Margerat Wix- St Albans. Actualy experiences please?

[chicletteeth]

Hello,

as my title says really, does anybody have any actual experiences with this school. I have read the oftsed report and it seems to be improving from what I understand was a rubbish school. So I "know" what it's like from that. But I went to see it and it seems fine and there are only 18 kids in each year 1 (year 2 in sept) class which is a great ratio. My son liked it and preferred it to BH which is further for us, although they also have a spot. I'm torn between choosing MW over a "better" school, but in all honesty, it didn't seem that bad.

So can someone give me firsthand experiences with the school, so I can actually get some proper information on it rather than the grapevine of mummies who all just stay away from it because everybody else does.

thanks

Anybody?

I don't have any direct experiences but I would say go with your gut instinct. It can take years for a school to throw off a bad reputation which is sometimes unfounded. You say the class sizes are small which is a big plus against BH which is a big school. League tables only go on academic achievement whereas, in my opinion, it is about progress a child can be helped to make. At the end of the day, you need to be sure of your decision and that it is right for your son but don't be swayed by the hoards. Good luck.

Thanks choc.
My gut instinct says it's fine, not the best academically thus far, but good in other areas.

He's already a free reader and doing well and so I know he has he capable and I'm certainly not one for social experimentation, but I can't actually see what's so bad about the school.

They have loads of other things going on that they didn't used to; french classes, african drumming and dance, after school physical activities etc.. and in my view, it just doesn't seem as bad as people say. Although that said, most of what people say is by their own admission based on reputation rather than experience so that's why I'm asking.

Don't get me wrong, I'm on top of my sons education like the vast majority of parents and he's left an Ofsted 1 school in Surrey which we were sad to leave, but even the headmistress there, when asked (after looking at the report for MW) said verbatim "that reads like the Ofsted when I took over, so don't rule it out yet".

My gut instinct says it is nowhere near as bad as people say, and the 18 children per class is bloody brilliant quite frankly.

I admit to being swayed by opinion sadly, but am genuinely curious as to the nature of anybody's bad experiences, if any.

It is a very silent thread.

I don't know what that means; lack of interest of nothing to report?

I really hope it's the latter.

Dearie me, I have just looked at the thread title.
Typo's galore!
Sorry

Hello, no direct experience at all though that doesn't seem to stop most people having an opinion! I'm as guilty as most - I've never visited MW but the consensus does seem to be to avoid, and I have no idea how deserved that is.

There is a terrific snob value in St Albans schools. FWIW I know two families who specifically moved into the catchment for one of the most popular schools in the town when ds1 was at nursery. Four years later both have moved to other schools, disappointed with the school they put so much effort into choosing.

Maybe it's better to choose a school that's on the up compared to one resting on its laurels? My secondary school was just dreadful when I was there, but 20 years later is one of the most sought after in the area!

I have first hand experience of Margaret Wix, my son has been at the nursery and we decided after this to send him there as they are doing such a good job. The teachers are young and enthusiastic. It has after school activities and is very inclusive.

I sure you will be happy there. Feel free to ask any other questions but its reputation outside the school is not warranted.

Thank you chuckeyegg for being the first to provide me with firsthand experience.

Thanks paws for your honesty.

I have looked at several schools and within reason (the ones which have space) I think MW seems the best but you hear nothing good about it! I figured it was based on rumours, and I think I've been proven right. My view is the same as yours chuckey so I think I will choose it over BH.

Good for you, and if anyone offers an opinion why not ask them what they thought when they visited? Bet you nine out of ten with an opinion never got that far!

I have no first-hand experience but know someone in one of my DC's classes at BHI who chose BHI over MW due to the large number of non-English speaking children who go there (MW). She thought it would impact negatively on her English-speaking DC as the teachers would have to spend a lot of time with the non-English speakers. BHI is lovely BTW, but I have never personally looked at MW so can't compare. Good Luck with whatever you decide :).

HI, Margaret wix is a lovely school..Ignore all the negative comments from the snobby lot. we didnt get any of the three choices when I applied last year, instead we got margaret wix. at first I was disappointed but after visiting the school and speaking to the head I was pleasantly surprised..it has a lovely community family feel to it, and my dd loves it and she made alot of progress when she started last year in reception, her teacher in reception was utterly brilliant and her teacher now, in year one is also lovely. and I think anyone who chooses a school over another because of a large number of Non english speaking children is ridiculous and sounds a bit racist to me. you get non english children at all schools !

so which school did you choose in the end ? :)

lv426, I can assure you there is nothing racist about this mother - she is Bangladeshi and extremely friendly to everyone but simply thought that her bilingual DCs' education would suffer if so many of the other children needed help with their understanding/ English. We all make judgement calls with regard to our DCs education/ school, that doesn't make us snobby!

Margaret Wix has just had a good Ofsted report. Well deserved. :)

Ok fair enough :)

I know, Well done to them ! :)

Hi just seen this original post. I have first hand experience of this warm and friendly school. I have four children who attend this school and they all love it. Moreover, we relocated a couple of years back and my children attended an "outstanding" school. Since coming to Margaret Wix my children have excelled in literacy and numeracy and have really found their feet. The parents are friendly and the teachers are genuinely caring and concerned for our children. My advice is to go have a look, i think you will be impressed!