Hotham bilingual or St. Mary's???

[New2UK]

We're foreigners (native English speaking) living in the UK through Y2, and I want to choose the best school for the next few years. DD was offered a reception place in the bilingual class at Hotham and also very high on the waiting list for St. Mary's. I love the idea of the bilingual class, but then the mums I speak with say I should hold out for St Mary's without saying why aside from the OFSTED results.

I understand the OFSTED rates St Mary's 1 while Hotham is 2, but surely there is more to consider than that. What else should I know habout these two schools? I want to be informed before making a decision (granted I move to the top of the waitlist), but I also don't want to hold on to both places for long out of consideration for others waiting for a place at either school.

For those with experience with Hotham bilingual and/or St Mary's Reception-Y2, please pass on any info you think might be helpful in deciding which school would be best for DD.

Thank you!!

Hi. My child is at another school nearby but I have friends with children at reception at St Marys and Hotham (billlingual and non-billingual). They are all happy with their schools. Do you mean you will be here until Y2?? I know some people are very happy with Hotham in the early years and then move on to Private in Y2/Y3 whereas they tend stay longer at St Marys. If you are only staying until Y2 I think the billingual class will be great. (and I'm sure will be fine till Y6).
I think Hotham has always been seen as slightly second best compared to the Church Schools but I'm not sure that's fair. It's just bigger and more diverse. Apparently the head is great.

Hi, I?m a Hotham Mum and my DD is in YR1 at the moment, she has a great time at school and is overflowing in confidence and excelling in learning. If you have an offer you should accept it ? especially as you don?t have another offer at the moment. If you are considering a local private school, I would really recommend you keep your money. I know of parents with children at local privates and they really aren?t gaining much for their cash ? it?s such a silly waste (IMHO). Obviously if a place at St Mary?s comes up then you can choose what is best for your DD, if that is after September you may or may not decided to move.

The bi-lingual class is excellent because it has a fantastic and very experienced teacher in charge. The Headmistress, Mrs Young is always a visible presence in the morning, as you arrive at school and is a very caring Head. The school has recently been renovated and the classrooms look fantastic. They have a little more work to do in the playgrounds but I think this will be done by September, so not an issue.

The most recent Ofsted was very positive of the school, however teaching in KS2 could be stronger in areas and as TVfriend said, some parents have chosen in the past to move school at this point. As the school are aware of this, I?m sure it will be improving in the future and fewer parents will opt to move. If you only need a school place till year 2 then this isn?t relevant. The school does struggle to get an ?outstanding rating?, because of attendance levels of the children and does try to enforce a zero tolerance on holidays in term time. I?m not sure how effective there policy is, but they have to try.

The mothers who are recommending St Mary?s may prefer the smaller school size, as Hotham is 2 form and I think they may be a little PFB about their DD/DS getting lost in the crowd. Hotham has good outdoor space and different playgrounds for Nursery and Reception/ KS1/KS2, so little ones aren?t trampled on! The school is a Community School and is very diverse, in terms of ethnicity and class (again, as tvfriend has said), and I think this is a good thing for all the children. My DD certainly enjoys learning about all religious festivals and hearing many different languages. It is certainly not a 'set back' and I think my DD is jealous that she isn?t multilingual. The behaviour of all the children is very good; they are all well-mannered and polite. Think I've covered it all, HTH.

Another Hotham mum here and we love it - I have DCs in Y3 & Y1

Thank you so much for the feedback so far--it really is good to hear from mums who have their children at Hotham. Any mums from St Mary's willing to offer some thoughts, as well? Others who have experience with Hotham or St Mary's Putney (YR-Y2), please pass on any info you think would be helpful.

Thanks again. I truly appreciate it!

We have been just offered a place in year1 in St Mary's. DD is in Reception in Hotham in non billingual section at the moment. Should we consider in moving her to St. Mary's ?? I am in two minds as we don't know whether we will live in the UK for more than 2-3 years.. They say that early years are all good and people opt to move out in later years..I am happy with her progress and the teachers so far..Is it worth the effort in getting her adapted to a new school all over again??
Any thoughts will be highly appreciated..
Thanks