Wymondham College

[Hopepark]

Hello, please can anyone advise how close you need to live to the college to be comfortable of getting in on a day place basis?
Thank you

[Hopepark]

Bump

[PatriciaHolm]

I think your best bet is to call the school. They don't seem to publish distances, and anything on here would of course be anecdotal.

[Elderflower2016]

Hi. I live in Norfolk and I’ve heard some years it has been under 1 mile radius, so very very close I think! 6th form is not selective on location though.

[Hopepark]

Thank you, so as close as possible then! Is Wymondham itself too far? Does anyone have first hand experiences of the school? Pros and cons.

[Elderflower2016]

I believe wymondham itself is not guaranteed as there’s also wymondham high. It’s worth calling admissions staff if haven’t already done so…. Heard good things about it, a bit more of an independent school feel considering it is free. Good sport etc

[Itis6oclocksomewhere]

Hi OP. It has changed over the years. When my first DC started there, it was very tight on the distance. My third DC started there a couple of years ago and it has relaxed.
However, as a PP has said, this is an anecdotal post and it could be all changed again this year.

As for your question about pros and cons.
I love the school for my children. I had a child who was very ill in Year 8 through to Year 10 and could not fault the support we received.
All my children have been happy there. I have one going into sixth form there and my youngest is entering GCSE years.

[justaweeone]

https://www.wymondhamcollege.org/979/admissions-faqs


https://www.wymondhamcollege.org/338/policies-ofsted/category/27/admissions-policies

Don't do what someone I know did and rent(while still having their primary residence) to get their child into the school and then get found out!!
Also Wym Col isn't for everyone

[Hopepark]

We are considering relocating on a permanent basis to be nearer family, so wouldn’t be playing that game!

My boys are quite academic, not particularly sporty although they like tennis and cricket, rather than rugby, football etc. They definitely have an artistic side. I think they respond well to a bit of stretch academically but I’m definitely not looking for a hothouse. The overall positive atmosphere of the school is important to me, a friendly atmosphere and good pastoral support are as important. Would WC be a good fit in that case would you say?

[Hopepark]

Thank you for the links.

[justaweeone]

Op
Just having a ponder, where in Norfolk are your family and are there any particular areas you like/ need to access easily?

[Hopepark]

Relatives in Sheringham, but we also have family in North Essex so Wymondham is approximately half way. DH may need to be commutable to London occasionally or could transfer to Norwich potentially.

[Comeonmommy]

I used to live in Wymondham and my friend worked at the college. She told me the catchment area was within school grounds!! By the time they've taken in siblings of existing pupils and overseas boarders there isn't much room left!!

[justaweeone]

Sorry more questions
What type of house/ community
Budget
Other requirements??

[Hopepark]

Older house, not a new development. Really good sized garden. Happy with a village, preferably with some amenities but we have lived somewhere without and been fine.

Budget is quite variable. Max 650-700k for us, but if we could get somewhere for less and have a smaller mortgage so much the better. Or if there was an annexe/possibility of one we could stretch to more and go in with my parents if they were to move with us.

Train links from Wymondham to Norwich/Cambridge are a draw as although we are happy with village life we like to be near to a city with lots going on culturally.

[Hopepark]

Oh my goodness, catchment areas are such a nightmare! There can’t be that much housing stock so close to the college 🤔

[BigTroubleinSmallBoots]

I’m a South Norfolk person. I have friends with kids at WC. You have three routes in. 1)Border
2) local catchment. That’s very local. Think within 2.5 miles
3) Artistic or sporting talent. (That’s recognised! By that I mean, not just by you!!) thus route is strictly assessed and v competitive.

My friends’ kids are a) super local and b) very talented in the Arts. Saturday morning schooling for all day:borders alike. Wymonham is a lovely town. Spooner Row, Morley and Besthorpe all worth a look. But slightly further afield towards Diss will get you much more for your money.

[justaweeone]

Very little housing stock near Wym Col.
Other areas to consider
Diss and surrounding villages
There's are trains from Diss to London
Schools included Diss High, and into Suffolk Stowupland High

Villages near Attleborough, some feed into Old Buckenham High which is part of the same trust as Wym Col. Have a look at New Buckenham and Old Buckenham, Banham etc
From Attleborough and Eccles Road you can get the train to Cambridge

Areas near Hethersett High and Long Stratton High

[justaweeone]

Have a look at these OP if you haven't already

https://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/schoolcatchments/schools.aspx

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/-/media/norfolk/downloads/education-learning/admissions/secondary-schools-in-norfolk-detailed-guide.pdf

[justaweeone]

'Thank you, so as close as possible then! Is Wymondham itself too far? Does anyone have first hand experiences of the school? Pros and cons.'
Not first hand experience but I have friends whose children have gone there with mixed reviews
You may want to consider although longer holidays they have to go to school on Saturday mornings

[ihearttc]

I’d try Wymondham itself and go to Wymondham High. Excellent school by all accounts from friends whose children go there. I live in South Norfolk in one of the areas mentioned up the thread and would chose Wymondham High over the High School here in a heartbeat.