St Roberts of Newminster, Washington anyone know what it's like?

[Notonaschoolnight]

Just that really, I have a year 5 child and want to arrange visits to possible schools

[Aquilla]

Yes, have taught there a few times over last few years. Definitely one of the best state options in the area. A nice, caring feel about it. Kids are pretty wholesome and it also has a great, well-equipped 6th form in a sparkly new building. Would definitely send my kids there and that's not something I say often

[ouryve]

It's a decent school with a good ethos. I've worked with a few people whose kids have gone there.

[Notonaschoolnight]

Thanks for replying

[MadameJosephine]

My DS is currently going his GCSE's at St Robert's and will be staying on for sixth form. I've lived in Washington for a long time and it's always had a good reputation and he had been very happy there. The atmosphere of the school is friendly, discipline is firm but fair, the communication with parents has always been great and any problems we have had have been dealt with quickly and effectively. For example in year 8 we had an issue with bullying which was immediately nipped in the bid and during the last year DS has had done problems with anxiety and they have been very accommodating. It's a good school all round really.

[Notonaschoolnight]

Madamej Am I right in thinking there's been staff changes in the last 12 months inc head? Has that made any difference?

[louloutheshamed]

I have worked there in the past, it is a nice school but there have been huge staff changes recently including a new head and I have head that things are not good. That is from a staff pov though not a parents'.

[MadameJosephine]

A new head teacher started in September and i have also heard that there had been some problems with staff but I haven't noticed it affecting the pupils. Ive just had a letter from the school to inform me that new head has been 'released from his contract with immediate effect' so there'll be another new head in September! I suppose that will
inevitably have an effect on the school but St Robert's has had a great reputation for at least 30 years that I know of so I'm pretty sure it'll still be a good bet as a choice of school.