Primary school of 800+ pupils - what's it going to be like?

[Alchemy]

I've read with interest and amazement some of the earlier debates about small vs large primary schools. Amazement because some of the primaries described as large, say, 400 pupils is - from my perspective (600+ pupils)- quite a moderate size!

Our local state primary school is now expanding from 3 x 30 forms of entry (3FE) to 4 x 30 (4FE) starting in Reception this September and continuing every year until we have an additional 210 pupils. Making an overall capacity of 840 (excluding Nursery)!

We already have many of the benefits of a large school that others have described so my question is, is this a step too far?

We're not in a leafy suburb with acres of unused grounds, we're in a typical London suburb where the school grounds are surrounded by streets of terraced houses, lined with parked cars, so the pressure on space both within and outside the school will simply increase.

What I'm particularly interested to know is, is there anyone out there who already has experience of such an enormous primary school? I know there aren't many of them (less than 0.5% of primaries?) so this is a bit of a long shot. If you are one of the few, what's it like for 4 year olds to go to a secondary-size school? Does it matter that children/parents/teachers don't know one another as well as they might in a smaller school? Do you have any tips about what makes it work well? Do you think there are any disadvantages compared to a smaller primary?

I read that there are growing problems in cities accommodating greater numbers of children so I imagine this situation is on the increase. Are there others out there in the same boat? How's it gone down with parents and residents? If you're in the middle of an expansion programme, how's it going?

OMG how terrifying for the little ones - I can only imagine / hope that they will have clearly defined and seperate areas for the Reception and KS children - no experience of it myself but would be interested to find out so bumping for you.

Way too big for a primary I would say.I wonder why it isn't split into infants and juniors ?
We have 55 children in our school !

Alchemy, We are waiting for primary school selection results on Wed 25th March. Most of the local schools have built over the playground to accomadate, in most cases, two extra classes. I don't think it will have the best effect on their education or welfare. To think we are in the 21st Century.
in one of the riches countries in the world.
Corssing fingers we don't have to travel to school as this will be a huge impact on or lives.

My kid will need all the help he can get with a mummy that spells so badly. She doesn't even remember to hit the spell check button!

Star bear - Selection results -at a primary ?
Or do you mean allocations ?

My children at large 700+ London State primary with over 60% subsidised state meals and loads of foreign adn ethnic minority kids. No problem, teachers fine, kids on the whole fine and majority of the parents fine. It does help when you become involved. I have always helped in my children's classes and at events. It gives you an insight in how the child interacts with the other kids and teachers and means that you know the names of the children in case they come home with names of baddies!