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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Barnes Primary dilemma - how good is it really?

13 replies

BoosieBoo · 05/06/2013 15:39

Barnes primary have just announced a bulge year and amazingly we have got a place. This was totally unexpected as we were so far down on the waiting list and everyone I spoke to said there was no way they would be able to take a bulge class as they have no room. We live in a bit of a black hole for state school places, so I ended taking a waiting list place we were offered at a private school I think DS would be very happy with. We have paid the deposit and first terms fees. We did this a few weeks ago and had convinced ourselves it was the best option for him and were actually quite pleased with how it had worked out.

Now I am utterly thrown! To complicate matters slightly DD is in a private school already as we had the same situation with her last year and I don't know how I feel about state for one and private for the other. She is very settled and and thriving and I'm not sure I would move her if the option came up.

We can afford the fees with some sacrifices, though nothing that would bother me too much. Obviously one set of fees vs two is a big difference though.

So I guess my question is to anyone with a child there - is it really as amazing as everyone says? What are the things that you like about it? And are there any things that bother you? Just want an honest insider opinion. I have heard some grumblings that the headmaster is a bit of a control freak? I work full time so haven't got to know that many mums in the short time we've been here.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

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Elibean · 05/06/2013 16:41

My child is not at BPS, but I have lots of friends whose children are there, and are happy with it. The Head is not my personal cup of tea at all (we looked around it for dd1), but kids seem happy and they definitely aim for good results, and usually get them.

If I had one at private, and had already paid a term's fees for ds to start at a private school too...I would probably stick to that, tbh. And I am pro-state ed, so not because of the private v state part, but because of exactly the issues you mention

Fizzypop001 · 05/06/2013 17:15

If i were you i would take the primary school place unless the private school has really good results barnes primary is in the top ten primary schools in richmond its number 6 for its sats results. Why pay when you got a an excellent primary place. Dont take this lightly because you let the place go you will not get it back. Other parents will get it and keep it.

Belltree · 05/06/2013 21:44

BoosieBoo - happy to discuss if you want to send me a message.

mrsshackleton · 06/06/2013 09:58

I know a bit about this school and know people who've been in a similar situation to you (and turned down the BPS place after soul searching), I had a similar situation with another school (and turned down private place but that was for my ds1).

I would say BPS gets excellent results, but a lot of tutoring goes on, so that is not entirely down to the school. Would your dcs be going to the same school if you go private? That would swing it for me as it would make your life easier . If different schools, I'd take the BPS place.

HunnyBunnyAug09 · 07/06/2013 22:00

BoosieBoo I am in exactly the same position as you. Just found out today that we have been offered a place at Barnes for our son. The big pull for us is that a lot of his nursery friends will be going to BPS. We found a lovely private co-ed school for him which we were so thrilled with. Of course saving £12k a year on school fees is a major factor, but I just want to do the best for him. I don't trust the state system, but that is because I know so little about it. Can we pm each other?? :)

Phoebe47 · 09/06/2013 20:00

Who is the Headteacher at Barnes Primary? I can't seem to find his/her name on the website.

Phoebe47 · 09/06/2013 20:01

Who is the Headteacher at Barnes Primary? I can't seem to find his/her name on the website.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 11/06/2013 14:55

I'd take the BPS place and then look into getting DD on the waiting list as a sibling.

Mrsrobertduvall · 11/06/2013 15:10

Mark Hartley

Phoebe47 · 13/06/2013 11:24

Thank you Mrsrobertduvall.

lpaf · 18/06/2013 14:36

We are in the same situation and it has really thrown me. Assumed we had no chance as we were so far down the list, we have deposited on a private school where our other child is currently a pupil. Not sure we trust the state system, not sure about splitting them (is it fair in terms of quality and facilities, personally I think siblings should be at the same school, logistics etc.) - but if we would be getting the same quality education for free - should we perhaps save the investment for secondary, senior school and university? Very very uncertain as to what to do....

savoirfaire · 18/06/2013 23:03

If you move dc2, dc1 will be top of waiting list so you could move them to BPS too and save a lot?

Daffyduckaroo · 11/07/2013 15:24

Hi all,
We have decided to move to the Barnes area (we've been posted abroad for some time) I wanted to know what is the catchment area for BPS. What roads should I be looking at? Also, after primary what are the good secondary schools in the area (we are not catholic so will not be eligible for catholic schools)

Thanks

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