Primary School Admissions nightmare - are you fuming too?

[Jaq13]

Hi

We've just heard back on the school place allocated to us for our DS for this Sept and are not happy - I was hoping for at least our 3rd preference!

From the info provided on just how oversubscribed the local schools were it's looking like there may be around 150 families in the same situation in North / Central Bristol.

This happened last year too and after some strenuous lobbying and campaigning by the families affected additional classes were created at some of the local schools.

Are you in the same boat?? We'll have more chance of getting our voices heard if we act together and learn from the experiences of those mums who went through this last year.

So, whether you'd like to get involved for this year or have any helpful advice from previous years it'd be great to hear from you,

Many thanks

Jaq

I've read the Ofsted report for every primary school within walking distance of here (nr St George), and apart from one Catholic school, they are all terrible. (Walking distance = about two to three miles)

It's extremely disappointing. Also, worrying.

Just thought I'd add to the feedback on Cabot.

I arrived back in the UK from living overseas a couple of weeks ago and applied for a primary school place for my 4 year old. As it was a mid year application all my preferred choices were full. (In fact just about everywhere seems to be full!).

Although we live in Clifton we were offered a place at Cabot - unbelievable that this is the closest school!

Anyway I went to see it yesterday and the headmaster Mr Riordan took 1 hour out of his day to answer my questions and show me around. I was really impressed.

He was honest about where the school is starting from but set out a clear and convincing vision for its future. I looked around nearly every classroom and the behaviour was all good. He has struck up partnerships with other schools and with companies such as Lloyds to help develop the school (Lloyds employees are coming in to revitalise the courtyard/garden area in the centre of the school). I had full confidence in him.

I won't be taking up the place - yet anyway as I have till September before I really need to panic - because the distance is just ridiculous. But I wanted to report this positive expereince in the meantime! Good luck everyone with your own admissions nightmares....

Disagree that all primary schools around St George are all terrible?

I didn't say the schools were terrible, I said the Ofsted reports are. Which is all I have to go on.

I'd be happy to see which ones you think are good. Like I said, I read the Ofsted reports and they were all - apart from the one Catholic one - really bad.

I thought Air Balloon got a 1 in its last Ofsted?

Summerhill is also considered good.

Air Balloon is OFSTED outstanding. It's in St George.

Ah, wrong end of it for me, that's why I didn't look at it. I go to the doctor up there and it would be a serious hike to do with a little kid twice a day.

But, thanks for the tip, I will read what they said about them.

I can't move, I don't have any income. I'm stuck here for at least two more years. Can you go on the waiting list for schools you live nowhere near?

Lindsay, long time no see, sorry I missed lunch on Sunday. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, there's 3 years before they go to school and a lot can change in that time with a school, good and bad.

No waiting lists in Bristol really, you just apply the October before they start.