finding the right school

[gedelzo]

Hello I am an Australian moving to the UK in June not sure exactly where but in Richmond or Kew depends on school. I have an 8 year old daughter with dyslexia so the school needs to have support but does not need to be a special needs school. I do not mind if if is state, private or International. My daughter also enjoys music, drama and art, I am not saying she is talented in these areas just that she enjoys them. By the blogs i have read time is a problem so i need to get a move on. I hope someone can help, please keep in mind I do not know the names of surrounding areas. Help!!!

When is your daughter's birthday - is she in Year 3 or Year 4?

To be honest you may be in a bit of a chicken and egg position for state schools - you can phone schools to see if they have spaces, but state schools cannot offer you a place until you are here, and your place on the waiting list is determined by proximity to the school.

There is a website for independent schools where you put the type of school you're looking for and they come back with possibilities in the area. I'll see if I can find it.

Hi gedelzo. I am Australian and have lived in the area for 4 years (been in UK for 15 years!). My kids are younger than yours but here are my thoughts:

The Vineyard School up on Richmond Hill is a lovely little state school. The Head is an Aussie woman! It definitely has an arty feel to it and I know of a local actor who's determined to move her kids there! I would look at their information and see if you can live nearby to get a place if you like it. very expensive part of the world to live though!

Try the website of the Good Schools Guide. Loads of helpful info on schools whether state or private etc.

Also look at the Unicorn School in Kew. Top results and great reputation. Private.

Ibstock Place School in Roehampton gets great reviews. It's on the other side of Richmond Park.

There are some highly sought after state primaries on the Kingston side. Latchmere, and some others that are listed in the Good Schools Guide if you can consider living in that immediate area.

Hope that helps. Shout if need any more info etc.

I would definitely phone or email the council for specific guidance on where to live etc if there is a specific state school you want, or just general advice.
www.richmond.gov.uk/home/education_and_learning/schools_and_colleges/primary_schools.htm

THANK YOU SOOOOO much Unicorn was the first school i looked at and it keeps coming up so thats a start. I guess it is all fruitless until I know where we will be living at that is a long story. We want to place Jessie in a school go on holidays and then come back and find a place to live. So I guess state schools are out. Anyway thank you again

Thank you Western girl and Lady Muck, All good advise.
I love this mumsnet! I have to ring and email and ring again. I have my heart set on the Vineyard School. On line it looks so beautiful and sooo my daughter who loves lavender and fairys, art and music. So wish me luck and if anyone knows anyone let me know!!!!
Thanks again for your imput.