ST ALBANS/HARPENDEN SCHOOLS

[sylvm]

We're considering moving to either St Albans or Harpenden (depending where the right house is!). We've heard good things about the schools in both places - does anyone have experience of any of them? We're interested in both secondary and primary. DD is going into Y4 in September but I'm well aware that time goes very quickly and we don't want to move again after this for a long time. She has special needs so I would be particularly interested to know which schools are particularly good in this area.

[alibubbles]

Hi, I live in St Albans and my children have attended state and private schools.

Do you have a particular area in mind? Where you live will determine which school you will get as it is very much a catchment area policy, people move into the district of their preferred schools!

What sort of special needs does you daughter have? I know some are very helpful and some that move them out or are not very cooperative.

Most schools in both towns are excellent, there are only a minute proportion who are not, and a head change can make all the difference.

The primary my two went to was exceptional, a head change has meant that it is no longer as popular as it was. Parents didn't like the last head, but at least they knew where they stood with her. 5 years on, the parents still don't like the new head and it is such a shame as it was a truly fantastic school. The results have dropped too.

Ask away!

[sylvm]

Hi Alibubbles. I spotted you on another thread on this board earlier and your daughter(s) go to the same school as my eldest judging by your comments about Head/Deputy. Little one is a completely different kettle of fish to the elder one. She has Tourettes Syndrome, Dyspraxia and social skills difficulties. She can be very impulsive which can lead to aggression. In between, she can concentrate quite well and is good at reading but not at handwriting and maths. So far as St Albans is concerned, we feel the secondaries on the North side are probably the ones to go for (from what we have read). We would obviously prefer that side of town so far as elder one is concerned too. We know nothing about the Primaries, obviously even a popular primary may have a vacancy because someone's moving away. I would be very interested to hear which are the one's NOT to go for .. p'raps it'd be best if you'd CAT ME - before this thread becomes libelous!

[alibubbles]

sylvm [email protected] I don't mind putting my email address as I can be found in third place or thereabouts on a google search for 'childminding St Albans'

My best friends daughter is dyspraxic and has poor social skills, she also has dyslexia. very intellingent child, but can have temper outbursts, I feel from frustration more thasn anything else.

What ages are your DD's. My DD is 19 and DS is 18 now! We have lived in St Albans 23 years.

[sparklymieow]

Hi Alibubbles!!!

[anorak]

sylvm, I live in Bricket Wood. We have an excellent JMI in the village with a superb reputation. My older kids go to Parmiter's which is walking distance and is a very high-acheiving high school in the Times best schools list every year. Both schools are not fee-paying.

As alibubbles says, this area is brilliant for schools and most are very good.

[alibubbles]

Hi Herts ladies!

[SecondhandRose]

Hi AliB, not heard from you on here in a while.

[alibubbles]

Hi secondhandrose, I noticed you hadn't been around for a while and then started to appear on a few threads - lurking hey?

[sylvm]

Anorak - thanks for the info on Bricket Wood. Unfortunately (because house prices seem to be a fair bit cheaper in BW) we really want to be in St Albans itself or Harpenden.

[sylvm]

Alibubbles - did u get my e mail?

[pabla]

sylvm, if you decide on St Albans, you would definitely be better off going for the north side of town as there is only one secondary school on the south side (nothing wrong with it but it doesn't give you a choice iyswim). I have a daughter in Y3 and have friends with kids of that age in most of the primaries on the north side of town so if you want to know about a particular one please feel free to CAT me and I'll let you know what I think. I agree with alibubbles that schools here are generally v. good - even those deemed as less preferable are far better than the best in other areas!

[alibubbles]

pabla. are you in St Albans too?

[SecondhandRose]

Hi Ali, a lot of the stuff on here doesn't apply to me anymore, I love the political stuff but I always get hounded out with my Tory ways! We've converted some offices at home and started a little holiday cottage business so I've been busy doing that, can't believe anyone would want to holiday in Herts but they do either for work or for visiting relations.

Have also applied for a job with the NCT at national level and have an interview after half term so that will take up more time. x A

[pabla]

Hi alibubbles

Yes I am in St Albans too

[alibubbles]

I know what you mean SHR, but I suppose because I have constant contact with under 10's I am addicted. I only have a few topics on favourites, occasionally dip into all active conversations. You eldest must be nearing secondary age soon?

I'm Tory through and through like you, I was most indignant when someone nicked our board from the garden, only to return it on the day after the election! Ha, St Albans back to being blue!

Pabla, which schools do you children go to? Which side of the city are you, I am near Ayletts.

[pabla]

I'm in the Bernards Heath area. Only my dd is at school. The other two are pre-school age.

[SecondhandRose]

Hi AliB, my DS is now in year 5, so last year next year and hoping for some sort of scholarship to go in to the College. DD is in year 1 at the moment. My boys are off to the FA Cup Final tomorrow so we've got a girls day to ourselves.

[alibubbles]

Have a good weekend SHR.

My DS has gone to stay with his sister in Paris, it is her Uni Ball and then she is home till 1st October.

I have got used to just DH and I having the house to ourselves, it will be back to worrying about them both on the roads again!