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Maple or Alban City School? (Primary Schools)

3 replies

DiverseMum · 26/11/2021 12:00

Would really appreciate the collective wisdom of Mumsnetters. We made the move from London to St. Albans finally and it's time to apply for primary schools. Our nearest schools are Maple Primary and Alban City school. We have visited both and know that it's all down to what we get but any views on whether they are local experience suggests one is better than the other is much appreciated. Maple has a new HeadTeacher so views on whether the school has seen change due to that are also really appreciated. Thank you!

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DiverseMum · 26/11/2021 12:07

Hopeful bump to my own post hoping to hear from other wonderful St Albans parents!

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GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 26/11/2021 12:35

My DC are at Maple. IME it's a great school - so long as your DC fit into a fairly small conventional box. If they "overhang" it in any way - whether that's through Special Educational Needs or being Gifted and Talent - the school doesn't know what to do with them. They want to teach to the middle.

It's a very well-equipped school - mainly thanks to a wealthy and generous parent body and the grounds are lovely. Lots of space to run around in the fresh air. Some of the teachers are excellent - but some are, frankly, crap. Disengaged and disinterested.

The former Head was very old-fashioned, and the Acting Head has wasted an opportunity to bring in a new broom and instead has stuck to his way of doing things. She's quite timid, tbh, seems to be very nervous around the parents (though not the kids).

Their recent Ofsted moved them from Outstanding to Good, but was largely very positive.

I have found the pastoral care lacking. My eldest child is on the autistic spectrum, a fact they ignored for years, insisting she "seems fine", and as a result whilst she does very well academically she's ended up completely socially isolated. My son has been repeatedly bullied by his classmates, and this is continually minimised by the school.

We've only got a couple more years ago, and moving them now would distress them, so we're going to stick it out, but given my time again I wouldn't send my DC there, I would look for a more nurturing school.

I don't know enough about City to comment, tbh. As you may or may not be aware, the catchment for Maple is really tiny, so if you don't live very close it may not be an option for you anyway.

DiverseMum · 03/12/2021 20:13

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. I'm so sorry that you had to go through the frustration of your DC not getting the attention they deserve especially through what seems to be neglect. Really appreciate the honest response! I hope the rest of your time there is better.

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