Tunbridge Wells primaries

[Osakagirl]

Hello,
We have just moved to Tunbridge Wells and are applying for in year admissions for our children in year 3 and year 6. Although the closest primary is Claremont, there is no space in the school, or St Peter's which is also close by.

There seem to be places at Broadwater Down, St Matthew's High Brooms, and places for one of them (but not both) at St Augustine's and Temple Grove. All will be at least a ten minute drive away, or possibly a cycle ride if the weather is ok.

I spoke to one Mum who lives down there who was slightly dismissive of Broadwater Down and St Matthew's, implying that they were a bit rough round the edges, although my kids are transfering from an inner London primary which has its fair share of issues so I'm not sure whether it would be much different.

I wondered whether people have any feedback about these schools? My children are fairly academic - the older one is in year 6 and has passed the Kent test, and the younger one is working at greater depth in most areas.

Any feedback would be very helpful.

@stillthinking22 thanks again, I will do that today. There's only 1 house for rent in Langton Green atm, and it's VERY expensive per month.
Would be so helpful to know if we really needed to be in the village for the in year places or could be just outside. Problem is, it's very variable (just depends on how many kids leave, if any, so being super close obviously increases your chances a lot).

Ah it's so hard! If you're renting it might be easiest to rent near Claremont and get on the list for Claremont / St James / Langton Green and any others. People in Claremont area have got offered spaces at Langton in the past. Worth calling Langton though. Good luck!

Thanks so much again! @stillthinking22 If we were living 5 mins ish outside town, how bad would it be doing drop off and pick up at Claremont do you think? I do all the school runs myself....

@stillthinking22 5 miles not mins!!!

You have to be practically living on the doorstep of the school to be offered a place at Claremont. Try Langton Green.

@Naturelover42 if you were 5 miles from Claremont I wouldn’t even be thinking about the journey as it’s probably a much higher chance of you winning the euromillions then getting a place at Claremont in year and living 5 miles out, I would concentrate on other schools.

Thanks all! Sorry, I meant living 5 miles out more long term. We are renting initially, so could find somewhere to rent close to Claremont to get the places and then move out. But if we did that I'm concerned about the journey in twice a day...... because we won't want to live in TW long term.

I would move where you want to be longer term personally. Driving into town and parking / trying not to get a ticket wouldn't be much fun IMO. But re secondary schools, out of town can be quite badly connected so check out transport options as I would think driving to secondary would be even more painful.

Thanks @stillthinking22 . The bus network for travel to secondary schools seems quite good or am I being naive? X

I think if you're in a village you might be ok but some villages seem more cut off than others. Judging by the amount of traffic going through town to the secondaries I would choose your location carefully if you don't want to drive every day. What is your ideal location long term?

Tbh our only criteria is 5 miles max from TW train station (for commuting) but could be in any direction!

@Osakagirl thanks for your update earlier this year. Encouraging to hear places do become available throughout the year. We’re moving to TW in the next two months and also have to sort out schools for two of our three kids.
St Matthew’s is very close and do have space from speaking with them so I wondered if anyone on here has any recent feedback? Also, I haven’t come across many primary schools with a nursery attached to it, that’s the set-up where we are now. Do children pre-reception age go to private nurseries or am I missing something?

thanks a lot!

Yes, it seems to be that places do come up, but there's not guarantee that your kids will both get places at the same school. There's particular pressure on year 6 places it seems. Fingers crossed St Matthew's will work out for you though - it's worth staying in touch with the school and asking them to let you know if anything changes.

Hi all @Naturelover42 , @LON2012, I’m now in the same position, we’re moving to TW and about to start calling schools to see if they have places for my daughter to start reception in Jan.
I was wondering how the process was for you and what school did you end up with?

many thanks!

Good luck @SanGamo
yes, I could offer some advice.
we moved to TW in May and decided to homeschool for the rest of the summer term in order to avoid our children being put in a likely temporary school.
we live behind St James primary school but this was not my first choice on faith grounds.
our year 3 son was offered a place in June at Claremont. We are not at all close to the school (at least 20 mins walk) but in year 3 they swell the classes by 2 places, which I knew, and so I was quite confident he would be offered a place and he was. He has settled well and is happy there.
our year 1 son is now top of the waiting list, due to the sibling priority. I expect he will be offered a place during the course of this academic year.
he is currently at the mead school.
my year 6 son was not offered a place (very rare for children to leave in that year) so he is also at the mead.
happy to answer questions!

Many thanks for your message! Great to know that there can be a little bit of hope to get into Claremont! It’s our first choice as we’re not religious, but we’re opened to it as most of the schools are. Like St Peter’s as it’s outstanding.

How was your approach with the schools? Did you call them and book an appointment for a viewing? We have to move pretty quick if we want our daughter to be there for Jan.

I’m also looking for nurseries for my 1 year old boy, not sure if someone has any advise on those!

thanks a million!

I’ve heard Sarah’s Little Stars is good and also expanding so may have space?