Ridgeway Primary and Purley Oaks Primary

[EstherTahi]

So we've just had an offer accepted on a house on Downsway and it looks like it's going to be a super fast exchange (moving 1st Sept). Consequently we are trying to find a primary school for our eldest who will be going in to Year 1. We would prefer Ridgeway Primary as we've heard nothing but good things (it's also closest). Now I am aware that it's a popular school and consistently oversubscribed but what are people's experiences with getting a spot there?
We've also checked out Purley Oaks Primary which seemed like a lovely school but we are a little bit concerned about its reputation. I know it was struggling a few years ago and has vastly improved from an Ofsted perspective but does anyone have any personal opinions or experiences there?
Any advice or insight would be highly appreciated!

I am just coming to the end of my time with Ridgeway (my youngest is Y6) and spaces do come up for in year transfers. The only way to know what the waiting list is like for a specific year is to ask though.

My children and I have loved our time with Ridgeway but unfortunately I cant offer any insight into Purley Oaks.

Both schools have a reasonable amount of movement, so spaces do come up, especially in September. I think that it is fair to say that these two schools have very different intakes. Also worth applying to Gresham, Atwood and St Peters.

Our DD is about to start at Purley Oaks in September. We absolutely loved the school at our first visit and chose this over any of the other primaries in the area. It just felt right. Happy and positive and all the staff and pupils we met over the visit and subsequently for welcome day and a home visit have been lovely and full of enthusiasm for the school. We also heard the 'reputation' stories and as far as we can see, they are heresy and from way back. We went to the summer fair to meet people and all the parents we talked to were very positive about it and friendly too. Having visited numerous schools, this one seemed by far the best and although a lot of people are very keen on the Ridgeway, I would say don't believe the hype. Go take a look at both and see how you feel and whether you think the school would suit your child. Good luck!

I would say don't believe the hype

On what basis?

A friend is happy with Purley Oaks KS1 but will seriously consider moving for Yr 3. They do move their reading faster than my DD school so you may need to work on that before they start.