Primary school entry, Sept 2017 Post Reply

[claphamite]

I was wondering if others have started thinking about schools for reception entry in Sept 2017 yet? This would be those applying in autumn 2016.

We're looking at a bunch... Bonneville, Wix, Heathbrook, Clapham Manor, Macauley.

Wix had an improvement needed OFSTED in 2014, and has had a lot of change at head teacher level. We heard they weren't able to recruit this summer, so are having to readvertise the head teacher post. Does anybody who goes there have a more informed view, and what is the English reception stream like? One plus of Wix is that it is a feeder for Bolingbroke Academy, so we will definitely give it a look. I've always wondered whether the outside space is good though.

Clapham Manor got a brilliant inspection a number of years ago, and is not easy to get into. Anybody there at the moment that would recommend it, or give an update on reception/infant school?

Heathbrook seems to have improved an awful lot under a good new head and got an excellent OFSTED this summer. Also seems to have done much better at exam results, so it's now excellent in it's own right rather than poor results a few years ago. Apparently it was one of the 100 most improved schools in 2016 according to the government. The outside facilities are fantastic, having looked around before and lots of local parents want their kids to go there now. So nice to have a place as an option which has a buzz about it. Any recent experiences of people?

Macauley always seems to be seen as outstanding by local parents and OFSTED. I guess it's just whether you can squeeze in without going to church.

Any other ideas or schools that parents are looking at in Clapham?

[localmum88]

It's a tough call. I'm a parent at Clapham Manor and I think it is on the decline, while it was the best of the bunch when my first child went there. There is a lot of bullying and some pretty rough incidents have happened there. It's not very pleasant. Also, they go through a lot of teachers. One class last year had about 4 different ones. That is not good for the kids.

Macauley is always good and in hindsight I wish I sent mine there (I could have gotten a church place). But, I was wowed by the presentation of CM. They are very good at giving the appearance of being great, but once you are there, there is a lot wrong with it. I don't think it is going to get better until there is serious change.

Both Heathbrook and Wix, from what my parent friends who go there say, are good. Pretty chaotic, but have some great creative programs for the kids. Their kids have done well.

Bonneville is on the rise I think. They have had very high attainment in the Lambeth Achievement awards in the last few years. They also seem to spend their budget on the kids, rather than the building. Something that can't be said for Clapham Manor.

[Teacher&Mum]

Please do give Heathbrook a really good consideration. See this thread for more info because there are quite a few people chatting about schools in the area:

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... ok#p195271

I ended up with my Son at Heathbrook almost by accident because we newly moved to London and had missed the deadline for applications, so I was absolutely petrified. As a teacher, I knew only too well what my expectations were of what makes an excellent school, and I also have high expectations for my son, so it was an absolute nightmare even considering that we would end up with him in a "completely random" school in the centre of London! My stresses were high BUT I could not be more pleased with how things have panned out.

Heathbrook is an INCREDIBLE school. The staff body as a whole are incredibly committed and make a personal investment in EVERY child to ensure that they are stretched and challenged, whatever their starting point. As a teacher this is something that I really appreciate.

Socially, my son has settled in really well and very quickly. The PTA is really proactive and therefore the ethos of parental support from home is also very catching! The children at Heathbrook are supported all round from the very top (an amazing Head with fantastic leadership skills) to the staff, parents and pupils themselves. As a new child in reception, I was over the moon to witness first hand how welcoming the older pupils are to the younger ones. The atmosphere in the playground is very positive indeed, and I am not surprised considering what an amazing outdoor space they have.

Trust me, well worth a visit, and if you are short of time to do much more visiting now before the deadline, please do give it your serious consideration! This school is on the up and it is already an incredible place. A real gem with a nurturing attitude for the individual which I thought couldn't be possible within a big city setting.

[mumofone07]

I'd also be interested in other parents views on these schools particularly Wix which has just received another disappointing Ofsted of inadequate.

Macaulay is my other option, probably the one I'm gonna go for as it has been outstanding school.

[LastMumStanding]

Hi! There is another thread on exactly the issues you raise if you haven't found it already.
Wix is becoming part of Belleville (as a result of its Ofsted report) - changes will happen quickly (and are already tangible in just a few months) so I'd recommend you also go and have a look at Belleville to see what you will be getting at Wix in a year's time.