how do I find out how good a primary school is?

[katechristie]

We're thinking of moving house and I'd just like to have a general overview of primary schools - We're not going to choose where we live based on the school, and I want my children to go to school where we live so their friends will live nearby, so I'm not planning on reading into it too much, just a vague notion that the schools are ok.
any suggestions? TIA.

For a start look at ofsted reports, and look at the school's website to get a feel for their general philosophy. Word of mouth too is really helpful if you've got that.

oh brill, thanks that will do me.

Asking the opinions of parents is always a good start.

Also, go to the school and have a look round. You can tell a lot about a school through it's 'vibe'. Are the children happy? Are they engaged? Are the teachers happy? Have a look at the displays and a chat to the head.

Invaluable IMO

Staff turnover is a good one. Scan the local job ads - are there hundreds of vacancies for one school? Red flag if so.

(this does not count if there's a recent change of head teacher - lots of people feel the need to move when that happens, and it's not always a reflection on the head/school).

great, the DCs' nursery is probably a good start then as the children there probably cover most of the local schools within the areas we're looking. We're fairly rural, so the problem we're up against is the varying sizes of schools. - i.e. where we live now the school takes 220 or so children, nursery class has about 45 or so starting this year (which DS is currently one of). They have a great reputation, really good feel to the place whenever we've been to school fairs etc. but we really don't like where we live, so the school isn't enough to keep us here. One area 5 miles away we're considering has 400+ pupils and seems stricter from it's website - lots about the board of governors, school uniform must haves etc. then the other village we're considering has 80 or so pupils, obviously not as much going on due to smaller numbers, and potentially "at risk" but it's nice and small and personal and somehow seems less scary (DS fairly shy) - plus I know some of the parents as have been going to play group there.
oh decisions decisions!!!

League tables are all here

I hold more store by the CVA (Context Value Added) score, than the % passing - although all of the figures can be manipluated to some degree.

ah, thanks Indigobell - I'm in Wales, so it doesn't look like we're covered in these tables. thanks for the link though.

Ask locally - google the local school and the head - any adverse press will likely present itself. I would say do NOT assess a school on it's website. In reality it shows you nothing.

Best wishes and good luck with your search.