Collis Primary /Large primary schools in general

[agoodbookandsomefizz]

I'm planning to move to Teddington and currently have my mind set on Collis Primary as it seems to be highly regarded and I liked the look of the school when I had a tour. However its size concerns me (its about 750 I think). Not only would I rather my DCs go to a smaller, cosier school generally...but I've just finished reading Steve Bs 'Raising Boys' and he thinks that bullying is more rife in bigger schools (his upper limit is 400 for a primary). I'm not taking his book as the gospel but the size thing was an issue for me anyway as it seems impersonal and harder for more sensitive children (of which both my DD and DS are!). Does anyone have DCs at Collis or at a big primary school and what is your experience? Thanks!

This school has an excellent local reputation.
However there are others schools locally which are also excellent these include Hampton wick infants which is smaller and nurturing.Also Stanley and st Mary St. Peter's . All these schools are heavily oversubscribed and you need to move very close to get in .You really can't go wrong in Teddington such a great area to live in .

All the primaries are three or four form entry in the Teddington/Hampton area because of demand for places, apart some (but not all) church schools. St Mary's and St Peter's is three form entry now. Even some of the small schools in the borough actually end up with more than 30 per class, there is so much pressure on places. I don't really see what the advantage is for infants to be on a different site from the juniors - they usually have separate playgrounds anyway.

But there are advantages to a big school too. The ones that have expanded have had their buildings upgraded and are more likely to have specialist teachers too. At reception level they are often split into smaller groups for certain activities and each class has a classroom assistant.

Hi TeddyKing1 thank you for your message. Yes Teddington appears to be a great area especially considering all the schools are excellent. I'm sure Collis is a really nice school - it's just that I'm not used to schools that size as I grew up in a small village in the West Country!

Hi muminlondon I hadn't thought about the improved facilities etc which can result from the expansion of the schools. That's a really positive point!

So does everyone agree that big primary schools are ok? Welcoming, personal etc?

A friend has boys at Collis (in KS1) and they are doing really well. Seems to be a good nurturing school despite the size.

Son is at a four form primary. I went to a tiny primary so it utterly overwhelmed me. But we liked the facilities, the school and what they offered. My son has learnt languages, is doing an instrument, and they have an art studio as well as a music room. Large schools can afford more as long as they are well run. Son has never been bothered by the size. My husband went to a big school too and says that the transition to secondary is a lot easier too.

Primary kids tend to mainly interact with own class / year group so overall school size doesn't always impact them. Wider friend groups. Can mix up classes if needed etc