Moving to St Michael's Mead in Bishop's Stortford

[Karenkong]

Hi mums (and dads if any)

We're very excited to have our offer accepted yesterday so am looking to move to St Michael's Mead in about 6-8 weeks. We're in London at the moment and I'm going to commute to work in the City 5 days a week. DS is turning 3 in July so you might guess what I'm gonna ask next:

1. Primary schools

The closest one to the house that we're buying (in Pewterers Ave) is Manor Field. Not a great Ofsted but KS2 result looks good. However, we find that being only 0.3 miles away from this one, in the past 2 years we wouldn't have been close enough to get in. The farthest distance to this one as the nearest school fluctuated violently so we'll have to prepare for any surprises. Then the following choices will be Richard Whittington, Hillmead, Thorley Hill, and Windhill. Any views on these schools are welcome. (although we'd probably end up in the most under-subscribed one if not MF)

1. Commute

From Pewterers Ave to the station, I plan to drive to a near point (and park for free) then walk. I work from 6:30 to 2:30. How do you find it commuting in the early mornings?

Your reply will be appreciated. We're looking forward to our new life in BS and love to meet up with mums and dads in play groups and kiddie events :)))

Best,

Karen

Hi,

I live in Thorley park and DD goes to Manor fields and DS will start in September. I wouldn't pay much attention to the overall Ofsted rating as the school was without a perm head teacher during the inspector so got a RI for effective leadership and a good in every other category. Felt it harsh that the overall rating was RI. New perm head starts in September so I don't think it will be long before it moves up to good overall.

Children on the far side of STMM have usually got into Hillmead or Windhill if they haven't got into MF. Both are good rated schools and parents I know with children there are very happy with them.

I work in London too but I get a bus to the station and then get the train. A lot of the roads within walking distance of the station have been made residents only in the last few years so street parking is harder to come by - try park at my house website .

Early trains are ok - still quiet although the annual prices are eye wateringly high!

Thanks Hersetta for the reply :)

Yes I have learned to take the Ofsted report with a pinch of salt by now.

Hmm, do have to recheck the parking spot. Do you mind me asking whereabouts is yours? :)

xx

Just had a look on the map. Thorley Park Rd actually looks farther to MF compared to Pewterers Ave. Is MF your first choice? Excuse me I just feel the admission became rather a gambling game now cos you never know for sure which one you get!

Oh yes the train fare is scary. I'll get a company loan to ease that off but still, outrageous!

oh just found bus 20 takes you directly to the station in 13 min.

Karen,

I don't live in thorley road I live in thorley park which is an estate surrounding the front of manor fields. My son got his place at mf today but he has an older sibling there so it was virtually guaranteed. Furthest distance offered today was 523m for September intake. People in my sons nursery class who didn't get a place for reception got hill mead, windhill and little hadham.

I get the 308 or 511 buses from thorley Sainsbury's to the station. Takes 10 mins.

Thanks for the info Hersetta! Congrats that your son got in MF as well :)