Marlow Primaries

[Mangosorbetrocks]

Can anyone recommend or have experience of the primary schools in Marlow? We are looking to move (rent) in July and I would like to make sure that we rent in the right location . DD is 3 and we will have to apply for a reception place for her in the autumn.
TIA

I would start looking at the Ofsted reports for the schools and then any admission/ selection criteria - C of E affiliation for example. I would then visit the neighbourhoods of the schools to see where you would like to live. I’m not sure how buoyant the rental market is but quite a few of the schools are outstanding or good, so start with their locations and check the catchment areas carefully.

Thanks for your reply BubblesBuddy.

I have looked at Ofsted and the catchment area info etc. I've already discounted one school due to it's location. We are going to look a couple of houses this weekend and they mostly fall within the catchment areas of the 3 main non-church school. I was hoping that some of the Marlow mums (if they are on Mumsnet) to share their experience. Most of the schools look good on paper and frankly, I don't rate Ofsted highly.

Hi there, I was brought up in Marlow, but now live about 20 mins away, - so my understanding of the schools is out of date so I didn't respond to your post initially, but I'll give you what I know!

It was always Spinfield and Danesfield that were the two best schools - and it seems to be that they are still are. I was in catchment for both, but I went to Danesfield. If I was to move back, i'd definitely go for either of those if I could.

Holy Trinity (Holy Bog we used to call it) is outstanding now, I have a friend who's children go there and she seems pleased, they came from Little Marlow infant school which is lovely.

St Peters - Catholic, I don't know anything about this school I'm afraid.

Burford - Marlow Bottom - my nieces went here until recently, it's a good/ok school, getting better I hear.

Foxes Piece - this was (i'm sorry to say, and my knowledge might be out of date) always the school in Marlow to avoid. It's obviously got a lot better as it's now a 'good' rating - it was a requires improvement in 2016. I had friends who moved to avoid the school and others that sent their children there, and it wasn't wonderful... but I am quite prepared to be shot down, as my info is about 5 years out of date.

Hope that helps! Good luck.

Friends of mine have been (and continue to be) very happy with Spinfield.

I do take notice of Ofsted. They are rarely out of step with what’s happening in a school. They have a huge amount of data and it’s not a subjective judgement. The only caveat is if the report is very old.

Thank you all for your replies.

PinkPetal38, you are spot on. Local research also suggests that Spinfield and Danefield are the 2 most sought after schools in Marlow. I hear that Foxes Piece is on the up though.We aren't church goers so we won't be applying to any of the church schools.

I think that Spinfield will have open days in July so I will be going to that. I will also contact Danesfield for their open days too. I've heard lovely things about Danesfield but it doesn't to be very diverse, and this is an important factor to me.

Mangosorbetrocks - would love to know what you found out on your school visits and what you decided on. We are in the exact same situation as you (but 2 years on) in regards to moving to Marlow and having to apply for primary school placement later this year.s Issue with us is, because of Coronavirus, schools are not doing any open days later this year (though virtual tours are likely but clearly not as good). So other than reading ofsted reports and doing lots of our own research - have to pick blind. I’d usually go on gut after visiting a school. Would love to know what you found out - if you do happen to read this .

Thanks
Paula

Hello, sorry to jump on this thread from a few years ago. We are hoping to move to Marlow in the summer and are wondering about primary schools, our daughter will be entering year 1. Any more thoughts please? We are regular church goers
Thank you