Downend primary schools

[rosea19]

We will shortly be choosing a primary school for our DS but can't decide between Stanbridge and Christchurch in Downend. We live equal distance from both schools and really liked the feel of Stanbridge but the SAT results that have just come out place it in the bottom 10 schools in South Glos. My DS will also know one other child there.

Christchurch has great results (in top 10 schools for south glos) but I wasn't as keen on it but can't say why. My DS would also know no children there.

So does anyone have any experience on either school? As it's really difficult to decide! Are SATS results also really important to consider?

My son went to Christchurch (now Yr 7). He had a fantastic experience and I cannot speak highly enough of it. Nurturing, supportive and the teaching was amazing. My son received excellent SAT’s results in Ayr 6 (not that I think SAT’s are important!) with very little fuss or pressure from the school.

I have no personal experience of Stanbridge but seems like a nice environment from the outside when I drive past!

Our two currently go to Stanbridge in the early years and so far they are loving it. There is a very friendly atmosphere about the school and the teachers seem happy and switched on. The kids are given plenty of homework and are regularly challenged.

A bit of potted history on Stanbridge; about 8 years ago the school was failing and was placed into special measures. A new headteacher joined and really turned the place around, though it obviously took some time to achieve. The latest SATS results are from the last year associated with the school's previous poor performance, so the results are skewed in that respect.

Another new head has just started at Stanbridge. She has arrived from another well-performing local school, and we have no concerns about the leadership.