Bishopston Primary Schools

[TheGentleWoman]

Hi there,

I was in two minds where to post this thread (Education or Local) but I’m hoping I can pick your brains on primary schools in Bishopston?

We’re hopefully moving from London to Bristol this summer (depending on how quickly the house sale completes) and we are needing to arrange an in year admission for our daughter who is currently in reception.

Speaking to the council this week, there are waiting lists (ranging from 4 - 7 children) for the schools nearest to what would be our new home - Brunel Fields, Sefton Park Infants and Bishops Road.

Unfortunately, the above schools can not conduct a tour of their school until a place has been offered - which of course makes it near impossible to gage where would be the best setting for our DD when filling out the admission form. I’m currently exhausting Bishopston Mum, Google and Mumsnet reviews...

Do you have any experiences or feedback of these schools that you’re happy to share - either positive or negative?

We have also spoken to Fairlawn in Montpelier which currently has spaces and we will not need to go via the council. We have arranged a tour of the school within the next couple of weeks.

What are your thoughts on Fairlawn? I have read all can on the school and I like what I have read so far but of course the visit will be the real insight..

From all of the schools that we have spoken to, Fairlawn came across as being very warm and understanding. It’s a shame that we weren’t in Bristol when they had their summer fair recently - it would have been a great opportunity to get a sense of their school community.

DD is currently in a lovely and welcoming school which she thoroughly enjoys, so apart from the guilt of moving her 100 miles away; I’m really eager to find a similar environment for her.

Thank you so much in advance!

Gentle

[broccolitree]

I'm just outside the area, (and didn't want to leave you hanging) but I have friends with kids at all three schools, who are happy with all of them. Bishop Road is quite SATS/league table focussed and is suffering with the funding cutbacks (as are most schools of course). I know that in Reception there is much less learning through play than there might be at other schools, but obviously this suits some children and parents. It is also a very big school (and again there are good and bad things about this).

From talking to other parents Fairlawn is a bit marmite I think, and it is quite a new school, so I'm sure that is part of it.

Hopefully some parents with kids in the schools will spot this and provide more useful information!

[TheGentleWoman]

Thanks so much for replying Broccoli!
I’ve heard that also about Bishops Road - the school must be huge! Perhaps too big for DD...

Interesting also to hear that about Fairlawn..it seems to get a lot of praise online!

Would love to hear more views from those who know or have children there.

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

In general Bristol schools intake is driven by proximity to school. The catchment areas are very small and the best schools oversubscribed with waiting lists.

You may not have the choice you think you should.

Where is your property?

[Muuuuuuuum]

I have dc at Bishop Road. It is big yes, but not sure I'd describe it as SATS focused - my Y6 didn't have any SATS related homework, early morning sessions, lunchtime revision, worksheets etc. In fact the whole thing was pretty low key as far as I'm concerned.

There are a few things I'd change about the school - it isn't great at home school communication and it all feels a bit unnecessarily secretive sometimes but on the whole I really like it.

[Robindrama]

Have a look at St Bonaventures school, absolutely lovely school! They had places available across all years, as there were some posters in the area.

[Tigerstripycat]

Can’t speak for Fairlawn or the other 2 schools but my Y3 DS has been at Bishop Rd since Recrption and he loves it. It is a big school with 4 form entry BUT the school manages this very well and IMO it doesn’t feel overwhelming at all. Lots of male teachers, not just for sport, and a high number of NQTs who are all very keen and enthusiastic. It’s academically focused and places a strong emphasis on reading and writing, but personally I think this is a good thing although I don’t think SEN provision is great, according to what I’ve picked up from some of the parents. Overall, I’d say it’s a warm, friendly school that really pushes a love for books and has good facilities - gym, sports field, cookery hall etc.