Altrincham Primary Schools - any recent feedback on these schools..?

[Mummyinoz]

Hi,
Does anyone have any recent feedback on these schools: navigation Road primary, st Vincent’s, bolin primary, broomwood, Oldfield brow?
Academics are important but very specifically looking for a nurturing environment focussed on social and emotional development.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Wasn’t Bollin the one where they went on strike last winter?

Are you looking for church place? St Vincent’s is catholic, not a great chance of getting in if you’re not. Many love it. I’ve heard if you’ve got a confident child who will put themselves forward they’ll do well there. Know some have left because children have struggled there as large school (but that may be they’d struggle anywhere). Lots of extra curricular opportunities. Look at results but I think generally do well.

Bollin: yes, it had issues. I hear the new head is amazing. I can’t see a school in Bowdon failing for long. I believe they’re throwing money at it.

Oldfield: heard good things - think they got more into the local grammars recently than some of the fee paying preps.

Navigation: don’t know specifics but think it’s supppsed to be good.

Broomwood: more of a challenging catchment I believe, therefore far less popular and tends to be under subscribed. Don’t think there’s an issue with the teaching though but of all the schools locally that one and broadheath tend to be the undersubscribed ones.

I suspect in a few years time Bollin will be v good. Different geographical catchment from the others though.

If you’re catholic look at St Hughes. Supposed to be great.
If you’re C of E look at Bowdon Church. Great results and very new build so great facilities.

Where are you living or are you looking to move?

Thanks monkeymonstermum, all really useful intel.
We may be moving back to Manchester area over the summer, son is due to start school in September so we’re in the tricky situation of a late application. We’ll basically move wherever there is a place at a great school to the south of Manchester. But I know joe oversubscribed most in Altrincham area are!

My son is confident and sociable and is due to start at a big school where we are now (3 form entry). I’ve nit overtly bothered if a school is small or big as long as the environment is nurturing and they put emotional and social development ahead of academics.

Do you know what the specific issues at bolin were?

Thanks

altrincham.today/2017/04/18/suspended-teachers-return-bollin-primary-former-heads-departure-confirmed/

It was all a bit of a mess, and whilst difficult to know if you weren’t there or involved (although the local gossip was rife) sounds like the new head needed to make some changes but did it in an awful way. She alienated everyone, parents and teachers. It was a big shock for people around here and I can’t see it being bad for long. I heard lots of children were taken out and put into fee paying schools instead (again, rumour but I’m sure true to a certain extent). I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re under subscribed for reception this year.

Have you enquired with local authority about places available? It is an oversubscribed area in general.
Park road Timperley, park road sale are also both excellent but over subscribed.
The other I’ve heard about recently is a tiny village school just outside altrincham. Little Bollington I think. Someone had put a post on a local group saying how amazing and nurturing it was but think they’re struggling for numbers (I suspect mixed year groups).

Good luck. When will you know if you’re moving? Take it from the username it’s a move from abroad so must be more tricky sorting things out.

Thanks monkeymonster! I’ll take a look into that school as well. We’re hoping to move over the summer but all depends on the job situation.

I'd speak to the council and see what places as of now they have available. No point worrying over schools that haven't even got space. (Though out of the list Broomwood would be a complete no no).

We live in Trafford but in Urmston. I heard that a few schools didn't fill due to a lower birth rate so you could be lucky. Though we didn't get our first choice and I'd imagine some of the outstanding ones on your list will be full).

Some fantastic schools in Urmston/Sale that could have space too if you're open to location. Just getting into Trafford is the main thing for Grammar schools longer term if that's of interest.