Moving to Rugby - help!

[rugbydent]

Hello,

Due to a promotion at work, I am moving to Rugby from the Black Country and would appreciate any advice on how to apply for school places for my sons, 12 and 8.

I don't know the area at all, but having read through the threads on this forum, I would ideally like to apply for a place at Ashlawn, Lawerence Sheriff and Bilton, but I'm aware these are very popular schools/over-subscribed.

What are the policies for Year 8 admissions? I'm searching for properties at the moment, and ideally would like to live in the catchment area. Where do I start?! With WCC?

Any advice would be much appreciated.
From a very anxious mum!
Thank you

[guest201]

Bilton school is usually undersubscribed so you don't really need to worry about their priority area. Ashlawn on the other hand is oversubscribed and if their draft admission arrangements are approved you will have to live within 1 mile of the school to be guaranteed a place. With Lawrence Sheriff being a grammar I am not sure how it works.

[rugbydent]

Hi there, thank you for your reply. I've just enquired with WCC and they tell me that they currently have places available at Avon, Bilton and Harris school. Ashlawn is over-subscribed, but could appeal once I've moved into the area. I have to be living within a mile of the school, so fingers crossed I'm able to find a property to rent by mid-May.

[Preston]

Of the three, I'd choose Harris if I were you.

[rugbydent]

Hi Preston, I'd be interested to hear your views on why Harris? someone else has suggested Harris, but the school doesn't seem to perform as well as Ashlawn and Bilton. I know league tables are not the only factor in determining a good school, and DS's will be taken into account when he comes to visit the schools, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts too. Do you have children or know of anyone at Harris that can give a positive portrayal of the school? So far, I've had a lot of mixed views about it.

On LSS Grammar, I've recieved an email today inviting my son to sit the exam on 28 May.

[saram]

Do you have to live in Rugby? Have you considered looking over the border at the Northants' villages which are catchment for Guilsborough School (rated outstanding by Ofsted last year). You could still sit the 11+ if you're within 10 miles of the water tower (Rugby - see Warwickshire CC web site info), but you'd only be eligible for the first 50% of places.
Just a thought........................