Advice on Northwich/Warrington high schools

[PopcornFiend]

Hi, just looking for some anecdotal feedback on St Nicholas in Northwich vs Bridgewater in Warrington, if anyone is familiar with these schools?

Academically they seem pretty much equal, on paper. We are not religious but happy to support ethos of catholic school if it’s a good school - and I’ve spoken to admissions who have said it’s likely we’d get a place based on last few years admissions.

Pastoral care seems strong at St Nics, and I like that they have a sixth form which provides that option when we reach post-GCSEs. Obviously Sir John Deanes is the other excellent option for A-levels. Bridgewater a much bigger school, I know it used to have a very good reputation but no recent Ofsted since it became an academy..

I suppose I’m just wondering if anyone knows more local feedback as to pros and cons of these 2 schools? Thanks!

St Nick's is a nice school, very Catholic. We aren't religious and I wouldn't send my DC there because of that. Nice atmosphere though and the VIth form is a plus.

Don't know much about Bridgewater, where are you moving where those are your 2 options? If it's roughly where I think, Weaverham High School is a super school, would strongly recommend. Amazing Head and a great community feel.

I know people happy with Hartford High too if it's an option for you, v good sporting facilities.

@13luckyblackcats thanks for your reply. I’ve looked at Weaverham & Hartford too - don’t think we’d get in to Hartford based on last few years’ distance/admissions. Weaverham definitely a potential, but on paper looks less academically good vs St Nics and Bridgewater.

When you say “very” Catholic… do you think a non religious child (though of course respectful of Catholic ethos etc) would be ok there? Looks like they take 20-25% non religious/baptised children.

Weaverham could be worth more consideration, just was a bit unsure of academic side..?

We’re currently around Antrobus area but keen to move to Hartford area in future. Won’t be before school applications unfortunately!

Don’t know anything about Bridgwater school.

St. Nicks is very good, but a few years ago was very difficult to get into if you weren’t a catholic. Friends who lived in Hartford didn’t get in initially (christened c of e) but did eventually on waiting list. They have to take RE at gcse with the catholic teaching element.

Hartford High is also very good, where our dc went. They got excellent results and the benefit is that they are a feeder for sjd which is one of the best in the country.

To be honest there is not much to choose between any of the local schools, Weaverham and Leftwich also good.

I went to Bridgewater! It was nearly 20 years ago mind. It's a nice catchment area and it was really good academically when I was there. I went to the 6th form there too, I loved it.

But probably worth getting a more recent testimonial as I've no idea what it's like now. Not helpful OP I know but I couldn't help but reminisce 😂

Weaverham-teaching is good, very aspirational, lots of focus on being the best you can be and being well-rounded. It is a 'truly comprehensive' school and results can reflect that, but progress scores are usually good. Results were good this year and everyone I know was impressed with lockdown teaching www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/19509856.weaverham-high-school-class-2021-achieve-top-gcse-results/

I had similar misgivings (and am half-looking at relocating to get in to Leftwich), but honestly I would be very happy for my DC to go to WHS.

St Nick's-honestly for me it wouldn't be right for my DC as it's not our religion and the prayers, services etc seem intense. That's just my own position though. I am surprised they take that many non-faith, but am sure those children and families will have great experiences. Anecdotally, everyone I know there applied for faith places.

Which high school is your current primary a feeder for? Ours is a bit weird, feeder for a high that very few DC can actually get into at the moment (potentially outing haha).

No advice but another one reminiscing. I went to Weaverham and then onto SJD in the eighties. Both great and gave me the opportunity to do really well in life!

Good luck with your choices OP and thanks for bringing back memories.

Potentially outing but our primary is a feeder for both Hartford and Leftwich - but no chance of us getting either as we’re just not close enough!

That’s really good feedback about Weaverham, thank you. It’s also a feeder high for SJD 6th form I believe? Last few years admissions we’d have been in with a chance based on distance. I’m frantically waiting for council website to update with 2022-23 info booklet to show furthest distances for 2021 intake!

Where we live is so tricky as Bridgewater is closest school, I’m sure it’s a good school but ideally we want to move closer to Hartford so I’d rather take a chance on getting into St Nics/Weaverham.

Also hoping open days will take place in Sept so I can go to the schools and get a feel for them. Only so much obsessing over the websites I can do!

Bridgewater is an excellent school.
My dc currently attend. For kids who have always hated school, it’s like night and day. Excellent curriculum with dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. Extra curricular activities are hit and miss, but wish covid that’s to be expected. They communicate regularly with parents with surveys, regular newsletters and updates so it might be worth asking if they can share survey outcomes. Parent and pupil satisfaction and engagement is always high. The lack of ofsted has worried me, but actually as long as dc are happy and making good progress that’s good enough for me.