Colchester schools - anyone???

[Nixz]

DH is in the forces and is being posted back to Battalion in Cochester in April.
Although we have been there before, it was a while ago and I only stayed for a short time, he was deployed and I moved back to my family with our DD.
Anyway, we will no doubt be on St Michaels Estate again and I have noooo idea what the schools in the area are like.
Can anyone offer some advice? DD is in year 2 at the moment.
Thanks x

Anyone????????

I don't have children at St. Michael's but do know a bit about it. The latest Ofsted report is here:

www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.7c7b38b14d870c7bb1890a01637046a0/?ev ent=getReport&urn=114817&inspectionNumber=311716&providerCategoryID=4096&fileName=\school\114\s5 11481720080110.xml

As you'll see behaviour was particularly praised - St. Michael's has a reputation locally for well behaved children. Last time I heard Reception was full and they were turning Reception children away (the word about good behaviour is getting around!). It has a good reputation for settling new children - and copes well with the constant turnover of children (though this does, of course, affect it's SATs results a bit).

They have just appointed a new Headteacher - but I would expect the current ethos of the school to remain largely unchanged since it works so well.

Thanks - I have read the Ofsted report and tbh - I wasnt that impressed.
If you were living on St Michaels Estate, which school would you WANT to send you dc to!?

I don't know anything about other schools near that area - the nearest ones are Gosbecks, King's Ford, Monkwick, Montgomery Infants and Nursery/Montgomery Junior, as you've probably already worked out.

Personally if I had the choice of all Colchester schools it would be Myland - but that's on the other side of the town to the Garrison and hugely overscribed. There is also a problem with school allocations at the moment so it would be worth writing to the LEA asking what schools you are likely to be able to get a year 2 child into.

IMHO I would go to a school where they are use to accommadating pupils who are moved around a bit IYKWIM

Most pupils in most primary schools are there for the duration and it is hard to start later as friendships will already be made. However in a school close to the garrison the school and pupils will be more used to the comings and goings and therefore IMHO may be more welcoming and flexible IYKWIM

I worked on St Michaels recently as a nanny and having spoken to several parents on the patch with children at both St Michaels and Montgomery and both sang their praises. The children I nannied for went to a local prep school - and if you have the money there are quite a few just a short distance from their (by car) Good Luck

We thought we were off to Colchester (we aren't now) and I did a little bit of research, and I have to say I really really liked the sound of Montgomery. This was based purely on the Ofsteds though. I thought it sounded fab, very inclusive, successful and caring in particular for service children which I think is very important if it is just a two year posting. Good Luck.

Yes Montgomery looed like a lovely school when I used to do my daily walk with the baby - lots of smiley teachers, and happy children.

If you need a nanny Nixz give me a shout

Montomery would be my first choice, very good Ofsted report and lovely head teacher who has been there for over 20 years.

Thankyou - this has really helped.
Can anyone tell me the holiday dates for this year, Easter holidays, Half term and also summer break - thanks!
Watch out for the - Ballett lessons thread and the brownies thread!
DH left for Colchester today

Autumn Term:

Monday 4 September 2006 ? Wednesday 20 December 2006
Less 5 days Half Term 23-27 October

73 days

Spring Term:

Wednesday 3 January 2007 ? Friday 30 March 2007
Less 5 days Half Term 12-16 February
58 days

Summer Term:

Monday 16 April 2007 ? Friday 20 July 2007
Less 5 days Half Term 28 May ? 1 June, and May Bank Holiday, 7 May

64 days