Solihull schools

[depp1020]

Hello, looking for some advice. My husband and I are considering sending our daughter to Solihull School (7-18) in Year 3 but are not sure where to send her for KS1 (and nursery). We are renting in Solihull with a view to buying so still have options as to where to send her initially. I've looked at several, but not all, primary and infant schools near the town as this is where we would prefer to live but can't seem to find a school that I like. Does anyone have any recommendations? Also, for anybody who has sent their DC to a primary school knowing that they will take them out at the end of KS1 - what impact, if any, did this have on DC and how did they cope with the move?

Many thanks for any responses.

I have to say that all schools with good results weed out entries in one way or another - state and independent. Some are more prune-happy than others, true. It is certainly pretty usual for schools to prune at 11 and 16 if they're selective.
Many parents over-tutor for 11+ entrance, mainly because "everyone else does", and if there are only 700 places, their child needs to be one of those top 700. (Or whatever)

This does mean that some children then need support throughout secondary school. You seem astonished at parents 'paying twice', but I see a lot of this going on. If one has invested a lot of money already, it would seem foolish to throw away that huge investment for want of throwing a little, small percentage more at the problem.

Personally, the lure of Solihull isn't its academics, but its music and sport offer, both of which seem to be outstanding.
Moot point for us though, as we're unwilling to let our children travel so far on a daily basis, and they stopped boarding at Solihull a few years ago.

Or alternatively buy in Knowle/Dorridge as Knowle Primary is outstanding, and feeds into Arden, one of the best state schools in the Midlands.
You can always look at schools like the two Stratford Grammars, or Alcester Grammar as well as the King Edward schools for secondary.

Thank you for your posts; definitely some food for thought. We have recently exchanged on a property close to Solihull town and our catchment primary school is Oak Cottage. So I will be revisiting Oak Cottage and St Martin's this term as well as Solihull School for KS2 onwards. I am still interested in people's experiences of Solihull School.

Wingco23 can you please let me know your experiences of Ruckleigh. Very interested as deciding where to send the children. Thank you

Some negative remarks about Ruckleigh school. Largely untrue. All my children went there and were very happy. Its a lovely small school. They have lovely staff and all the children look out for each other. My children knew most other children by name.

True to say it is what a Prep school is suppose to be. Which is academic. But wouldn't describe it as a hot house. As its not selective and all children are developed according to their ability. .

Child will guarantee a place at any leading independent and grammar schools in the area for Year 7 entry. If its not what you want for your child or your child isnt academic. Solihull has a vast amount of primary schools that may provide you what you want in terms in education.

Eversfield is an alternative and has more sports facilities. Alot of their children leave to join Solihull School at Year 3. If Solihull school is the route you want for your child. Eversfield (and St Alphege) would be better as likely their friends would move across.

If its the King Edwards schools or other independent schools as a route you want for your child. Ruckleigh School, Blue Coats in Birmingham are the best in getting your children there.

All my children went there and were very happy. Its a lovely small school. They have lovely staff and all the children look out for each other. My children knew most other children by name.

True to say it is what a Prep school is suppose to be. Which is academic. But wouldn't describe it as a hot house. As its not selective and all children are developed according to their ability. .

Child will guarantee a place at any leading independent and grammar schools in the area for Year 7 entry. If its not what you want for your child or your child isnt academic. Solihull has a vast amount of primary schools that may provide you what you want in terms in education.

Eversfield is an alternative and has more sports facilities. Alot of their children leave to join Solihull School at Year 3. If Solihull school is the route you want for your child. Eversfield (and St Alphege) would be better as likely their friends would move across.

If its the King Edwards schools or other independent schools as a route you want for your child. Ruckleigh School, Blue Coats in Birmingham are the best in getting your children there.

Thank you Solihullmum01 very informative :-)

Hi, looking for some advice. Considering to send DS to Bentley heath primary school in solihull Any reviews about this school will be helpful. The other choice we have is st alphage but not of stead is needs improvement so not sure .

I was looking at st Alphege too but noticed it needs improvement. Now looking at Eversfield or Ruckleigh. I was told by Solihull school that there is no space for this September.

St Alphege is rapidly improving since the arrival of the new headteacher last year. I’m happy to be PMed if you would like to know more, @Djoshi and @Syl1209. I’m a current parent and we are very happy with the school.