We are in the position of being able to choose where we live based on a school. We are moving up from the South for a new job based just north east of bradford. We have family in roundhay in leeds, and we need to be able to get to the reform synagogue in leeds (not averse to other synagogues but there don't seem to be any until you get to manchester which is a bit far).
We have now seen 7 (!) schools. All private. I know there are great state schools esp in harrogate but given my children need to be in school for sept and we can't buy a house that quickly, I am sticking to private for now.
We have a very bright girl going into year 1 and a boy going into reception (think he is bright but don't really know yet. He is v young for the year).
Our four front runners are:
- Ashville. Thought it was very warm but a bit small and children in reception are way behind where my daughter is now. Think they would probably do enrichment for her and sure there will be a few other children similarly ahead (she is not that bright) but it won't be the same as her current school where the whole class is speeding ahead and pulling each other along. Activities a bit limited and boy/girl separation eg of dance classes seemed a shame. Children very energised and warm, great relationship w head.
- Highfield HLC. Less warm, bigger (actually full, dd would have to go on wait list), very professional, very child centred approach to education, clearly able to tailor to indiv children, lovely links w the big school and able to use their facilities. Amazing range of clubs, seem to cater to everyone, esp music. Great range of school trips, seem to be v aware of children's social needs. Very 'white' though and slightly concerned they would be only jewish children. One staff member felt that the school is socially v cohesive and seemed to link that to lack of cultural diversity but hope she didn't really realise what she was saying...
- Richmond house. Extremely impressive head and reception and year 1 teachers that I met. Saw work from one child in reception who is clearly working ahead of my daughter and they've just encouraged her to move ahead. Lovely big space out back. Impressive 11 year olds who showed me around. Nice atmosphere, but a bit poky inside and just off main road. Smaller than Highfield, much more culturally diverse.
- Malsis. Totally lovely school, very much country prep school with teachers doing what they love doing. Beautiful place. Warm and personal. Much quirkier than other schools, great range of activities for older ones, but only 6ish children in each year until they get to about year 3/4 when it fills up a bit, so they teach mixed nursery/reception and a mixed year 1/year 2 class. latter might work well for my daughter as she can do maths etc w year 2, not quite sure how my son will find reception. I did push the headmaster about financial stability and he gave a convincing answer. But miles further away from family and synagogue. Ok for work. Amazing music and drama.
We are clearly v lucky to have such choice, but I am stumped! Feel my heart is with malsis but it's going to make rest of life much more complex.
I have name changed, am regular poster.
Any thoughts v welcome esp if you know any of the schools and/or if you can help me think this through. Thank you!