St George's CE Primary School - Bickley / Bromley and Parish CE?

[missbun85]

Ok so looking at schools for DS who will be starting reception next year and interested in Parish and St George. Parish we are closer too but do not fall within their catchment area. I know Parish is an excellent school but I'm having trouble finding info on St George which we are further from.

I have read ofstead and it's at a satisfactory level, but having a mum who works in a school I know how a lot of schools can glam up on their inspection days so I really want to hear from people who know the school? Personally, friends family etc? I noticed that their grades had dropped into the 70%s last year and wondered if anyone had hands on experience as to why? The reports indentify children leaving and joining the school mid term and again would like to know if any one has any knowledge of this?

Many thanks

[Octopus1234]

Hi there - I had exactly the same dilemna and and my DS has now been at St George's for Reception and Year 1. I really cannot praise the school highly enough, and it is a pity they dont get the reputation they deserve. I am actively involved with the PTA and the amount of support from parents and school is amazing. I got a chance to move my son after just 8 weeks at StG as ano school came up, but he settled in so well (and so did I!). My gut feeling was keep him there, the school is a small school where both infants and juniors all get to know one another and the Head knows everyone within the first week and this doesnt come across and was definitely the best environment for my son. Initially I was looking at results, facilities, grounds presentations etc. But really in the big picture it was the environment/ambiance and approach to teaching /learning that makes it such a fantastic school. There was a reason for poor results in that year which I cant put here, and you should see the increase this year (out in public domain August where they have specifically focussed on Maths) - Ofsted was back in 2010 before I joined, and I have seen the school has addressed a lot of the improvements from that report. More than happy to give you more info or if you want to chat and send me your email and we can rearrange. Huge decisions, but you wont be disappointed if you got either.

[missbun85]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your reply. i had picked up from the reports that there was a warmth in the relationships etc and with children being happy there. Also, i have noticed that there are many children that leave and join mid term which raises concerns. On paper the Parish school is excellent although i dont think we would get in and i seem to be drawn to St George.

If you dont mind id love to talk further and ask a few more questions. Im not sure how to send my email privately but will try.

Thanks again

[Octopus1234]

Yes that was my main concern- because classes were not full from the beginning of term - however, for the last two years we have now had two full intakes which will make a huge difference to the school so no-one can just fill up classes any more. you could try and send me note to: [email protected] and see if that works

[Octopus1234]

Also take a look at their new and revised website, that gives you a good feel. In particular look at the Friends fundraising too, just shows you have committed people are and how involved everyone gets and what they achieve
stgeorgesbickley.squarespace.com/

[missbun85]

I have emailed the above address, please let me know once you have received it.

many thanks

[missbun85]

Hi it has came back as failed. Are you on Twitter?

[roadkillbunny]

just click the message poster on the right hand side of posts to send a private message

[missbun85]

Thank you...im on the mobile so i will look when home. :-)

[nofliesonme]

I don't know anything at all about Parish but I have a son who loves St George's and is doing very well there. It is small, friendly and caring. I agree with above that now the classes are fuller, it helps control the transience and, my understanding is that this year's SATS results are much improved. Parents are always given a warm welcome whether volunteering to read, garden or fundraise, so why not go and have a look around. Oh - and how smart does that new uniform look?!

[wineoclocktimeyet]

Sorry but I personally didnt like St Georges at all and wouldnt have sent my son there.

I know they are getting a new Head and so it may chnage. I dont really want to go into details on an open forum, but feel free to PM me.

[missbun85]

Thank you all for replying, i have PM's a couple of you so hopefully you will pick them up!

Please if anyone has any further information on these schools or any local to the area i would be very grateful for your comments.

Many thanks

[missbun85]

Bump :-)

[1516mum]

Visited St Georges this morning as was impressed. Small, community school with new Head starting soon. Quite a 'buzz' about the school with lots going on and fundraising money spent on facilities and equipment for children. Children who showed us round were polite and spoke highly of the school. Given it's a small school, quite a large proportion of this year's leavers went on to selective/grammar schools so education must be good. Went there not knowing what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.

[airedailleurs]

what about St Joseph's or Scott's Park, OP? Do you live in Bickley or Sundridge Park?

[Octopus1234]

Thank you for such your comment about St George's. I am a Year 2 parent at the School. Since joining, there has been a huge transformation and a great feeling that the school is pulling through some difficult tarnished times. My son is doing very well there and the 'small and friendly' is a huge asset to the school. A very happy and stable environment which I would highly recommend. There is another open day on 13 October please come and see for yourself - you need to have that gut instinct for a school and I know our children can help to show you we can make that 'difference'.

[Octopus1234]

Apologies - the next Open Day for St George's will be Tuesday, 13 November 2012 at 0930 hours. No need to register. If you find you cannot make that day, please write to me and I can arrange for you to have a viewing. regards

[notmydog]

Thank you so much for this information. We will be moving to Bromley in April and I am so very worried about schools as they all seem to be completely full. I have emailed St George's and I got back a very friendly email saying that there is a space althoug of course this can change before our arrival.

[missbun85]

Haven't been here for awhile!!

I have applied for Scott's park aswell as st George's!

Not long now before find out the outcome!! Couldn't come quicker!!

Notmydog... Would be interesting to know how far (straight line method) you will be away from the school as they said there would be a place!! We have been in the catchment area all but the last year!! :-( but we were only slightly out of it so I'm hoping if I have to, we will get in through waiting lists!!! :-)

[Mucky72]

Hi I am moving to Bromley in a fortnight and had a chat with Bromley council about in year transfers for my DC in Yr 2 and Reception. They would go top of St George's based on distance. However based on online reports Inam not sure of this school. So can anyone update me on this school please? Has the new head turned things around since the last report?
The other schools close to us would be Scott's Park and Bickley Primary but we are on the waiting list there too.

[Mucky72]

Missbun85
Did you manage to find a place for your DS? We just moved to Bromley and I am still waiting to get a school place for DC.