Harrogate - schools and nurseries

[RachelRyder]

Hi there

I'm looking for some advice from parents in the Harrogate and surrounding areas. We are hoping to move to the area in the next few months and my daughter, who turns four in June, will need to start school in September. It's all been a bit unexpected and we hadn't planned on her starting school just yet as we are moving from Scotland where she would have another year before starting.
I'd be really grateful for any advice on how to manage the late application procedure from anyone who's been in that situation before and for advice on the best schools and catchment areas. Additionally, my son, who has just turned one, will need to go to nursery so any advice on good nurseries, preferably close to schools for drop off ease. If anyone has any info on the before and after school arrangements at any school that would be useful too. Finally, as we are applying so late, if we can't get her into a good school, we may have to go private so any information on the prep schools would be helpful.

Thank you!
Rachel x

Sorry I don't know about how to apply late, but as you've had no replies I thought I could tell you a bit about the schools. To be honest, most of the schools in Harrogate are pretty good - there's a certain amount of snobbishness about certain areas, but most of the parents I know are really happy with their children's schools, wherever. Generally people tend to think schools in the "favoured South side" are best - Oatlands, Western, St Peter's - others prefer the (usually) smaller schools in the villages (Pannal, Follifoot, etc.) I know that Oatlands has before and after school provision - not sure about others. It's probably just best to go and have a look round and get a feel for places. There are three prep schools in Harrogate, I think - Ashville, Bankfield/Highfield and Brackenfield. There's also one in the nearby village of Birstwith called Belmont Grosvenor. There are lots of good nurseries - we used Woodlands Day Nursery, but have friends who have used many others and been happy with them.

Where they go to school will depend on where you live unless you have a faith (harrogate is a highly religious town for parents with children age 7-11). Where are you looking to live?

There are no poor primary schools in Harrogate. There may be a limited amount of choice if you dont live southside or town. Where you live and your faith determines your secondary school choice although interestingly oatlands junior and western are looking to join the MAT with Harrogate Grammar which may well throw the system (and house prices) up in the air as they are allowed to priorities admissions within a multi academy trust.