Hi - we live in a large town, with lots of Primary Schools, not sure exactly how many but over 20. Where we live is on the edge of town, a nice enough area but with dodgy areas around it. The two closest schools to us are in special measures, the next after that is 'Requires Improvement' with some good aspects. These are under a mile from us, then there is another school with a better reputation about 0.2 of a mile further away.
I am just really worried that we have basically no choice - either bad, bad or not quite so bad. Then there is a Free School that we could apply to in addition to the 3 choices, as they are opening next September. Whilst it sounds good it is run by a church group and there is no way of knowing what it could be like.
I am a teacher (secondary) so I know in a way a school that has a bad ofsted isn't going to stay that way necessarily, things change with the catchment areas etc, but I know the children and families going to the schools near us are going to be one of the biggest reasons - the gradings that are 3 are for pupil attainment. They are big estates, high teenage pregnancy rates, places you don't go in the evening etc.
We are going to start looking as soon as they have open days and will I am sure feel happier then, but right now I just feel a bit miserable about it all, I feel bad that we don't live in a 'naice' area where the schools are better - it just isn't what we considered when we moved here 7 years ago - just not on our radar!
Has anyone got experience of their DC going to a school with a less than great reputation but things turning around? Is it enough to be supportive and on the ball at home, even if the school isn't great?
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Feeling dismayed and worried about applying for Primary for DD
23 replies
missmakesstuff · 08/09/2013 18:43
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