Primary school Whitstable

[Flaxhigh]

Hi there,
I wonder if anyone can advise on primary schools? We're coming down in August, probably to rent at fist as there's not much on the market yet, but hopefully settling in or near conservation area - ish. My 10 year old son (starting year 6 this Autumn) is very easy going and gregarious. Does anyone have any recommendations? And are we too late to get him in for this Autumn - will they all be full up?
Also, when it comes to secondary - is it likely, if he passes the Kent test - that he'll get a place at a good grammar or do you really have to be in Canterbury to get a chance for one?
AND...Does everyone really cram for Kent test (I've noticed there are practise papers online.) I'm coming from Edinburgh where we don't have any kind of entry test for state schools.
Would be SOOOOO grateful for any advice....getting a bit stressed about it all! Thanks so much in advance.

Hi again,
Does anyone also know if there is a home-ed scene in the area as we home-ed our eldest 13 year old son?
Cheers!

Hi Flaxhigh
Don't know about the home-ed situation but all the primary schools in and around Whitstable have good reputations now - you hear very few negatives but lots of positives. At secondary level, the kids in Whitstable who pass the Kent test generally either go to one of the Canterbury grammars or along to one in Faversham or Thanet, both easily accessible on the train. All of the grammars are good - it's the high schools that sometimes have issues with reputation generally but I know lots of parents with kids who are perfectly happy at the high schools too. Hope that helps!

Hi Flaxhigh, I'm sorry I can't answer about Primay schools in Whitstable but regarding the Kent Test, there is a lot of prep going on for these with many children accessing tutors. It's very competitive. If you are considering starting school down here for the beginning of Year 6 practice must start right now. The tests are very early on in Year 6. Last year the Kent Test changed making it a little more 'tutor-proof' but still, do not assume that it is fair. There will always be surprises with children who are expected to pass and they don't. This exam quite literally changes young people's lives because it determines what kind of school they will go to for the next five/seven years and in Kent they are NOT equal with equal opportunities. If your DS passes the Kent Test there is no guarantee of a selective place. The test merely assesses children on their suitability; a pass does not entitle that child to a grammar school place. Children in Herne Bay and Whitstable have more of a challenge getting a grammar place than those children living in Canterbury or Faversham simply because there is not a grammar school in those towns. What I'm trying to say is that you need to choose your accomodation location carefully. If you search on line you will find good forums about the 'eleven plus' which is what it is commonly known as here.
Just another note: it's worth looking at OFSTED as the high school in Whitstable (The Community College) has just had its report published - March 2015. It now 'Requires Improvement' following a previous 'Good'. Compare this to other high schools such as Herne Bay or Canterbury. Both of these schools now operate a 'banding' system as they attempt to become more like comprehensives rather than high schools. This means that a further test is taken by the children (poor them). It's rather complicated but the websites will explain this. I am not sure whether Whitstable operates banding yet; I could find no mention on its website.
To put things in perspective, my DS failed his Kent Test. Yes it changed his life, but not necessarily for the worse even though I could not see that at the time. He is now in sixth form at a grammar school and tells me he has done way, way more 'extra things' than the other children there. This is because we were not so hung up on academic achievement but allowed him to participate in all sorts of things outside of school. These things really are important in the real world. Hope this helps.

Hi
We to are hoping to move to the area this summer Flaxhigh, we have a 10 year old daughter and 8 year old son. Is there anyway I can private message you and we could 'chat' about schools, kent test and also homeschooling. At the mo we are in North London.

There is a grammar school in Faversham and it has a good reputation, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. It's mixed, quite small in the middle of the town.

My DD went to Whitstable Junior and Primary school and loved it - she did very well. Also good is Westmeads, very good reputation.