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Original poster

Meadowhead School Sheffield

115 replies

Ermintrudewasinnocent · 20/06/2024 14:15

Hello, any thoughts on this school - moving from London in-year transfers. I've noted the catchment is very "mixed" but I like large schools and they seem to have a lot of options and new buildings. I've also noticed they offer a lot of BTECS so was wondering particularly how they might be able to support More Able Learners at GCSE?

If anyone has any recent experience it would be great to hear

OP posts:
Hallamlass · 22/06/2024 16:42

I would agree, @TribeofFfive .
Looking at the progress 8 scores, Chaucer is right at the bottom.
I would also add Bradfield. Very serious problems

TribeofFfive · 22/06/2024 16:35

Ermintrudewasinnocent · 22/06/2024 12:40

Its really a barrier to relocation. Am I being precious or would others worry about an 11 year old travelling a long distance to a school in an area she does not know? Granted, I don't know what the solution is if schools are already over full across quite a large area, which seems to be the case.

Not precious at all. It certainly is the case. The problem Sheffield, and probably many other places has, is that there are so many bad schools the good ones are oversubscribed year after year. There are probably more schools here I wouldn’t send mine to than ones I would. My “absolutely not” list would be
Birley
Outwood
Springs
Park
Meadowhead
Hinde House
Fir Vale
Firth Park
Chaucer
Yewlands
Forge Valley
Parkwood
Newfield

Hallamlass · 22/06/2024 12:45

You're not being precious, it's quite a distance and not a particularly safe area. I would not want a child of mine to do that.
Would you be able to put an appeal in to Silverdale on the basis of siblings, if your other child is going in to yr7?

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 22/06/2024 12:40

Its really a barrier to relocation. Am I being precious or would others worry about an 11 year old travelling a long distance to a school in an area she does not know? Granted, I don't know what the solution is if schools are already over full across quite a large area, which seems to be the case.

OP posts:
tunainatin · 21/06/2024 23:50

Severe bullying, not dealt with by staff.

tunainatin · 21/06/2024 23:48

The only things I've heard about Meadowhead have been negative sadly.

TribeofFfive · 21/06/2024 23:47

Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 23:26

I did look at Hope Valley briefly but I was not sure about small schools (fewer GCSE options? fewer extra-curricular clubs?) or rural areas and it seemed a very long way out. This may be my prejudice coming from London and used to big schools. I would accept there are compromises if moving in-year.

I think, if you can, try and do a few visits. I really think with the schools you’re considering you’ll get a good feel for them and what you want.

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 23:26

I did look at Hope Valley briefly but I was not sure about small schools (fewer GCSE options? fewer extra-curricular clubs?) or rural areas and it seemed a very long way out. This may be my prejudice coming from London and used to big schools. I would accept there are compromises if moving in-year.

OP posts:
TribeofFfive · 21/06/2024 23:15

Parkwood is Herries Road, isn’t it? Too far out from S8/S17.

TribeofFfive · 21/06/2024 23:14

whatatool · 21/06/2024 23:01

Can I ask why everyone is so anti Meadowhead? Lots of "I'd avoids" not no whys?

I work for a different Sheffield school so can’t say too much but lots of behavioural issues that I wouldn’t want my own children around daily.
The more ambitious now send their DC to Mercia. Notredame over again this year.
Second hope valley college.

whatatool · 21/06/2024 23:01

Can I ask why everyone is so anti Meadowhead? Lots of "I'd avoids" not no whys?

Qwerty876 · 21/06/2024 22:59

Have you looked at Hope Valley College?

Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 22:49

No, I think she's struggling a bit. Some of the students are nice, but there are lots of problems for staff to deal with.

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 22:48

King Edwards have had long waiting list in year 8 too, even in catchment. its wanted enough! Henry Fanshaw is full too.

I've not looked at Parkwood, is your former neighbours daughter happy there?

OP posts:
TribeofFfive · 21/06/2024 22:42

King Egberts is good too.

TribeofFfive · 21/06/2024 22:41

I would avoid Meadowhead. Any chance of Dronfield Henry Fanshaw or King Teds?

Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 22:38

King Edwards, true. Not as sought after.

Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 22:37

Parkwood - it's quite a distance, if you look at the map.

DisappearingGirl · 21/06/2024 22:35

I think King Edward's is good too. It's in S10 and is split site - lower school is right next to Tapton, upper school is in Broomhill. Might be slightly less "in demand" than Tapton, Silverdale, High Storrs - but still a good school in my opinion.

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 22:31

Which school? How long does that take her?

OP posts:
Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 22:26

Right across the city, but really the less popular northern part. We had neighbours move up from Hammersmith and they couldn't get a place in a school locally, so the girl has to travel.

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 22:22

Yes, I was afraid it might be quite stable (in London, if you are near the top of a waiting list in the summer its really likely someone won't turn up in September and you will get a space...). Do you know have any idea where in-year transfers are being offered, if there is no space in SW Sheffield?

OP posts:
Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 21:57

I doubt it. There seems to be little movement and I know people who have been on the waiting list for years.

Original poster
Ermintrudewasinnocent · 21/06/2024 20:55

Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 20:31

I still think that if one child gets into yr7 you could appeal for the other for yr9?

Thanks - I thought about that but could not get a sense from the school or council whether there might be movement for year 7 Silverdale over the summer i.e. would those near the top of waiting list still have a realistic chance of getting a place?

OP posts:
Hallamlass · 21/06/2024 20:31

I still think that if one child gets into yr7 you could appeal for the other for yr9?