The Shirley School, Cambridge

[wrinkly]

I have to decide on my childs school in the next couple of days. I have been given so many different tips. Can someone whose child is at the Shirley tell me what it's like. Do the more able children get equal help with the less able? The League tables aren't good. What's your experience???

Hi Wrinkly, have you tried the Cambridge local mumsnet group? IIRC there was a thread about the Shirley a while back with a parent on there with a child in ks2 I think. She spoke very highly of the school.

The ofsted they had recently was very good.

There was a junior school previously on the site that got shut down, having been in special measures. I think the Shirley infants school always had a good rep though.

I lived in Chesterton for 10 years (and still cycle through it daily). Being completely honest (and prepared for a flaming) it was mostly the parents I saw during the school run that put me off.

But I didn't visit the school itself, so I don't feel like I can judge it fairly.

I found the thread, but can't link to it on the phone. There were no less than 3 parents with actual experience of the school on there, all positive, so maybe try a pm?

AuntieBulgaria, I saw the previous thread but wanted an up to date opinion. I have visited but I have visited several schools. The problem is this decison effects my child not just in the next year or two but until 11 years old. There are so many issues: convenience, child happiness and of course education. I won't give you a flaming. T
That is precisely what is making the decision so difficult.

Wrinkly, what was it like when you went and which other schools have you visited? We chose to move rather than stay in the Shirley catchment ( though the move wasn't just about schools) but I feel that was more due to my middle class prejudice than genuine bad experience. What does your gut reaction say? If you were allocated a place for DC tomorrow?

Hi wrinkly,
I have a child in year 2 at the Shirley who started in nursery. She is thriving at the Shirley. She is an able girl and the school are catering for her fine. The teachers she has had have been warm, capable and enthusiastic.
The school caters for children of many backgrounds and does it well. It received a 'good' ofsted with 'outstanding' features. Teaching was highly praised. The school has an excellent Head who has really done wonders with the school.
Please visit the school again and chat to the Head teacher about any concerns - she will give you time.
I would say I was on the middle class spectrum [!] and I have a very happy child who loves school!

Just thought - visiting might be difficult for you at this late stage. I am sure the Head would talk through your concerns over the phone if you haven't time to visit before your application goes in.
Good luck whatever you decide.

Hello, I have a child in year one at Shirley, and a child who is hopefully starting in reception in September. I have had a very positive experience and my eldest is very happy at the school. There is streaming and in my experience the more able children are given as much attention as the less able and are given work to suit their ability. The teachers who I have come across are all excellent and I am really pleased with the education my child has received. Also the school has a great ethos on sharing, kindness and equality which I think is really important. If you have any other questions please let me know I'll be happy to try and answer them. Have you talked to the head teacher? I know how difficult it is making these decisions!

Thanks runraggedmummy and love2ski, much happier now.

Morning wrinkly,
Glad you feel happier now.
Good luck with your application! .

Hi Wrinkly, no problem. I have other friends who made the choice to send their children to Shirley too and we have all been through the same worries as you but we are all very happy with the result. Hope it all goes OK!

My children should have gone there but I chose to send them somewhere else because at the time the infant and junior schools were still separate and the junior school had a terrible reputation. It looks lovely now and has a much better reputation.