11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi Mums & Dads,

This topic may not be relevant to 11+ but I need to help & advice on DS2 who is currently in Year 1. Having almost decided to move to Cheltenham as DS1 have got an offer from Pates, can you please advice how can I find from internet which are the best primary schools. I am know they will be all full but at-least DS2 can be in waiting list.

Cheers,
Dr. Watson

You could look at ofsted reports, although that doesn't always give you the best picture, might be starting point

I understand St James is a good school, which is by The Park (though a bit of a pricey area). Benhall seems to be a good school. Warden Hill seems good as is Greatfield Park (not much to choose between) them. There is one other school in the area which we withdrew our children from so can't recommend, although the muppet head has now left so I'm sure it will improve.

There are an abundance of very good primary schools in Cheltenham with many having attained 'outstanding' Ofsted reports. I would house hunt first (never easy to find a house that you actually like when narrowing down a search to one particular area, you can guarantee you'll fall in love with a property the opposite end of Cheltenham than your preferred school!) then explore the radius of primary schools in that local area with a place for your DC (some particularly excellent schools may not even have a place) and go and visit the school. I don't think you apply for a primary school within Gloucestershire without proof of tennancy /completion statement (or I seem to remember we couldn't anyhow when we moved here in Dec last year) as it can come down to catchment etc if more than one child is applying for the same school place. Feel free to message me if I can be of further help. Having recently made the move to the county from Wiltshire I have been through the (very stressful!) process myself.. Good luck!

mumoffin wrote:There are an abundance of very good primary schools in Cheltenham with many having attained 'outstanding' Ofsted reports. I would house hunt first (never easy to find a house that you actually like when narrowing down a search to one particular area, you can guarantee you'll fall in love with a property the opposite end of Cheltenham than your preferred school!) then explore the radius of primary schools in that local area with a place for your DC (some particularly excellent schools may not even have a place) and go and visit the school. I don't think you apply for a primary school within Gloucestershire without proof of tennancy /completion statement (or I seem to remember we couldn't anyhow when we moved here in Dec last year) as it can come down to catchment etc if more than one child is applying for the same school place. Feel free to message me if I can be of further help. Having recently made the move to the county from Wiltshire I have been through the (very stressful!) process myself.. Good luck!

Thank you all. I really appreciate the advice from you all.

I moved to Gloucestershire 4 years ago from London, so can give you a true "outsiders" view.

PM me by all means.

There are outstanding primary schools outside of Cheltenham in the villages near Gloucester which I can recommend.

Regards

mumoffin wrote: I don't think you apply for a primary school within Gloucestershire without proof of tennancy /completion statement (or I seem to remember we couldn't anyhow when we moved here in Dec last year) as it can come down to catchment

This obstacle was once overcome at my DC's primary by renting from just before the appeal until after school start