel for those who have chosen a school, planned ahead, and made a family home SO close to the school, in their preferred area, to have their hopes dashed. It must be devastating and I have every sympathy. I do worry about the rate the catchments are shrinking, even with a sibling 'in situ' already.
I recall when BV added their extra form, the reason why HW was able to elect not to do so, was because it was a foundation school I believe - so HW were slightly different in that the 'school' owns the building (hence why the PTFA raise funds for new playgrounds, windows, etc). Whereas with BV the council still owns the buildings, so pay for all repair - BUT can dictate that an extra form be added. I think .... it was a while ago .... baby brain ! Apologies if that's not entirely accurate.
As an aside I've truly never experienced any of the snobbery people remark upon either, to the contrary - it's been a real friendly community, with a load of support when need for us since moving here. Perhaps that's why people are so keen to try and stay here & preserve the feel of the area.
Yes, house prices are seriously rocketing as those priced out of Chelsea and Fulham head in, and catchments are shrinking as babies keep on coming, and less private school places are taken. But the people living here remain, in my view, to be a lovely bunch - not looking down on anyone, just wanting to try and raise their families in their area of choice (not be pushed out to other areas, or to have to travel miles to school their child or take up a place at a school they're less comfortable with).
As I said in a previous post, inverse snobbery is rife in some posts on here. Empathy is lacking, and relying on rumour is all too common.