S11 primary school places - moving to new area

[jkss]

Hello Mums, I'm hoping some of you may have had similar experiences and be able to offer advice.
I'm currently in S6 and wanting to move to S11, around the Sharrow Vale area. I'm a single mum with two girls aged 5 and 7 who'll be going into Y2 and Y4 in September.
We don't have a car so this area, with its proximity to shops, parks and so much more, is perfect for us. Right now I feel a bit isolated and life could be easier!
My problem is, I can't apply for a primary school transfer until June. My currently rental ends at the end of June so that timing is ok. But what if I secure an address in the new area and can't get a place at a school? Our favourite is Hunters Bar and I know that the infant Y1 is currently full. And if I don't move first I don't think we'd be allocated a place with an address is a different postcode.
The fact that we don't have a car and that I work full time means that I just can't be running around dropping off at schools all around Sheffield.
In your opinions, if we moved to the area at the end of this school year, how much of a chance do you think we'd have of securing school places in (very) local schools before September? Are there quite a few childminders in that area who do school drop offs / pick ups?
Thanks so much!

[Laplata]

Hi, I am planning to move to Sheffield by the end of the school year, and I can tell you that I contacted the Hunters Bar school for my 7 y.o. daughter, and they are oversubscribed.

To be honest I was hoping to get there, too, but I don't have an address yet, and have no idea how to pick another good school in the area - the the system is quite different where I live now =) I was recommended to check this school, but no idea what are other good schools in the area.

I hope you get to a good school.

[SouthernBird]

Have you spoken with the council admissions team, maybe you could get your girls on various school waiting lists (as many schools as you like) if that's an option? I don't know how easy it would be getting both in at the same school though, or adjoining infants and juniors.

I don't know much about S11 schools other than the area in general is very well / over subscribed. Individual schools might vary though I guess.

The Education bit of the main boards is usually very helpful on this sort of thing if that's more help.

[macmissy]

I'm not sure about the schools part, but as a word of warning before you move please check out your neighbours, S11 is student hell. We've bought and now have students either side which is horrific, they don't understand that DSS doesn't want to be woken up at 3 in the morning, what 7 year old does? The street is a mess, that and noise is a nightmare. We'll be moving when we can. Just want you to be vigilant and not stuck in the same trap as we are. Good luck!

[papooser]

Hi there
Have you also tried Porter Croft? My kids are there and absolutely love it. It is less than ten minutes' walk from Sharrow Vale and has just been rated Outstanding in every area by Ofsted. We moved to S11 from abroad two and a half years ago and faced the same issue of getting our kids into Y2 at the time - Hunter's bar was our catchment but oversubscribed and we didn't get in. We did actually get them into the junior school from Y3 but were so happy with Porter Croft that we kept them there.
As far as I know, the school isn't currently full in every year group - if you're interested, feel free to PM me for more details, or give the school a call and find out what places they have.
Best of luck!

[Laplata]

Dear Mums,

I am in a bit of a loss, and I would really love to get some advice from local experts.

So, we are most likely moving to Sheffield in about a month. And I have about this time to find a house and a school for my 7 y.o. (I think she is year 3 in Uk system). Basically, I want a safe neighbourhood, not too far from the University of Sheffield (no car, so within 1,5 miles or bus) and the most important - a good school. the question is how do I look? Do I start with a good area and look for a good house and then hope to get into a good school? Or do I look for a good school with vacant places at Y3 and then try to find a decent living?

Thanks!

[Lyrial]

Hi Laplata, I live in S11, it's a desirable area of Sheffield, S10, S7, would suit for uni access. There are.several outstanding primaries in these areas, excellent bus links to uni and town centre. Depends on your budget really. The terrace houses tend to be full of students so suburbs may be better.?

[Laplata]

Hey, Lyrial,

Thank you for replying. I have my eyes on a house in s11, but it seems the viewing is mandatory, so we arrive on 9th, stay in a hotel and hope no one steals that lovely house from under our nose before next Monday =) It is on Rosedale Gardens - is it a good place? Shops, cafes, safety? There seem to be good schools in the area, hopefully we can get into one of them.

[Hulababy]

Make sure you get on all the waiting lasts for any schools you are interested in. The thing with schools around the universities and hospitals is that people do move in and out of the area, freeing up spaces. I know there has been a few changes to the classes in Hunters Bar for example where people have moved in and out - the university/hospital have transient populations

[Laplata]

Thanks, Hulababy.
I tried to contact Hunters BAr, but they do not reply to e-mails for some reason. i guess I'll just call tomorrow.

I need to learn someting about Sharrow school, it has a 'good" ofstead, But I'd love some personal opinions.

[Hulababy]

School will currently be closed. Not sure if the office is open or what hours in the holidays. I suspect it is mostly closed right now.
Term starts Tuesday 1st September.

[Laplata]

So, basically all three schools we applied to are oversubscribed. And we are waiting for the LEA letter with any allocation available. I was told that it makes sence to appeal - does anyone know anything about this? Thank you, ladies...