Leechpool Primary - Horsham

[flipperdoda]

Please talk to me about this school! We're currently house hunting and thinking ahead for primary schools. The house we like is in catchment for Leechpool but we're worried about the fact that it's Ofsted report seems to be flip-flopping between Good and Requires Improvement. I know Ofsted isn't the only way to judge a school, but it's all we've got at the moment!

Does anyone have experience of the school, or insight into why it has been struggling? The report mentions issues with reading standards higher in the school, and behaviour.

Thank you in advance!

The RI was a shock, I think, as people had expected it to be upgraded from Good or stay the same rather than be downgraded. The general concensus seems to be that the rating was harsh.

It is popular locally, and the 2024 reception intake was pretty oversubscribed. My DC goes to another school in the area. Worth asking on Horsham Parents/Horsham Parent Network/Horsham Recommends on Facebook.

Btw: Horsham is pretty dependant on catchment areas (though it seems to be a little looser than previously) for both secondary and primary. That aren't any bad schools per se, but they all offer different things. Worth factoring that in!

Thank you, that's helpful. I was aware it was very catchment based which is why I'm looking at the areas so carefully!

I think we've decided not to take the risk on Leechpool, although it sounds like in reality it would probably be fine. It's so difficult to know!

As I said, no truly bad schools in Horsham, and, honestly, most people don't seem to think the rating was deserved.

Which other catchments are you looking at? This year there seemed to be more leeway than previous years (DD is in reception as of this week) and many of the catchments seemed more lenient than previously.

Kingslea, North Heath Community, or All Saint's seem to be the three that keep coming up otherwise when we look at houses.

I totally understand that the rating may be undeserved, but once we move we won't be able to move again if there is an issue with schools so we're being purposefully overcautious at this point.

I hope your daughter is settling in well!

They are all on one side of town. Also worth looking at Arunside (to the west of Horsham centre, fantastic head and facilities) or St John's (if you don't mind a Catholic school and prefer a smaller school). I have also heard decent things about Shelley (towards Broadeidge Heath).

Maybe also Heron Way (to east of the station) if you would like a more academically leaning school.

Kingslea has a good reputation, but small catchment. The rest that you mention I don't know too much about as I live on the other side of town!

That said, most of my daughter's preschool went to a school I hated, so if is worth thinking about what you want from a school! Totally understand what you mean- it is so personal!

I know - we're struggling to find suitable houses on the west or we'd consider those too! Heron Way seems very good but houses seem understandably inflated in price due to that. I'll have a look into Arunside, thanks!

Can I ask which one you hated? I won't take it as an immediate slight on the school, I know it's all personal 😁

Arunside catchment is quite tight, but it is a lovely school on the up.

I'll message you where I didn't like- a lot of people I know really liked it!

Leechpool has a really good reputation locally and is a desirable school.

Kingslea is becoming the most desirable and hardest to get into.

Heron Way is still riding on its years as being the most desirable school, but there’s a growing undercurrent of chat & some inside views to suggest it’s not deserved (they’re merely lucky they don’t get re-inspected regularly).

All Saints is OK but terrible for SEND.

North Heath and Holbrook are decent.

Bohunt Primary is opening this year so will be interesting to hear how that fares. The secondary has a good reputation, the only local secondary that’s struggling at the moment is Millais.

Other schools in Horsham exist :)
If you post on the FB groups PP mentioned,
you’ll hear echoes that there are no bad schools.

Oh I really want to know now 🤣

Thanks @RH12 sorry it took me a while to realise I had another respondent! I'm back on the fence about "sod it maybe Leechpool is fine" now. Probably shouldn't worry too much about it until we have an offer on our current house to be honest!

My daughter is in Year 1 at Leechpool and is a SEND child. They are a fantastic school. All us parents were shocked by the ofsted report to be honest. I believe there were a couple of issues which were unexpected and not really the school’s fault as such.

It has a lovely feel, lovely facilities (their music room is amazing). I’d go have a tour if I were you! The head teacher is lovely too. They do great events as well including Christmas and summer fayres and a music gala!

We looked at Arunside, Shelley, and Leechpool and liked Leechpool best by a mile!

I wouldn’t pay too much attention to Ofsted!