Schools in Poole, Dorset

[FlyingBanana]

Hi! We're looking at secondary schools for my child in yr6 for next year and I wondered if there are mumsnetters with any advice

1st choice is the Grammar School. We've prepared but not prepped for a year+ as many do so aware this may well not happen!

Then Magna I think isnt for us. The child is v bright but also anxious and wants not just to learn a script but deepen subject knowledge etc.

I think its between St Edwards and Poole High. Any recent experience?

St Edwards seems "naicer" and friendly, but doesnt really set, v pro mixed clases and my daughter is v bright.

Poole high used to have an awful reputation, is one of the biggest secondary schools - Im worried about her slipping through the net. BUT they have an academic stream and set properly which is important to her. Would also be a bus ride... seems counter intuitive to work hard to get into Poole High.

Any thoughts?

My dd is at Poole High, she was in acadamic sets and I am very happy with the school. The school has taken a firmer stance on discipline which my dd struggles with due to her charactor, but she has a great relationship with a number of teachers, including SLT. I have always found the teachers enthusiastic and inclusive

Hi Hopeandglory. Thanks for your reply. Im glad youve found it good :) My daughter seems really keen!

I'm worried as old mumsnet theeads have people choosing not to go to Poole schools... but I'm in Poole!

Does she find any trouble with bullying? Groups of older teenagers etc. Im concerned about catchung the bus - there's generally a bad reputation of some kids round the bus station (may not even be poole high) but I think she could catch her bus without going into Poole.

I think Im irrationally worried about secondary but I'm now focussing on it!

Whereabouts do you live? I have experience at several schools in the area but it depends what side of Poole you are.

Hi Neddle - oakdale area!

Hi just to say that dd has never talked about bullying but it is a large school and she has mentioned behaviour that has been less than desirable, but she has a large friendship group which includes all the local Bournemouth and Poole schools including private and the kids she mixes with are all fairly similar and have similar experiences.

Thanks Hope. I was (perhaps naively) thinking the behaviour might be more "desirable " in the more academic stream.

I think there really are differences but there are pros and cons which is why my head is spinning! I v much doubt Talbot Heath ahs much "undesirable behaviour" as its small, small classes and parents have paid. Similarly Magna, wont actually have tons of it in the classroom/corridors because of the silent transitions/zero tolerance.

The schools reallya re so different from each other! My daughter is sitting the test next week for Poole high so we will see. It helps to know your daughter's happy there - its so hard to know when your friend's children are mainly younger.