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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Isle of Wight secondary school recommendations

14 replies

shallwemoveagain · 25/07/2019 22:32

I appreciate this has been asked before as I've looked at a few posts, but things change so quickly (thinking recent Ofsted and new Free school).....
Does anyone have first hand info on schools - and whether mainy travel to the mainland for secondary? Possibly Lymington? We are looking to move near Yarmouth.
We could stretch to the independent school in Ryde, but I know we'd be the wrong end of the island. Decisions....

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Lougle · 25/07/2019 22:49

Last I heard, they were all in Special Measures, but that was probably 3 years ago.... Have you looked up Ofsted reports?

shallwemoveagain · 26/07/2019 07:42

Christ the King College has been rated as “inadequate” following an Ofsted inspection in late June. ... Cllr Whitehouse, the local Isle of Wight Council member for the college said: “The recent results of Christ the King at both GCSE and A-Level show that it remains one of the best schools on the Island.4 Oct 2018

Quote from paper - this is what I was worried about, as in previous posts it was recommended. I know Ofsted isn't 100% reliable, but there must have been some serious concerns (main issue seemed bullying and safeguarding)
Wondering about Ryde (the independent)

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JoJoSM2 · 26/07/2019 09:13

If you look at the Ofsted report, it also points to poor curriculum, the teaching not being up to scratch etc It’s also reflected in the poor progress students make at the school. There might be even worse schools on the island but it doesn’t take away from the fact that this one is really poor at the moment.

Cowes is the only one with a good Ofsted, good progress and good GCSE attainment.
Or a look at the indies.

Laska2Meryls · 26/07/2019 09:23

The IOW education probs were years ago.. a really bad reorganisation..

Cowes Enterprise is supposed to be good..

There are school buses from west wight to everywhere , and also one to Ryde school..

Quite a few West Wight kids go to Lymington (Walhampton)

However I have no direct experience as my DCs are adults now!

shallwemoveagain · 26/07/2019 12:30

I don't suppose anyone happens to know much about Ryde - it looks fabulous on their website (of course!) - and we really like the fact it has links with UKSA. Plus benefits of clean(er) air than going to a city school on the mainland.

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LoafOfSellotape · 26/07/2019 12:36

The school in Ryde would be the only place I'd consider tbh. It doesn't sound like schools have changed since I was schooled there 40 years ago.

LoafOfSellotape · 26/07/2019 12:39

Bullying and safeguarding (wasn't called that back then) were a horrendous issue when I was on the island.

What draws you to the island ?

I knew 2 people who went to Ryde and have down very well indeed. No other info though unfortunately.

Laska2Meryls · 26/07/2019 17:25

A friend's son went to Ryde School, luckily on a scholarship, he left about 5 years ago , but it always has very good press.. he had nothing but good things to say about it ..

But then of course its expensive..

Laska2Meryls · 26/07/2019 17:26

There's an Isle of Wight local thread on Mn , its not very active but you may find some other people who live here with school age children

elephantoverthehill · 26/07/2019 17:28

OP please Pm me I have insider information Grin

shallwemoveagain · 26/07/2019 18:16

LoafOfSellotape
Laska2Meryls
Thank you both! Lots of things draw us to the island. Sailing, outdoor life, and of course house prices...I know there are downsides, but we have lived very rural before so certainly won't crave city life

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shallwemoveagain · 26/07/2019 18:21

Have tried to PM you... thanks x

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Islanddweller · 14/01/2020 14:48

@shallwemoveagain Did you make the jump in the end? Hope it's worked out well either way.

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