School Dilemma

[Starfishmum1000]

We are planning to move to Southend / westcliff area in couple of months and we are looking for a secondary and a primary schools for my 12 and 6 yr old kids. As its going to be in-year admission, I understand my 12 year has very slim chances to get into grammar school though she is academically a very high achiever (in top 3 kids in the class)

What do you think about Cecil Jones school? I know it doesn't have a great Ofsted ....

Thanks in advance !!

Hello, I will tweet this for you and hopefully some knowledgeable people can help :)

If you contact the grammar schools, you can be placed on their waiting lists. This means if places arise when girls leave for whatever reason, you can sit an entrance exam. The exam goes further than the 11+ in that it includes science and a language as well as maths, English and verbal reasoning. I think the bar is set quite high but it is probably your only way in after year 7 entry. I don't believe Cecil Jones has a great reputation but I must admit I don't know anyone there so I have no current direct knowledge. I believe the head resigned so there is bound to be some uncertainty until someone new comes in and things bed down a bit.

I have c&p'd a reply from twitter:
@CllrIanGilbert: @MumsnetSouthend - Might be of interest: t.co/bLjEYAAhs4 Cecil has had difficulties but I've seen some children do very well there.

Thank you much for the replies and I am so sorry for taking ages to reply as we have been away. 4m4nd4 - Thank you so very much for the tweet.....Sadly, the house we fell in love has been sold.
We have to start again ...we are concentrating in Westcliff now...

I've not heard good things about Cecil. I would push for a place at one of the grammar schools or try st Bernard's. Westborough and prince avenue are good primary schools in Westcliff.