Tunbridge Wells primary schools ...

[GioCip]

This is a question for all you TWers out there ...

We are moving to Tunbridge Wells and need to secure a place in Year 1 for DD to join in September (she is currently in reception).

Note that we hope that DD will move to the grammar at 11, so we're not necessarily looking to move right next door to DD's primary unless it is good for grammar catchment and would be first choice for DS (who will be starting primary in 3 years).

Kent Council have said the following schools have places:

Broadwater Down Primary School
Rusthall St Pauls CE Primary School
St Augustine's Catholic Primary School
St Marks CE Primary School
Southborough CE Primary School
St Matthew’s High Brooms CE Primary School
Langton Green Primary School

Are any of these any good, with good educational standards and not burdened with disruptive pupils etc.

As far as I can tell Langton Green used to be good but has gone downhill in the last couple of years, and the others all have one or more problems that make them less than ideal.

A fair assessment?

If you had to choose, which would you opt for?

Or would you say no to the lot and go for The Mead or Somerhill even (although slightly worried about fees on latter particularly, given current economic climate)?

Thanks ...

Out of all of those I would pick Southborough - it's highly regarded. St Augustine's is Catholic and so if you aren't religious, that can be an issue - it's a lovely school with a strong community, but the religious aspect is a big part of the school.

St Matthews would be next on my list - it does have quite a 'mixed' catchment but has an improving reputation. I don't know much about the others - Rusthall used to have a poor rep, but things change so I don't know now.

I'm sure you know that if you want TWGGS later on, then you need to be fairly close to the school - TGS is score driven so distance is less of an issue.