North Kingston primaries - give your views

[phonix]

We're moving into north kingston from SE London and basically I'm after some experience-based advice regarding primary schools in the area.

So far we've visited Latchmere, Fern Hill and St Agatha's and loved all three. Over the next few weeks we'll also visit Alexandra infants, St Luke's and possibly Meadlands over in Ham.

As you have a choice of six, where else do you think we should look at?
Many thanks in advance.

Maybe I should add that we're after a school where there is a great emphasis on art, music, drama and languages and where they also promote team-based sports.

No kingston mums around tonight?

My friend lives in North Kingston and was desperate to get her daughter into Latchmere but they didn't get in. She said the kids looked really well behaved and the facilities were good.

Fern Hill also has a good reputation. I'm not sure about the others.

Speaking to my friends there they say either Latchmere or Fern Hill.

If you're near Norbiton then you should also look at Coombe Infants; it's always in the League Tables.

Oh, thanks Suzi - I couldn't agree more with your friend, Latchmere is my favourite too so far. Given the size of the school (700 children and about to become 4 form entry) I was amazed how happy and well behaved the children were, and the deputy head seemed to know everyone by name. Excellent facilities, adventure playground, swimming pool, etc... and all this is about to become even bigger and better with the expansion. I really have surprised myself by preferring this school over the other smaller ones.
Unfortunately, I personally haven't seen Fern Hill, had to send hubby over by himself whilst I stayed behind in St Agatha's - now I wish I had gone too.

I know parents of children at all the schools except Latchmere and really, you wouldn't go wrong with any of them. Be advised you have to move very, very close to Fern Hill, Alexandra or St Lukes to get in. My friend who's DD has just started at Fern Hill is so pleased.

FWIW DD1 is at Alexandra/St Pauls and we're very happy with it. It's a nice area to live, too, very friendly & you can walk everywhere! Go with the school & neighborhood you like best, they're all great!!

All excellent schools...Meadlands I would say is the most "mixed" as opposed to mainly middle class intake.
Just remember that state schools have to follow the National Curriculum- so art, music,languages etc aren't high on the priority list, especially as the schools compete in the league tables.

Thanks everyone,
Yesterday was a very tiring day for us having to see three primaries, but I'm charged up again and look forward to visiting the rest of the schools now.
Deaddei - I agree with you re. the national curriculum. However, there are already noticeable differences between the extracurricular activities offered at each school and I guess we're after one that offers that little bit of plus. Most schools would offer to teach languages, musical instruments, etc from year 2, but mainly in key stage 2. Apparently, Latchmere starts a year early and definitely in key stage 1.
The other matter to consider is that our older child, who is 5, is likely to go on the waiting list for the above schools and will probably be offered a place in St Joseph or King Athelstan. Any experience with these two, anyone?

King Athelston is having a few issues at the moment, according to the local paper a couple of weeks ago.

Hi d - what sort of "issues"?!

Not in special measures, but an experienced head teacher has gone in to sort things out.
I think it was unsatisfactory teaching.

Thanks d, good to know!

I have some friends with children at King Athelstan and they're very happy with it. It wouldn't be my first choice of school but I would prefer it to St Joseph. I think Athelstan is doing a lot of work to sort themselves out quickly so it might be worth having a look.

OK, getting slightly confused, but that's entirely my problem .
We'll probably visit both schools and take it from there. Until then, pls keep the comments coming.
Seriously considering home ed, too. Feel sorry for and worry about DD who could ultimately end up going to three different schools in one academic year

Hi all, any north kingston mummies around tonight?

Hello - would love to know what you decided! ;)