Yorston Lodge Knutsford & independent schools generally

[WhereTheSidewalkEnds]

We are thinking of moving to Knutsford, we love the town and it would make us much closer to DH's office which is quite a commute at the moment.

Schools are a big factor and although our DD is only 2, we want to settle so won't be looking to move again for school catchment areas. We also want to get her in a pre-school a couple of days a week.

In looking at the primaries in Knutsford, I came across Yorston Lodge which seems like a lovely school. DH and I had never considered an independent school before and we don't really know much about them.

Firstly, does anyone have any experience of this school?

Secondly, we could afford the fees, with sacrifices, but I imagine there are additional costs which haven't occurred to me. Can anyone give me an idea of what extra things we'll routinely pay for?

Last question - we aren't rolling in money. I am having a career break while the children are small so we won't have a huge house or a fancy car. Do you think this will put DD at a disadvantage socially? Will she be looked down on by the other children? Will we be judged as a family?

Sorry for the rambling, I just don't know how to make the decision.

You should make the decision by looking at the local state schools first. There are a number of outstanding primary schools in Knutsford, if you move to the right area. I have tutored a child from Yorston Lodge, who was having a hard time from his teacher as he wasn't looping his letters when writing. His confidence was at rock bottom. His teacher had told him that if he didn't sort out his handwriting, he would be removed from the school football team.

oh gosh, thanks Warringtontutor! Can you recommend the good primaries in Knutsford? I met a mum in the park in Knutsford who told me the schools weren't great and a lot of people sent their DC to schools in Manchester. That's what made me look at Yorston Lodge.

Optimistic bump...

Verity thanks for posting. That's so helpful. It's interesting what you say about other parents just being like-minded. I hope that would be the case but perhaps I need to wander past the school at pick up time...or maybe that's creepy...

I thought about looking around but DD is 2 so we'd probably look like nutters doing that...

You should get the Cheshire East LA admission book, as that has all the schools in.
Depending on how near you are talking about living to the centre of Knutsford, the schools in the centre are Bexton, Egerton and Manor Park + the catholic primary school.
You then start going out to the surrounding villages, so you have Chelford, Nether Alderley, Mobberley and the absolutely fabulously named Peover Superior Endowed (controlled) primary school.
Don't think it is really fair to go recommending any of the schools, you should take the opportunity to go and look around the schools. Moving into the area is a fabulous reason to go and be nosey!
I do know that some parents tend to favour some of the schools nearer to Wilmslow, like Ashdene but be warned that these schools are full, have admission appeals and you would need to live near the school to be confident of getting a place.

Thanks admission, when do you think it's reasonable to visit a school? When DD is nearer 3? I feel like a bit of a fraud looking around now.

Catchment areas seem like a bit of a nightmare. I don't know where we would look to live but I imagine it will probably depend on the school choices we make rather than the other way round.

Quite fancy sending DD to Peover Superior Endowed, just for the name actually

I would say do it now, when you are looking for a new house. Ok schools do change but at least it gives you an idea of the calibre of the schools.

HI Mums
We are also am moving to Knutsford, in 3 weeks actually from kent.

Our local school is manor Park P.S and my 3.5 year old will be starting reception in Sept.

I have researched so much info but cannot get a subjective point of view from anyone.

Manor park P.S would be handy for me to walk to with my 8 month old baby.
The 2007 OFSTED report reported,high free school meals ,high unattendance, high learning support and above average disabilities.

Does anyone know what the reputation of this P.S is in 2011 ?

I like that it has an attached nursery to make the transition easier with reception but still want to make the right decision.

I would be most grateful for any honest feedback.

many thanks

sarah

Hi guys

My kids go to Yorston and it's a very good school. In academic terms they always seem to get into the high school they're aiming for.
In my experience all the teachers are amazing and so nice and encouraging to the children, we've done 2.5 - 11 so have met them all!
I would say that only a few of the families are really wealthy, most have just decided they'd rather scrimp a bit and have the excellent education and teacher/pupil ratio it offers.
There are many 4x4s though!
If your child is 2.5 there's a nursery, and you may well find that the class they'd be joining is fully booked already. It's worth an ask though.
Aside from the fees, there's the costs of uniform, and any instrumental lessons or after school sports clubs your child may want to do. Then each class tends to go on 2 little trips a year costing between £10 and £15 each.
There are residential trips in Year 5 & 6 which cost a bit more. And a yearly ski trip which is for the whole family to go along to, but is entirely optional.
Hope that helps!
I'd check out the different schools ofsted reports, that helped me in choosing a senior school.