balfour/westdene/stanford

[yellowmum84]

interested in the differences between these schools. all seem to have a good reputation. heard balfour is very 'yummy mummy' and stanford arty but know nothing about westdene. thx

There are a lot of archive threads about these schools if you scroll down the threads here on local.
A couple of my children are/have been to Balfour - it is an excellent school - very loving and caring, great projects etc. The head has just left though and the infants and juniors are being amalgamated - a new head is starting after Easter (a lady from a school up north, I think) - so things may change. I am not a "yummy mummy" - more a scruffy mummy nor do I think are most of the parents.

Have a friend whose daughter went to Stanford - again very high standards and she was very happy. I think you need to visit the schools (not on the open day)by appointment - they usually get the bursar or some year 6's to show you round and see which you thinkwould be the best for for your child. Cachement areas for all these schools are tight though as they are very popular so you need to check that out.

Good luck

Agree with haggis01 about catchment areas for Balfour being very tight. I think last years intake you have to live less than 600m from the school. We tried to get our ds in to Balfour, as it is a lovely school. We live 1000m away, so just no chance. I have added him to the waiting list

My dc's go to westdene and the school have been absolutely fantastic with them all.
My oldest has sn and they have been VERY accomdating for him. Academically he is very bright and they know how to set work for him
My dd was quite behind in her previous school an she has come along so far since she started here, and in such a short space of time.
Ds2 is in the nursery and he loves it. I am more than happy with the school.
Very nice school and very welcoming
HTH