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Original poster

Winchester - Moving in time for year 7 application...or waiting until daughter finishes year 6...

30 replies

ConfusedofHerneHill · 08/02/2013 19:26

We are planning a move to Winchester, but are unsure whether to move this year to be in place for October 2013 secondary applications ( daughter currently in year 5 so we'll be applying for September 2014 entry), or move in summer 2014 and cross our fingers that we get a place for her. Our plan in either instance would be to rent initially, while we look for our forever home in Winchester and sell our London house, so in theory we could find a place close to Westgate, Kings School or wherever. I probably slightly favour Westgate from my limited knowledge, partly because I like the look of the associated primary schools (my son is currently in year 2).
I know it probably makes more sense to move sooner rather than later, but my daughter (who is pretty resistant to the idea of moving) would so love to finish year 6 where she is now, so I am (weakly) wondering whether it would be possible to do that, and then hope to get in to a Winchester secondary on the waiting list. My son is currently in year 2, so we'd be doing an in-year application for him whatever happens, plus he is VERY easy going and keen on moving nearer to green open spaces.

OP posts:
Original poster
ConfusedofHerneHill · 08/02/2013 20:54

Thank you Ginger, that makes me feel a lot better! Thanks too for the restaurant recommendations.

OP posts:
Gingerandproud · 08/02/2013 20:43

There are plenty of the normal chain restaurants in Winchester: Pizza Express, Zizi, Ask (but think this is closed for refurb ATM), slug and lettuce in the square is quite child friendly during the day (having taken friends children in there) and is half price off food on Mondays. There is also a Mcdonalds, Subway and KFC if need be. My personal favorite is Cafe Monde in the square - kind of think shabby chic cafe - do a great milkshake!

On Jewry street there is Dim T, Prezzo and a few other less chain restaurants.

Your DD sounds just like i was - we moved when I had not quite finished year 7 due to my fathers job at the time. I really resented it, lost all my friends and was determined to hate it. Actually I made some lifelong excellent new friends, much preferred Westgate to my old school and soon grew to love Winchester. It also got my sister away from the girls that had been bullying her relentlessly for years. I thank my dad for making us move as it was the best thing we ever did.

Good luck!

Original poster
ConfusedofHerneHill · 08/02/2013 20:23

Thank you ladies. I think really we will need to bite the bullet (and ignore the moaning) and make the move this summer instead of next year. We are coming down for a few days over half term with the children to have a look around (I know Winchester a bit, having grown up in the New Forest, but my husband and kids don't at all). Fully expecting daughter to spend the whole time saying how much she dislikes everything!
Any tips on where to eat?

OP posts:
Gingerandproud · 08/02/2013 20:01

Hi confused, I am new to mumsnet and this is my first post so here it goes.

I was lucky enough to grow up in Winchester and only recently left the area. I went to Westgate and honestly loved it there. Although I left about 10 years ago it still has an excellent reputation and the local guides I still help with all go there and really rate it. They seem to provide for all academic abilities and leave no one out - or at least that was my experience.

The feeder schools into Westgate (mainly Western, st Bedes, Weeke etc) are all excellent too (although western is right next door to Westgate!) The secondary schools tend to be over subscribed and many of the families I know that have moved from London move before the end of primary school for this reason.

Winchester can be a great place to live with lots of parks and a lovely town center. If you want to be close to Westgate I would consider moving to Fulflood (western primary) or Hyde (st Bedes) or St cross (st faiths primary I think). All are lovely, but pricey areas. I grew in Fulfllod and there are local shops, good schools, only 20mins walk from town, the station is in this area and there is a big park called orams Mount with quite a nice play area for children.

The other thing to consider that Westgate run a 'summer camp' for incoming year 7 pupils that DD may find useful and make some friends at.

Good luck in whatever you decide and if you need any info on Winchester please let me know.

guineapiglet · 08/02/2013 19:48

Hi again have written on the other thread about this. DO check primary admissions for your year 2 child, as I know the pressure is really on re school places in Winchester. Contact Westgate about the changes in 2014 as there may be a place inthe new 4-16 system. Hants CC went way beyond the call of duty for us, they were really helpful.

Re year 5year/year 6 move, we had exactly the same dilemma, (but were constrained by the fact that daughter was in the middle of GCSEs and therefore couldnt be moved until they were complete). You have got to consider that Yr 6's main focus ( sadly) is SATs, and if your child would be better staying put to do them. As I said, in hindsight, if I hadn't been constrained, I think it would have been better for him to move at the end of year 5, make new friends, and go up to HS with them - the transition would have been smoother for him, and also your position re school applications would be much simpler!