Pilgrims Way School, Farnham

[minko]

Anyone's kids go there?

We are moving to Farnham at the end of July. Both kids are going to Pilgrims Way. Our new neighbours are already telling us we should try and get places at South Farnham (the waiting list is too long, though it is far closer to us) and have made me feel bad about our choice of PW.

Please tell me positive things about the school as the neighbours comments have really taken the shine off our move...

I have no direct experience but have friends with children at South Farnham. The thing is I think you need to get it into perspective, South Farnham (I believe?) is, or was, THE best performing primary in the country. I'm sure some of it must help raise standards generally, also in relative terms Farnham is a great area, I'm sure the school you have chosen is brilliant compared to many in the UK?

Thank you for that. Farnham is a lovely area and far, far nicer than where we're coming from, so yes, I guess the general standard is higher...

Perhaps also post under Education - Primary (I never normally look at Mumsnet Local.

I have a son in year 1 at Pilgrims Way and I will be sending my second son next year. My son is very happy there and that is what is important to me as he was very introvert but now is a confident young man. The school is good at nurturing and supporting the children in their social behaviour. The recent Ofsted report was disappointing and a bit of a shock, however it is now getting the support that it needs and deserves. I am saddened at the bad publicity surrounding a school that needs support and understanding after being without a head teacher for a substantial period of time and is only now at the start of a journey to recovery. If Pilgrims Way had a good Ofsted report, Surrey mothers would still not want to send their children as the school has been talked about in a not so favourable light by some of the locals for many years - I do not judge by appearance and have made some good friends here. I am not a second class citizen and neither are my children. I live in the 'real' Farnham where parents work to provide a loving and stable environment for their children, however I wasn't born here so seem to see a different side of it. I sent my son there when the Ofsted report was mainly 2's (good), some 3's (satisfactory) and some 1's (outstanding). I hope this helps - the academic side can do more to improve and it will as our new headteacher Mrs Viner is very proactive and Ofsted have recognised this.