Solihull primary schools

[WhatABumma]

We have recently moved to the area and would appreciate any comments on the following schools: Knowle, Dorridge or Bentley Heath.

Totally unsure which one to go for!

Thanks

ahhh I went to Dorridge! bet its changed since then (loved it btw!)

Whats your 'catchment'? My parents still live in the area and apparently it can be over subscribed within catchment

My catchment school is Knowle but I thought it would be worth exploring the other two. I have heard that Dorridge is oversubscribed but then that makes me think it must be better than the other two! Although I am sure there can't be too much in it...

Knowle and Dorridge have excellent reputations, but are highly competitive and both are over-subscribed.

Bentley Heath is often seen as the poor relation to the other two, but imho, this is unjustified, as its a lovely school and has above average results. I know personally of lots of children who are very happy there.

I went to Dorridge myself a loooong time ago and loved it, but I know locally of at least three families who have pulled their children out of Dorridge and sent them to Bentley Heath as they weren't happy - mainly due to academic pressure, but in one case due to bullying.

Bentley Heath has an Open Afternoon for 2012 applicants this Thursday from 1.30 to 3.00. You can just go along and be shown around the school by a pair of year 6 pupils and then see either one of the governors or the Head Teacher to ask any additional questions you may have.

To be honest, all three are very good schools and there is very little to choose between them results wise, but imho Bentley Heath is probably the friendliest and least uptight.

Just read your last post re Dorridge. I actually don't believe that Dorridge is oversubscribed because its a better school. I almost hate to say it for fear of getting flamed, but personally, I think its down to snobbery.

I have a friend whose older two dcs went to Dorridge, but who now has her three youngest at Bentley Heath. She didn't even bother applying to Dorridge for them, despite still living in the same house and being within the catchment.