What's the nearest primary school to West Bridgford that is not oversubscribed?

[birdhouseinmysoul]

I'm starting with an assumption that there is no school actually in WB that isn't oversubscribed - would be delighted to be told I'm wrong.

So, where do children go who fall in the 'no man's land' between catchments that have contracted through oversubscription?

We've applied for a reception place in Sep 2016 (online, so could still amend it) and I'd like to be able to follow the advice I read on a thread on the main board of: Use all your preferences in preference order, include your catchment school, include one 'dead cert banker' as a fall back. But there's no such thing as a 'dead cert banker' here is there? Just lots of over-subscribed schools.

So the reality is that if dd isn't offered a place at her catchment school, she won't be offered one at any of our four preferences, which are the feeders for our catchment secondary, as (as far as I know / can guess) they're all oversubscribed. Where then might a place be offered?

Does anyone have any insight or advice? Thank you.

[LocalEditorNottingham]

We've given your question a few tweets. Here's an answer from the Twitter-sphere:

Accidental Purist ‏@AccidentlPurist:
@MNetNottingham @NottsCC Greythorn and Edmund Campion had space this year, following tough Ofsted reports.

‏@AccidentlPurist: Please also pass on that most local education professionals seem to think the Ofsteds were harsh; both are good schools.

@MNetNottingham:
@AccidentlPurist Really helpful, thanks - both appear to have made changes too. Maybe there won't be so much space this year...

@AccidentlPurist: Yes, quite. Also heard that Gamston Pierrepont may be forced to take in more children, as they (theoretically) have space.

‏@AccidentlPurist: (that's just talk, though - but most other WB schools are old and v tight for space, whereas they are relatively new build)

[LocalEditorNottingham]

‏@AccidentlPurist: Pierrepont Gamston, rather - but here's the expansion story m.nottinghampost.com/Exciting-time-school-pound-2-3m-expansion/story-22920257-detail/story.html

[Accidentalpurist1]

Did someone want to talk further about this?

[LocalEditorNottingham]

Welcome The OP might well do - any thoughts or advice very welcome.

[Accidentalpurist1]

It really, really depends on where the OP lives. I'm happy to offer anecdotal advice, based on the 2015 entry outcomes I know of, but am not an expert ...

[birdhouseinmysoul]

Oh, thanks so much for these responses.

It does sound as though both those schools may be 'coming back up' and perhaps not so under-subscribed this year. Greythorn's results still don't look as impressive as other nearby schools. Maybe it will have some space for out of catchment children again this year, before its reports improve (assuming they will)?

I suppose what I'm really wondering is, if we're not offered a place at any of our preferred schools, how far away could we be sent? Does anyone know of examples of this happening and of children being given places outside WB? Where?

[Accidentalpurist1]

It all depends on where you are. If you're in WB, you'll get a place in a WB school. WB's not that big; you might travel a mile or so, but you'll still be in WB.
Greythorn and EC likely to have spaces this year. Mud sticks.

[Accidentalpurist1]

It depends which school you've put as your #1 preference. If you live next to Greythorn, but put Jesse Gray down as your #1, you won't get your #1.
I don't expect you to reveal your home address and school preferences online but - well, to state the obvious, your safest best is to pick the school closest to you. If you refuse that school, the council can place you anywhere reasonably local.
We have families dropping kids at schools, because they risked a non-catchment first choice (and lost).

[Accidentalpurist1]

*two schools

[birdhouseinmysoul]

We'd love to get our closest school. The concern is that, if we don't, and our other three choices are oversubscribed too, we mightn't get any of them. Then what?

Very reassuring that you think we'd get something within WB. Also that some schools within WB might reasonably be regarded as 'dead certs', for fourth preference position.

Now to decide whether to make any tactical amendments to our application!

Thanks again.

[Accidentalpurist1]

I know it's a horrendously stressful time - I do sympathise. I think you'll be fine, actually. Sounds like you've been perfectly reasonable in your choices.
Good luck xx

[Sara300]

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone here can help me with that. My husband and I are moving to Nottingham and plan to buy a house in WB. We are looking in some of the good schools catchment area (JG, WB junior,...). However, we were told that even if you are in the catchment you might not get a space in the school. Can anyone tell me how many applicants apply for (lets say JG) and how many will be admitted within the catchment area? Is there any place that I can find more information about the previous year waiting list applicants, and where they were living?
I appreciate if anyone can help, as moving is stressful as it is.

[MEGP82]

We’re in the exact same situation! If you go to the council site it tells you how many applied (far more than they have spaces for) but no heat map so it’s hard to tell how far away or out of catchment those applications might have I’m thinking of giving a few of the schools a call to see if they can share more information but would be great if you can share anything you’ve learned as well.

[Charmatt]

Parents are asked to put down 4 preferences so what you see as number of applications may not give you the full picture.

Heymann Primary and Nursery School (Graded Good by Ofsted Summer term 2019) was expanded to take the bulge in West Bridgford but has a relatively small catchment. They sometimes have more ability to take at KS1 as they are 3 form entry. However they are full in KS2

The top end of Jesse Gray's catchment often misses out on a place at the school so avoid that end. West Bridgford Juniors and Infant are always full as their catchment has very dense housing.

An alternative is Tollerton Primary School - not too far away and single form entry. They are located in Tollerton - a village close to West Bridgford. They are single form entry and are rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.

[Candy123]

Hello

I’m in a similar-ish situation and have a question. If I put my catchment school as my 4th choice does that make my chance lower at getting the catchment school if my first three choices (which are slightly out of catchment) were rejected? Please any advice would be helpful. Thanks so much

[Charmatt]

No, you will be ranked for all 4 schools, but offered highest preference where you can be accommodated.