Marshgate vs Deer Park vs Vineyard

[KLtoLondon]

We are relocating to the UK and considering Richmond area. My 2 kids will be needing a primary school in the area and we are struggling as we won't get the chance to look around before applying next month. We have come across Marshgate a lot and though it seems excellent there are conflicting reviews. Vineyard seems to be a fav amongst parents (based on reviews online) but it's ofsted is good and makes me have some doubts. For Deer park we haven't seen a lot of reviews on it. I would appreciate some feedback from parents who have sent their kids there. Thanks

Deer Park is a newish school hence the lack of reviews. Have you contacted the schools directly and asked which year groups currently have vacancies? Some year groups - current Reception or Current year 3 are probably full at all 3 schools.

@tennissquare no I haven't. I will do that right away. Thanks. Any feedback on either Marshgate or Vineyard?

@KLtoLondon , they are both good as are all the primary schools in the borough of Richmond but your issue is whether you get a place, it depends on the age of your dc and your (address) postcode, as I said, some year groups will always be full ie current reception.

Ofsted ‘outstanding’ is harder than ever to come by and not necessarily the mark of a desirable school (another local primary has just had its outstanding status renewed but has an utterly lamentable attitude towards SEN provision, for example). I don’t know much about the Vineyard but wouldn’t let a ‘good’ rating put me off, it’s not the whole story.

Yes don't place too much on a "good" rating, Tiffin school which is 1 of the top performing grammar (state selective) schools in the U.K. is rated good.

@tennissquare I have seen a lot of positive reviews on Tiffin....didn't know it's 'good'. I will explore other school options then.

Unfortunately Marshgate will undergo significant staff turnover next year. 8 out of 22 teaching staff will be leaving, recruitment is in progress.
Marshgate is still a good school, parents are positive and 'fingers crossed'. Though the cause of turnover is about as surprising as the fact that the sky is blue.

Is the staff turnover related to the head teacher? We had our DD at Marshgate for 2 years and genuinely found many aspects, less than desirable, so to say. We have since moved to another primary in the area and we are so so happy!

May I ask what you found less than deirable and which primary you moved to? We are moving to the area and looking for a school for my DS for Reception 2026

Marshgate is switching headteacher apparently due to high staff turnover last year, though it was announced the switch is due to a health condition of Mr. B (the headteacher stepping down). The interim headteacher is very nice, we all look forward to seeing things turn better.

Sorry delete it because I replied the wrong chat

Are you a current Marshgate parent? Curious to hear your views on the school as we are moving to the area and considering it for Reception 2026