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Warlingham Primary Schools Hamsey Green or Warlingham Village?

4 replies

Jools09 · 01/10/2013 09:59

Hi everyone, just about to start viewing the local primary Schools in our area for our DS to start Sept 2014. I know that Warlingham Primary has just come off special measures but is it too soon to see a real improvement? Also as Hamsey Green is only 'Satisfactory' is this a particularly sought after school in the area? is there a possibility this could slip into special measures too? It's all a bit of a mind-field! I know that Atwood and Woodlea (Woldingham) both have fantastic reputations but realistically what are the chances on being accepted for either?

Thanks everyone

Jools

OP posts:
kingstoncherry · 04/10/2013 21:17

Hello, we've shared your post on our Facebook page, hopefully somebody will get back to you soon:

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Local Editor

Bombjack · 07/10/2013 13:14

We're looking at primary schools in the Warlingham area too. Hamsey Green primary is very close to us, and would be a natural choice. But, like you, I'm worried about the results & Ofsted report. Neighbours of ours say it's a good school though.

I get the feeling there is something else affecting the results/report. I know a new Headmistress has recently taken over, and the Infant & Primary schools were merging at the time of the last inspection. If any other parents who are in the know could comment on Hamsey Green, I'd be very grateful!

Regarding Atwood, we're going to go along and see it, but I think we probably live too far away to get in.

Bombjack · 19/12/2013 00:23

Quick update. Had a look at Atwood, and wasn't impressed to be honest. Something about the atmosphere really grated on me. Difficult to put it into words. However, the catchment area is minute, and from what I can work out, you won't get in from Warlingham unless you've previously lived closer, and are now using the sibling rule.

We looked at St Johns in Caterham, and loved it! It's our closest church school, so we would be guaranteed a place pretty much. Trouble is, the daily schlep is just too far, through too much nasty traffic.

Finally, we took a look at Hamsey Green. Best facilities of the schools we looked at, and the atmosphere in the school felt very positive. Headmistress was very impressive too. Most of our neighbours send their kids to Hamsey green, so we've been picking people's brains. Also we've spoken to one of the parent governors, and a couple of teaching assistants there.

We didn't look at Warlingham Village - but we've heard mixed views about it. Facilities aren't good, but one of our friends has a child there, and loves it.

Everyone we've spoken to has good things to say about Hamsey, and the impression I get, is it's a school firmly on the up! It's going to be our first choice, and I'm just thankful we've got an easy school run to look forward to as a bonus!

rationalview123 · 12/01/2014 13:32

Well done Bombjack - a balanced and help contribution to the discussion.

As a retired primary headteacher, a word or two of advice when looking at schools:

  • beware gossip
  • actually take time out to visit the school, just as Bombjack did
  • beware basing all you initial judgements on Ofsted reports - they may be current, they may be two or more years out of date and don't forget that Satisfactory means 'fine but with scope improve'
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