Primary schools in Didcot

[mimou]

Hello. Does anyone know anything about the primary schools in Didcot - which are good/bad/indifferent? We are looking to move and wondering about taking proximity to schools into account although it's a few years before either of our DSs will start school.

In particular does anyone know about the Willowcroft primary? Most of the houses we can afford seem to be in this catchment area. I have heard the school was reopened under its new name not that long ago having previously been "failing". It looks as though it may be on the way up - Ofsted gave it a "good" rating last year from the look of things - but I was wondering whether anyone has first hand experience.

Also, what are the chances of getting a child into one of the other schools if you're outside the catchment are?

Thanks

Not sure how accurate this is as no personal experience of Willowcroft but I had heard that the school's additional funding received due to being classed as "failing" is being cut and that this will affect some of the recent changes that have resulted in a "good" rating. It has improved but has historically had a poor reputation.

Manor primary is very popular and has a good reputation. It is quite a large school and I think they now have 3 classes per year group.

Northbourne has had good Ofsted reports and their catchment is the whole of Didcot. Some people aren't keen on the location though (Queensway).

Stephen Freeman has recently had a poor Ofsted report although I have friends who have children there and the parents are quite happy with the school/teachers.

Ladygrove Park and All Saints both seem to be good schools.

With regards to getting children in to schools when you live outside the area I think it will just depend on how popular the school is and how many children require a place that particular year. I know Manor and Ladygrove Park tend to be over subscribed.

Some people who live in Didcot choose to send their children to one of the surrounding village schools - Hagbourne, Chilton and Harwell are popular choices. Chilton was over subscribed this year and I have heard that no children from Didcot got in there this year as there are so many children turning 4 this year from the village itself.

HTH

I had a recent visit to Willowcroft, after it was recommended by a friend and I was really impressed. The staff were friendly and the children all seemed calm and polite. They seemed to 'go that extra mile' compared to some of the other schools I visited, though, to be honest, I didn't have any complaints about any of the schools I visited! I think the best thing to do when choosing a school is to look around and decide for yourself. Good luck :)