SE21 schools

[Nessler]

DD will be in reception in 2018 and I am starting to panic about school places already! We are theoretically in catchment for Rosendale Primary, with Elmgreen or Fenstanton nearby. I'd really appreciate any feedback on the above schools. Rosendale has a great reputation but the catchment is getting tight, and I don't know much about the others.

Rosendale catchment has got larger not smaller in last couple of years plus might be going 4 form entry in 2018 - which would definately expand things.

DD is currently in reception at Rosendale, all being well DS will go in 2018. They certainly keep the children very busy. Its already a big school and might be getting bigger but does feel like a community school. I don't know your other schools - you must be very close to us I think given your options depending on your exact location Hitherfield or Judith Kerr might be worth a look too.

We're right by Rosendale so our DD will be going 2018, we moved on the basis of hearing lots of good things about the school. Elmgreen is a secondary. Fenstanton doesn't have a great reputation (which might change), but look at Hitherfield, which is supposed to be lovely and is the first choice of a few families we know.

Thanks both, that's useful. Might be Elm Wood as the primary then?

Elm Wood yes - it's supposed to be amazing. Fairly formal and strict compared to Rosendale, which less our style, but it's consistently outstanding. The catchment is teeny tiny though. We know people who live on Idmiston Road who didn't get in.