Primary Schools in St Albans

[Mumofboys189]

Hi there,

We're in the process of trying to decide on a primary school in St A. We've been told it's a low birth year so catchments areas have widened and it's really a buyers market.

So far I've looked around Aboyne Lodge and St Alban's City and I'm already confused, they're so different. Aboyne Lodge felt like a more "traditional" small primary school, perhaps less intimidating but scruffier. City was very impressive in terms of their resources, space and felt very energised but also less of a traditional primary and could be quite intimidating for a little one.

We're also looking at Maple and St Peter's (although the latter might be out of catchment).

ANY opinions from parents who have had kids in any of these schools recently would be MASSIVELY appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

We are in a similar position. I heard great feedback from St Albans City parents. Super pleased.
Following with interest 😊

My DC goes to Maple and we think it’s a lovely school. DC is happy and well settled and we can’t fault the school in anyway in the care and options that they have to offer. Maple also has a beautifully strong PTA that works hard to ensure that they work with the school to ensure that the kids get some amazing exposure. At the time we were choosing, we lived very close to Maple and Alban City school and finally decided in favour of Maple simply because it was smaller (most suited to my DC’s personality) and had lovely open space in terms of a playground/ running track. However, a number of neighbours/ friends have children at Alban City School and are very happy with it. The birthrates being low have certainly widened the catchments- Maple’s catchment used to be tiny and has certainly got bigger and Alban City has always had more space so a wider catchment. I don’t know much about Aboyne Lodge - we did consider it a long time ago and had some mixed reviews so decided against it but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good school. You’ll hear this often and I do think it’s true that all the primary schools in the area are pretty good - if you think it’s achievable in terms of catchment, will suit your DC and you have managed to speak to some parents to get feedback, the schools you are exploring are going to be fine. All the best.