Primary independent school in colchester

[SWITCHB]

Dear All,
We will be relocating from colchester soon.I am v.stressed up as to what private school my 2 yr old son should go to.I have heard about Oxford house and Littlegarths.which is better academically?Thanx in advance

Sorry typing error.We will be relocating to Colchester soon

Oxford House is renowned for academically pushing and a major focus is to pass 11+. Littlegarth appears to be a more well rounded education whilst also academic.

I have friends whose children attend both and a friend who teaches at Oxford House. My children attend an state primary so no personal experience.

www.oxfordhouseschool.net/about-us/destinations-for-leavers/

www.littlegarth.essex.sch.uk/home/results/

Thankyou so much for replying.I checked in Oxford for year 2(7 yrs) but they have no space and waiting list of 4.We will be relocating by mid -september.I am wondering if there is a chance of getting a place by then coz the waiting list kids would be settled in their respectable schools by then?

I couldn’t possibly comment with any authority on the likelihood of achieving a place. However, I suspect that given there are such small year groups, it is unlikely for them to get through a waiting list of four children by mid September.

In your original OP it says you are looking for a 2 year old, I thought you still had lots of time 😊. Fingers crossed for you getting a place for your DC.

Thanx a lot.That was a typing error.

Not private but Colchester has some excellent state schools. My daughter goes to Braiswick primary which we have been very impressed with indeed. She is going i to hear 3, but because it was a brand new school 3 years ago, they may well still have places in year 2 for September.

*into year 3.
Could be a back up plan while you wait for a private school place ... you might find you don’t want to move

Have you looked at Holmwood House?

From my understanding - Holmwood House is a more classical prep school and likes to hold on to their pupils until age 13.

My friend’s children are staring at Braiswick in September, lovely to hear of a positive experience.

My two go to Hamilton - private isn’t an option for us, but even if it were I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t move them. There are some excellent state primaries in Colchester.

From what I know its v.difficult to get into Hamilton.We would be living near Colchester General Hospital on Turner Road.Distance to school is not a problem as I can pick n drop him.Apart from Hamilton I dont know of any other excellent state school.Sorry for my ignorance.Can you tell me of some others please.Its lovely to know that so many ppl extend a helping hand on this forum.

You'll never get into Hamilton Primary- too far out if catchment.
Heathlands primary is very good in West Bergholt and easily done from the hospital. But again not easy to get into if out of catchment.
Have a look at Myland and Bishop WW in Horksley. Smaller and good reputations. Also the new school on Bergholt rd is very good.
Plenty of great primary schools in Colchester- no need to go private and not get such a good education.

They’re all pretty good around there. If it were me - I would look into state and independent schools, achieve a shortlist of those that have space and then choose objectively within them. Independent won’t necessarily mean better in Colchester.

Is your hope for the grammar school? I appreciate you may just want an academic school because that would suit your DC best.

My first priority is academic although going to grammer school would be a nice thing.State schools and counsil are probably closed at the moment as no one is answering the phone.I am planning to do this when schools open.But you guys are real stars!!

curlscatsandkids,thanx for giving so much details

@SWITCHB I'd imagine it's just today they're closed (because of the public holiday). I'm pretty sure most schools will have admin staff working from tomorrow as it's only a week until term starts. Ditto the council education team.

For proximity to Turner Rd def consider Braiswick Primary and Camulos Academy - both state schools but both may well have places due to being newish - and whilst there aren’t OFSTED results out yet, both run by excellent trusts.

Also there’s a great David Lloyd nearby if you are into sports - my lot do tennis and swimming there.

MunPinPuzz I have twins starting in reception at Braiswick, one in each class, so prob will be classmates with your friend’s child?

Allaboutthatbass - My friend’s children are a little older going into other year groups. I hope your twins enjoy starting school.

Good luck, SWITCHB. These things always work out in the end .

P.S. I only asked about grammar school because when I was there, I remember some miserable children who were coached for the exam at Oxford House (or similar) and then found themselves struggling for 5/7 years. Just what my mind jumps to as soon as I hear the school’s name! (By no means saying that would be the case for your DC)