Worsley Bridge Primary School, Beckenham

[TheNinkyNonk1]

We are looking at moving to Beckenham and the nearest primary school, possibly the only one that we would be in the catchment for, is Worsley Bridge. From a bit of Googling it looks like it wasn't a great school a few years ago but the latest Ofsted report was Good. Does anyone know the school or have kids there and can share any more about what it's like now? Thank you!

[Applesandpears23]

I don’t have kids there but I have looked around it and considered it for my child. It gave the impression of trying really hard despite having a challenging intake with lots of pupils with english as an additional language for example. I liked the new head teacher. I think it’s probably a good school but in comparison to others in the area it wasn’t my first choice.

[Applesandpears23]

If you are on facebook join beckenham and penge mums and ask there.

[TheNinkyNonk1]

Thank you, I've just requested to join!

[TheNinkyNonk1]

Thanks this is really helpful

[Applesandpears23]

You’re welcome. Good luck with the move.

[Phineyj]

It was expanded a few years ago because Bromley was running out of primary places. I looked at their Ofsted and agree with other posters that it's on an upwards trajectory, but primary schools are all pretty good in the borough. You might want to check the Harris schools as some were recently started/converted so may have more places. Bear in mind you can also apply to Lewisham primaries if you are close to the borough boundary.

[Applesandpears23]

Oh yes, that’s a good point, Harris Beckenham may have space.

[SophiePeanut]

Hello, I just wondered how you got on with the primary school search? We are looking to move to a road just off Copers Cope and Worsley Bridge primary is the only option it seems. If @TheNinkyNonk1 or anyone else on this thread has further info / views on the school since this convo I’d love to hear. Thanks so much

[JoJoSM2]

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/142403/worsley-bridge-primary-school/primary

I don’t know the school personally but it looks awful. Especially given that Beckenham and the borough of Bromley do have excellent schools.

[blue25]

It tends to be one of the last choices for parents in the area I'm afraid. It still has a poor reputation.

[TheNinkyNonk1]

I followed a thread on the Facebook group Beckenham and penge mums and dads I think it's called. Only positive things were said on there, lots of v happy parents. So it looks a bit mixed to be honest but it definitely seems on the way up. We've moved here so taking a bit of a punt! Still got a few years before our daughter will be school age so I'm hoping it'll continue to improve.

[SophiePeanut]

Thanks everyone for getting back to me so quickly. It’s a tough one as my son is two years away from school so a lot could change. We would unfortunately be out of the catchment area for Harris Academy and can’t really afford independent. A lot to think about... really appreciate your views

[JoJoSM2]

@SophiePeanut If you haven’t bought the house yet, have you looked at properties in catchments for Clare House or Balgowan for example? Are they a lot more expensive?

Worsley Bridge might be a very friendly school that some parents are keen on but academic results have gone down and not up so it doesn’t look like the school in on the up at all.

[Hiddeninplainsight]

I think that it is not going to improve quickly. It has traditionally been the poorest school in the area and although things have changed for the better, they aren't changing fast. There are a lot of excellent schools in Beckenham and so it will take a lot for Worsley Bridge to become popular I think.

[SophiePeanut]

@JoJoSM2 Not bought the house yet (and now not looking likely) so will def explore the other school catchment areas you suggested. It’s all very new to us (first child and new area!) Thank you all.