Primary schools in central/north Oxford

[Mumof3darlings]

Hi All, please help!

We are moving to Oxford in December 2012 and my son will be 4 (in Aug 2012). We have been living in Italy for 6 years where my children were born but will be returning to our house which we own, but currently rent out, in Jericho.

I need to sort out trying to get my son into a primary school. I have a some issues regarding sending him to a private school which I think is what a lot of people who live around this area do. It's not that I feel it is wrong it's just not for us but I do want him to go to a very nice school. I am feeling quite anxious about the whole idea of transferring him to a new school as I am completely happy with the school he goes to here in Italy now (which they start aged 3). Here in Italy at this age, school is based on learning through play and the teachers are able to be very affectionate to the children which I am fearful will not be the case in our schools in the UK now.

I don't really know what I am saying, I guess I am just saying that I want to find a happy place for my little boy.

I have discovered that the schools in this area are quite oversubscribed but that there is a lot of movement and so a place might become available.

We would be interested in normal state schools or religious ones as my children are baptised catholics and we educate them on Jesus (although I must confess rarely go to church!)

I phoned St Aloysius school today who told me to get on their waiting list and not to worry there is no guarantee but that there is a lot of movement. I also phoned the Oxford council admissions team who told me not to do anything yet but to wait 'til November - which seems to me like I am just not doing anything to make any progress!

When I do the applications I have to have first decided I guess which schools are nice ones, I can't go and visit them at the moment as will not be visiting the UK for some time!

Does anyone have any experience of any of the schools in this area and can give me any advice?

Sorry for my ramblings and thanks for reading!
x

Can I ask which street in Jericho so I can help w catchment?

Yes, thanks - Leckford Road, it's maybe classed as Walton Manor

x

I think the north side of the road is Phil and jims (Ss Philip and James) and southern side st barnabas. Both are great church aided schools. Phils and jims is probably classed as the one most people want their children to get into , and move into catchment for- it gets very good sats results and certai my this year there are lots of lovely kids starting. It is very middle class. St barnabas is slightly more mixed on terms of intake and only has one form entry rather than 2 at Phil and jims. It also gets good results. Don't know much about st aloysius think it is very catholic and stricter?

There is a lot of movement in the area (lots of visiting academics) so if you move into catchment you will probably get a place
within a year or less.

It's a lovely lovely place to live with children

Excuse typos stupid iPhone hope you get the main gist!

Thanks Staverton this is really helpful! I think maybe I should try to visit all 3 of the schools mentioned and see what I think but I guess they all sound good. Your comments sway me more towards St. Barnabas due to the 'very middle class' comment about Phil & Teds - I don't know why I feel like this but I desperately want my children to go to a very 'normal' school with a mix of people from different backgrounds, whilst of course I want to protect them from the dangers of society too - am I being silly and asking too much I wonder?

Thanks again! x

Sorry - Phil & Jims!! Phil & Teds is my pushchair!!! x

If you aren't able to get a place straightaway at a school which you feel would suit your son, another option might be home education. It's very popular in this area, and the families come from a wide range of backgrounds. There are many organised activities and groups on offer throughout the week if that appeals. Or you can just do your own thing during the daytime at home or out and about, maybe joining in some after-school activities or playing with neighbour children after school.

Some people home educate in the short term while waiting for a place to become available at a popular school, while others do it indefinitely because they find it suits their children's needs. Here's a website with some more information and contact details for a local email list: www.ohed.org.uk