Ravenstone parent here. Bit baffled as to why happiness is considered a poor choice for a school value but each to their own...
Honestly, all the local schools are good and differences in academic outcomes are largely down to demographics (the schools who do better seem to have social advantages and/or fewer SEN students). If your child is bright and comes from a comfortable, supportive home they are likely to do well wherever they go and should be able to go on to selective schools if that is what you want. Can't comment on other schools but here is what I like about Ravenstone:
- Great teachers (including a lot more male staff than a lot of primary schools which makes a nice change) and really good senior staff (the kids adore their Head Teacher and he is well-respected by parents too)
- Fantastic space and facilities. Their lovely playground has chickens, a wild area, a pond and a decent sports pitch. Early Years classes have covered outdoor areas so can spend a large part of the day outside regardless of weather. Indoors they have two large halls, a great library, music room, sensory room for SEN kids and much more.
- Great mix of families. Kids come from all backgrounds and they have an autistic hub so kids learn to respect (another school value!) and embrace their differences.
- Lovely community - it is really friendly and welcoming and there is a really active community around the school which has been built up over many decades. It is genuinely lovely to be a part of it.
- Great sports - Ravenstone always excels at Athletics but has expanded sports in recent years and now has a strong football team, a running club as well as offering other sports like cricket and hockey. They use every inch of that huge playground as well as their 2 large halls to keep the kids active.
- Happiness! Others may not see that as a good school value but the kids chose their own values at Ravenstone (and designed the characters that represent them) and are fiercely proud of them. I love the fact that kindness and happiness are prioritised. This is primary school. It is supposed to be FUN.
Good luck whatever you choose! Sorry for long post. Think I was just triggered by the happy thing!