Primary Schools shakeup in Kent?

[saintpeta]

Any teachers/or mamas out there who could tell me the state of the primary schools future in Dover & Folkestone? I read somewhere that Kent has many failing schools and that some will be closed.Don't know how true this is. I am considering these areas to relocate to but I need to be near the best primary schools-any thoughts/opinions on areas please?

[sarochka]

My daughter is at a fantastic primary school in Dover - well a small village within Dover. There has been a shake up in the area, but some of the primaries are great. It is secondary that can cause the worry. I am a secondary teacher in this part of Kent - there is a selective system throughout Kent.
Folkestone also has some excellent primary schools - you would need to think about what is the most important thing for you, however. What exactly are you looking for?

[saintpeta]

Hi sarochka -I am looking for the best primaries in both dover and folkestone- would i need to buy a house within 3 miles to be assured a place at the primary? Could you name a few of the better towns for me to get an idea of location-this would really help me alot.Could you list the primaries you consider good? I too work in education and my decision for where the family home would be would be based entirely on a fantastic primary for both my sons who will be 4 & 6. Also was worried that i would move and then the primary school would close or merge.....perhaps am worrying too much....thanks

[sarochka]

Hi
Dover area- River, Temple Ewell, Whitfield,Charlton, Guston, St Mary's - would not have liked St Richards, Priory Fields, St Martins, Vale View or Barton Road, St Radigunds - however these 2 have been amalgamated within a local secondary school and there is talk of an academy

Good village schools - Eastry, St Margarets, Lydden, Barham,Bridge, Sibertswold, Wickhambreux - these are more Canterbury way.

Folkestone - Sandgate, Saltwood,Hawkinge ( old one) - that I know of. Some may not agree though. Powell in Dover is really good but I didn't like the area - my dd is at Temple Ewell and it is lovely. In honesty the ones that have closed / merged in Dover would not have been my first choice. Falling birth rate does mean that there's more chance of getting your children in - need to check admissions policy with school, obviously. Hope that helps - Dover needs more professional people it always has, most move away and don't come back after uni - the rail link should also make a great difference. Deal and Walmer are also really lovely - these however are simply my opinions! Where are you based now?

[saintpeta]

thanks for that

I am in Harrow at the moment but I need to move house next year -i need more space!!