Primary schools Gloucester/Cheltenham

[Hendricks15]

Hi
I have a daughter (soon to be 7) and son (5) who started in February at a new school as we relocated. Before we moved both were very happy and settled at school. Daughter has settled ok, but tells me there are 'mean girls' in her class, Son is struggling - has been bitten at school (!), cries in the mornings. Normally he is very sociable and was previously so keen on school he would rush in without saying goodbye. I can't fault the teachers but feel that the mix of the other kids there is not right for us. We are looking at other schools, including private school. Part of me feels that maybe it's too soon to move schools, the other that we should get on and do it sooner rather than later. So - any advice firstly? And secondly, any recommendations for schools (private or state) in south-east Gloucester or South Cheltenham sort of area? We have looked at Rendcomb and St Edwards. We did look round more state schools before moving, and I am nervous of making a second decision that hindsight will tell me is wrong :(

Thanks

[Galena]

Which school are they at? pm me if you want. I work in the education sector in that area and may be able to suggest some places.

[monkeyfacegrace]

St Edwards is awful for bullying.

I'll bail out now as I think I know who you are, but look at Castle Hill, Birdlip, Upton St Leonards, Dingle well, Churchdown village and if you can afford it, Dean Close.

Wycliffe in Stroud is a very good private school too

[monkeyfacegrace]

Forgot to mention Painswick village school too.

[teacherwith2kids]

Many primaries in Cheltenham very, very full, especially for your son's year - 1 space in whole of town on allocation day for 2014 entry.

Admissions very helpful, though, and will send you a list of schools with places, which may well help you to narrow your search.

Richard Pates is very highly regarded as a private primary for academic kids looking for grammar entry, but obviously no senior school and not for every child. I'm with monkeyface on her comments on St Eds. Happy to give more info by pm if that would be helpful.

[Hendricks15]

Thanks everyone who replied and pmd me (and hello monkeyface!) Lots to think about. We have been in touch with a few more schools. Lots are full for either both or one child. Never simple is it?! We'll keep looking round and do trial days where we can I think.

[Blea72]

Hi, please could someone give me more info about St Eds junior chelt? I have one DS at the senior who is very happy and ebay to move my youngest to the junior as we are not happy where he is, any help/advice would be great

[Flake999]

As a long standing parent at St Ed's with DD still at the prep cannot think of any experience of bullying, apart from one isolated incident several years ago when it was the mums being bullying towards each other and not the kids. Always found the staff caring and very nurturing. Any niggles actioned immediately and resolved by teachers.There will always be some people with negative experiences in any school

[Trichykaraikal]

Hi, I am moving to Gloucester/Cheltenham from Reading. I will be working in Gloucester hospitals and have a 5 yr old daughter looking for the best primary school to move in. Please, would someone suggest a nice school in the area (Gloucester/Cheltenham) and also the best/affordable place to raise the family. please help me guys..

[Trichykaraikal]

Hi, I am the parent with 5 yr old daughter. Please suggest me the best/safe primary school at Gloucester or Cheltenham to join year 1.

[MarchingFrogs]

Have you contacted the admissions team at the local authority, to ask which schools currently have places? As your DD will be in year 1, class sizes are restricted to 30 (except in certain very limited circumstances), so it may well be a question of where you can get her in, rather than choosing a school.