To ask for advice on schools in Southport (for SEN)?

[southportschoolsearch]

We are looking at relocating to Southport (probably Birkdale area). Will need to sort schooling for DC of course. One has SEN (no EHCP, but has a support plan/IEP - would not receive any "preferential treatment" in terms of school admissions, however). This is potentially a significant stumbling block to the move. The DC with SEN has recently started at a brilliant school that has excellent resources and support for SEN. It was stressful getting a place at this school as it is oversubscribed as it is such a highly regarded school in general, not just for SEN. I was delighted when we were finally offered a place, and DC seems to be doing really well there so far. It would therefore be a big factor in our decision making re relocating, as i would be gutted to have got this place only to find we couldn't get DC into a similarly good school for their needs.

I wondered if anyone had any local knowledge around Birkdale/Southport primary schools, are there any that are particularly known for being strong with SEN (or ones to avoid?!) In my experience larger schools seem to be better placed to provide the support and strategies and seem to have more of a wealth of experience to draw on. I feel I know the schools local to me at the moment so well, and know DC is at the best school for them in this area, and admit I am rather daunted at the prospect of trying to find a place for this DC (as well as my 2 others!) in an area where I don't know the schools at all.

Any advice and knowledge would be much appreciated! Also do you think AIBU for even considering relocating given the school situation?!

Oh, also where we currently live I know that you can check current school vacancies on the county website for school admissions. Is there a similar resource for Southport (I think Sefton is the local education authority?) so that I can view which schools might currently have spaces?

Schools in Southport are mostly good or better. In Birkdale, there are four primary schools, with others not so far away. Farnborough Road is one of the largest primary schools around, and is actually split into two schools, infants and juniors. They have had a longstanding strong reputation, I think their last Ofsted was outstanding. Birkdale Primary is smaller but another good school. I've known many people with children at both schools for years and all are happy. There are two RC schools, St Teresa's (which is infants/nursery only) and is great I believe, and Our Lady Of Lourdes, which I know less about - I've not heard much either way. I think the issue may be getting places, my friend was able to secure places at St Teresa's when moving into the area but I don't think both DC co

Sorry - it wouldn’t let me do anything but post!

Anyway, yes - my friend couldn’t get places for both her DC at Birkdale or Farnborough Road when she moved in the area but your DC may be in different year groups.

I don’t know about SEN provision in those primary schools, but as I said, all are good schools.

Don’t know whether your SEN child is male or female but Greenbank High School is very good for SEN according to friends who have/have had daughters there, and indeed it is a fantastic school all round (top in Sefton), but it is girls only.

The high schools in Formby are good too.

There is no info publicly available AFAIK re available places but the contact info you’ll need is here: www.sefton.gov.uk/schools-learning/school-admissions.aspx

Thank you so much bronze! Really useful info. When looking on Rightmove I have clicked on the school info and noticed that generally primaries in and around Birkdale are good or outstanding. It is really helpful to get the inside info though. Being realistic I can't imagine I'd get all 3 into the same school so would be prepared for that and just cross my fingers that what we did get I could manage logistically somehow. I have learnt from experience that SEN provision can vary so widely do need to reassure myself that we would not be setting back the DC with SEN in particular (whilst of course being conscious of the needs of the others....)

Yes, I understand. But be assured, there is nothing around on the grapevine locally to be wary of school wise. Kew Woods is another school worth looking at if need be too - out of the Birkdale area but not too far away. Some of the primaries in Freshfield/Formby I know have taken Southport kids too, St Peter's, St Luke's, Woodlands - I know the latter two have wraparound care. Positive feedback from parents at all four schools I've mentioned there too.

Southport is a nice place to bring kids up, has a reputation as a retirement location but plenty of families here and lots to do. Check out the Atkinson in town if you come. The sports club on Trafalgar Road is good. For adults,. Birkdale village has a number of bars, restaurants, coffee shops etc, and there's a reliable 15 minute train service into Liverpool (just under 40 min journey) with basically everything going in there!

Bronze you are really kind taking the time to share this info. It is reassuring to know that schools generally are very good and well regarded by parents.

DC are currently at different schools so I am used to having to manage that, and it would only be a bonus to get 2 or more in the same one!

Thanks also for the info on Southport generally. We would be moving to be near to family (currently don't have any nearby) and for more reasonably priced housing (currently live in one of the most expensive areas of the country). I really like the town and the area generally although don't know it very well, and schools is one thing I know very little about, so it's great to get your input.