St Columbas Kilmacolm....opinions

[Finn77]

Seriously thinking of this school for D11 and DD 8...website seems very impressive as are the results, has anyone any feedback as to the school socially as the oldest girl is quite shy? Has anybody experience of a child starting in transitus or in S1 and how they integrated with the existing pupils? How strong is the schools backup for new starts?
Thanks,
Finn77

Bump, anyone?

For such a small school, in a small village, the results are extrordinary - top 5 in Scotland, year in, year out. There aren't that many spaces in Transitus, so choosing to go the the school and getting in are two very separate things- there is alot of competition, and if you don't make the grade, you don't get in. I would advise moving both girls in ASAP - I think putting multiple children forward make you harder to reject, in these economic times.
The children are worked very hard. The pastoral support is excellent and there is a real focus on the individual, and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
My child joined from a state school, and was behind, embaressingly so. That first year was tough- on me too, trying to fill in the never ending gaps.
From a social side, people were so welcoming to my child. The school is filled with studious kids from studious families- there are lots of quiet ones, don't worry.
The senior school children that you meet around Kilmacolm are not braying, entitled idiots. They are respectful, quietly confident and assured. That's why I've chosen St Columba's for my children. I hope this helps (and deep pockets).

Hi Stormy Wave, thank you so much for your reply, it certainly confirms that the school is the kind of place I am looking for...we definitely do not have deep pockets, but will make the necessary sacrifices...I have four children so there is more pupils in the pipeline, hopefully that will help.
It's great to hear everybody was welcoming, that is the reason for my preference for this school rather than the very large private schools in Glasgow where I feel my DD would just feel overwhelmed coming from a small village ourselves.
Do many children travel significant distances to get to school? We are down the coast a bit and I am concerned about the long day hen combined with travelling time.