NAVIGATION SCHOOL OR OLDFIELD BROW?!

[southernbelle79]

Hi all I have recently moved to Trafford due to work. My initial preference was Oldfield Brow as I was impressed by the head teacher and the schools outstanding status. As I was just out of catchment my year one and nursery child got into Navigation School which is walking distance. They have been there since Sep and are happy but I just got a letter through last week saying my year one had a place at OB!

My dilemma is whether to take my year one out and move him to OB or leave him where he is at Navigation which although isn't outstanding my kids enjoy . Bearing in mind OB ofsted was near 10 years ago I'm not sure whether to move my child or just leave things as they are. Any advice from parents in both school
Would be very welcome thank you!!

[theknackster]

My two went to OBPS (and loved it).

I wouldn't put too much faith in the Ofsted ratings, personally - a 'Good' vs 'Outstanding' probably doesn't make any practical difference to most parents. As you point out, the OBPS inspection was a long time ago - the school has doubled in size since then and is consequently a very different place (even if the head and many of the teachers are still in place).

If you're happy with Navigation, and your DC are happy and settled, I don't think there's much to be gained from moving, and if you're walking distance to NPS your DC will probably make more local friends at NPS.

[MarthasHarbour]

I would keep him at NP. Both schools have an equally good reputation and as PP said your DCs will have made friends and settled at NP and if you are walking distance then it makes practical sense. There isn't enough difference in the schools to make me want to unsettle DC1 if I was faced with the choice.

[mumof2kiddos]

I had moved my DS to OBPS 2 years ago as I moved to this area from Sale. Although initially I had my reservations due to the catchment demography, however now after 2 years, I couldn't be happier and my son is simply flourishing in this school.

However, as PP says if your DC is well settled in NPS, then there is no need to change schools.

[theknackster]

I had my reservations due to the catchment demography

Was it the people in the £1m+ houses up by the golf course that alarmed you so? Maybe the folk from the Dunham cottages?

[mumof2kiddos]

Bold: Was it the people in the £1m+ houses up by the golf course that alarmed you so? Maybe the folk from the Dunham cottages?

Ha! as if they would really send their precious children to a school bang in the middle of a council estate!

[theknackster]

We know one family that live up that way that sent their kids to OBPS, but yes, point taken. A happy hunting ground for the prep schools .