Secondary Schools around Bishop's Stortford

[Stargazer425]

We are looking to move to around Bishop's Stortford as the prices seems affordable and there are plenty of good schools. However, we are in a conundrum as my daughter is going on to Year 10 and my son to Year 6 in September. The next two years is critical for daughter's GCSEs so would like to get her into a good secondary if possible. Also, given the time we will take to secure a house in the region, my son will most likely miss the secondary transfer application deadline.

Any suggestions on how we may resolve this? Any insight into the in year admissions of schools in Hertfordshire (e.g. how difficult to get into the schools, vacancies..etc) will be greatly appreciated.

No insight into in year admissions but think about whether you want mixed sex or single sex - the main secondaries in Stortford include Herts & Essex (girls), Birchwood (mixed), Hockerill (mixed), St Mary’s (mixed RC) and High School for Boys.

Try this - no idea how often it is updated.

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/in-year-admissions-change-schools-during-the-year/school-vacancies/school-vacancies-year-7-to-year-11.aspx

Looks like St Mary’s might be an option - good reputation locally

[quote 26374hsg]Try this - no idea how often it is updated.

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/in-year-admissions-change-schools-during-the-year/school-vacancies/school-vacancies-year-7-to-year-11.aspx[/quote]
Thanks, I saw that too, but was wondering how fast this will change. If we move to BS and then there's no vacancies, it will be all for nothing.

One of my DCs moved in year 10 & had to compromise on GCSEsas some courses were full. I think some schools now start their GCSEs in year 9 so you need to check whether she could slot in. It's really not a good time to move school. Year 8 & 12 would be better.

How quickly would you realistically be able to move? Term is starting next week and switching between schools after your daughter has started her GCSEs would be really disruptive. Even if you get her into a good school they my not be able to fit her into the same GCSEs that she has started at her old school and they may do totally different topics and exam boards. She’ll also likely find that things are taught in different orders and so she will not just be picking up where she left off if she joins a new school. Could the move wait until she’s finished her GCSEs? If not, is it too far for her to commute to her old school?

Switching schools at the end of year 11 would be so much more straightforward educationally. Changing mid-way through year 10 is really not ideal.

Another one here to say please wait before you move. It's a really critical time in your daughter's education. Unless she's at an awful school now so anything else would be better.

Bishop's Stortford schools are generally pretty over-subscribed a d hard to get into. I live not that far away and people move there to be able to get into the schools. Herts and Essex (girls) and Hockerill especially have good reputations and are very sought after. St Mary's I believe may have a faith criteria. I don't know much about Birchwood but I don't think it has such a good reputation as the others. There is also Leventhorpe in Sawbridgeworth to the south of Bishop's Stortford.

You will need to contact either the local authority or the schools themselves about spaces and waiting lists. I agree Year 10 is a very challenging time to move.

If you are not moving before the admissions deadline then your only choice is to make a late application for your younger child and an in year admission for your daughter. Stortford schools and very oversubscribed so you may not get much of a choice. Birchwood start gcse courses in year 9 so joining in year 10 would mean your daughter would have some catching up to do (and to be honest that is the most likely school you will get as it is the biggest and the others are more highly regarded (not that birchwood bis bad at all though).

My daughter is at Herts and Essex (in fact going into yr 10 in September too). Options have been chosen so moving at this stage may mean she cannot take the options she actually wants do so you need to think very carefully about if this is actually good timing.

Leventhorpe? I haven't heard of this school. Does anyone have any experiences of this school?

@Adelphia1977

Leventhorpe? I haven't heard of this school. Does anyone have any experiences of this school?

I don't know anyone there at the moment but it's had a good reputation in the past. It's not in Bishop's Stortford though, about 5 miles south.

Thanks everyone. The thought that some schools may not offer the same GCSEs did not occur to me. That is a good call.

Her current school is okay, but I've gotten a new job in the Stevenage area, so would like to move. Not moving is a choice too as working arrangement can be flexible. Seriously considering staying put for another two years now.