The Vineyard or Marshgate?

[VicCB]

Hello mums!

We are new to Richmond... actually not even there yet... and trying to decide between Marshgate and The Vineyard as primary first choices. Can you help? Any words on what their differences are or which ones you prefer would be really helpful. We originally considered moving to Sheen for the sheen schools (amazing) but have taken a different route. Can anyone help?

I know kids who are at Marshgate and love it.

Hi Willow, that's great to know. Where are you? Are your kids at school in Richmond? Have you heard anything about The Vineyard or what the kids like about Marshgate? We are a bit clueless about it all. We're originally from Scotland but living in West Hampstead just now so it all seems like another (very pretty) planet. Looking forward to getting there though.

Both schools v good. We are E Sheen - so schools good here, also. Secondary not so good.

I only know the Vineyard but from a while back, it's a beautiful oasis, set right back and it was very green, proper pitches, nature trail, conservation area, sensory garden etc. A quiet site at the top of Richmond Hill. Don't think though that all families live in monumental mansions, because there are plenty of families living in tiny flats, Richmond housing trust accommodation - it's a mix of families. I think often people's perception is misled by the amazing location.

I believe Vineyard is judged outstanding by Ofsted, but really you should go and look. Both schools I imagine will be oversubscribed and places given to those living most immediately.

Think both are known as good, but both very popular so you need to live very close. (we went to an nct schools talk in December and that's what the council man said!) vineyard possibly even more popular than Marshgate. Good luck!

Both popular, both rated outstanding by Ofsted - so not much to choose from compared to Sheen schools. They have slightly different vibes I think - Marshgate in a great new building - school is only 8 years old, whilst Vineyard has more green space but I think some of the classrooms might be in portacabins, although I could be mistaken on that.

Both have an intake of 60 in reception, although take a bulge class every few years (Marshgate took 90 last September) - and there's no real catchment as it's done on distance but as siblings take priority the more of them there are, the closer you need to live. However, there's usually lots of movement on waiting lists etc - most people I know were offered their first or second choice schools by the start of the school year

My DC is at Marshgate and we really like it - although we live too far from the Vineyard to give it any real consideration - but most of the schools in Richmond are great. Even those which historically haven't been as popular and haven't got such glowing Ofsted reports are raved about by parents who's kids are actually there. As someone else said, you need to visit them and see which you like best.

HTH

Sorry whose kids....

I can vouch for the Vineyard - the teachers are brilliant and the curriculum is really imaginative. They emphasise independence and a love of learning at the same time as respect for others. There are some lovely kids there and the standard is high.

But I know others who have had a great experience at Marshgate too and the head there is also really impressive. You would do well to get in wherever you decided to go for. The secondary schools are increasingly good too..

I can't think of a primary arpund there that I wouldn;t be happy to send my son to (except cathlic one biut thats a religious objection not down to the quality of the school!). Visit them both and see which one you like best.

Just make sure you put the one you like best as first choice because if you get offered your first choice all otehr choices are withdrawn - so don;t think you will put them down in a random order and pick th eone you like best that makes you an offer.

I know some people have been caught out by that!

incidentally you might be better off posting this in Mumsnet local - Richmond. If you report the thread and ask MNHQ they would probably move it for you. SOme people do read and post n the lcal board who don;t check the main board regularly.

THank you so much for your thoughts everyone. It's really reassuring. We have offered on a flat really close to The Vineyard. I love your description of thye school RatherBeOnThe. We visited both schools last week and I loved the green world of The Vineyard. Like you say Jointheback, they are so different. It's pretty difficult to judge them against each other but it doesn't sound like it's a bad problem for us to have! Kewcumber... great advice about the Mumsnet Local... I will get on to that. Incidentally Kew ladies, do you know much about the Asquith nursery in Kew?

YEs DS did a very very part time stint there and good friends of ours used it from Baby to nursery.

Do you want to use it as full day care or as pre-school nursery provision. Seems perfectly competant as a day nursery but compared to the Montessori nursery DS went to not as good at preparing them for school. However DS was perfectly happy there.

All Richmond Borough parents need to be aware that the council is looking to make some significant changes to Secondary Schools over the coming years, which could impact existing schools, so check out the thread: "New Secondaries for Richmond Borough" and join the debate. The council (say they) will listen to parents' views, but we can only engage in the process if we know what's going on.

Reviving an old thread but any views on St Elizabeth's catholic school? We are trying to decide between Marshgate primary and St Elizabeth's?