primary schools in mill road area

[goldpony]

We'll be applying for primary schools next year and would be really pleased to hear of any personal experiences with the schools around Mill Rd.

I have a DD in reception at St Matthews. She is extremely happy and is making good progress. St Matthews is a warm, friendly school with lots going on. It is very popular with parents and many of the teachers send their own children there. It is highly oversubscribed and Ofsted rated 'Outstanding'. I am surprised by some of the negative comments on this thread!

St Phillips has improved a lot recently (now Ofsted 'Good') and is also popular and oversubscribed.

@ Pufflesome

All the Mill Road schools are oversubscribed. St Matthews has been admitting all catchment children (mainly because it was extended to 90 intake) whereas St Philips and Ridgefield have both been turning catchment children away. For those in the western end of St Philips catchment that has meant Abbey Meadows, whereas those not close enough to Ridgefield are very likely to get into Queen Emma as there is a dual catchment.

For what it's worth, the St Matthews Ofsted report dates from 2011, compared to 2013 for Ridgefield and 2014 for St Philips. As far as I can tell St Matthews won't be eligible for Outstanding next time based on its results, but I'm happy to be told why I'm wrong about that.

There is plenty of other data about the schools if you google it. For example, St Matthews only has 7.6% of children in receipt of school meals compared to 19.4% at Ridgefield and 20.7% at St Philips.

You really need to look at the schools and decide for yourself.