Farnham Weydon feeder schools

[ThinkAboutItTomorrow]

Hi, a very specific question here in case anyone can help.
We're Planning a move to Farnham, DD into year 6 so we're in a feeder school & close to Weydon.

It all seemed well planned but we're now realising it might not work because there are long waiting lists and no movement into year 6 for the partner primary schools.

Does anyone have any better knowledge of this? Is it so bad or will there be movement?

I know it's a longshot but we need to decide urgently whether to go ahead or look elsewhere so bumping in case.

For the past couple of years, Weydon has taken all the feeder primaries and a handful of children who it was the closest address. It’s on Surrey Admissions. If you give Surrey Admissions a ring, they’ll be able to tell you what spaces are currently available in Farnham for year 5, so if you’re looking close to the school, then you’ll probably be okay. However the alternatives in Farnham - Heath End or All Hallows if you’re Catholic are good alternatives. Alton down the road has good schools too.

Thank you @Ionacat, I really appreciate your reply.

We've called all the schools admissions aPart from 1 who we're still waiting to hear back from, and they all have waiting lists of 2-3 (up to 14!) for year 5.

Are you sure about Weydon taking children who aren't from feeder schools? Based on the info on Surrey council site they didn't offer to anyone not in a feeder (or siblings / staff children / looked after). Maybe that's just first round and there's more movement after offer day that isn't showing up though?

It's good to know the other schools are ok but since we're moving for a school we may as well look elsewhere if Weydon's a no go.

Shame as we'd ground an awesome house.

I wouldn’t move just for Weydon to be honest, it would be a risk to whether you get in or not. It’s not a transient area.

Yes, that's my worry. Why would you move away from an excellent state secondary in year 6? Obviously life happens and people will need to move sometimes but it must be pretty rare.

We really liked Farnham and are looking to move for good but want it to be as easy as possible for our DDs so as few school moves as possible.

The house we were buying is half a mile from weydon so we had been fairly confident of getting in but now realising that the feeder primary system is a problem.

I'm sure the other schools are ok but since we're moving anyway we may as well make sure it's to a great school.

I wish we'd moved 3 years ago but hindsight is 20-20 isn't it.

Hi ThinkAboutItTomorrow

I have found myself in a similar situation to you only a few more months down the line! For unavoidable reasons we are likely to move to Farnham but my oldest will be starting year 6 in Sept. Therefore despite moving to a house close to Weydon we wont be at a feeder school and based on the previous year stats, wont get a place. I wonder what you have done and when you rang round asking about year 6 places, were there any?!!! Can’t think there would be and can’t even fathom having to move him just for a few months but need to investigate the options.

Any advice on your findings most appreciated.

Jules

Hi @Jules3256 sorry, I didn't see this reply. Yes, we got in at the last minute to potters gate. I think they are full now.

Hope you found somewhere? The feeder school thing makes it so stressful and I don't u sweat and the rationale for it. I guess there's a reason though.

Don't forget that you won't automatically go to the bottom of the waiting lists - you'll be placed dependent upon your address. Grill the admissions staff to give you an idea of where you might be placed if you give them the postcode of the house to which you will be moving. Apply to all the feeder schools even the least desirable.

Not so sure about Weldon - I have heard mixed reports. Its Ofsted is many many years out of date too.
Have a look at Alton or Winchester for good secondary (and primary) schools.

Weydon!