Advice on St Bede School Winchester

[Georgeous]

We are thinking of moving into Hyde in Winchester from one of the outlying villages. The lifestyle in that area really appeals, what with the leisure centre and park on your doorstep, and a really pleasant short walk to St. Bede school. The only thing is, the village schools are really small, friendly places, creating a bit of a family atmosphere. A big city primary just seems a bit more daunting by comparison. Anyone with a child at St Bede who can pass on their experience of the school? I am particularly interested to know how they welcome children into Reception. My Dd is confident but can be shy and sensitive at times, like a lot of children I'm sure. Thanks everyone

[Annner]

My DD doesn't go there, but I know a lot of children who do. TBH there seem to be as many parents who are fiercely critical as there are those who love it.

You'll have to be already living in catchment to get a place. You haven't said how old your DD is - if the place is for 2010 you would now have to apply to go on the waiting list.

This said, they used to take 45 and now take 60. It's huge, and there isn't much space.There will be even less as the larger intake moves through the school.

I would suspect that it is horses for courses. Some children thrive in a large school with scope for lots of team sport, wide circles of friends, etc. Others would just sink lost and unnoticed in a reception class of sixty in which they don't learn everyone's name straight away. It's down to you and your DD as to what would be right for your family.

We are at a small primary in the city that has just the village school atmosphere that you are talking about. It is generally perceived as being rather less desirable than St Bede, though.

[Georgeous]

Thanks Annner, that's really helpful. My Dd is 3, but I got a shock when I realised for the first time (how stupid), that we'll have to apply for primary schools this November, which means we'll have to already be living in catchment, as you say.

So - those parents who are critical of St. Bede - what are their major complaints?

I have a feeling my little girl would feel lost amongst an intake of 60. Some of the village primaries have an intake of only 15! And some people go private purely for the small class sizes.

So, are you happy with your primary school? I would be interested to know which one it is, though of course I totally understand if you don't want to say.

[Annner]

Um - a few have commented that they found it complacent, others that they felt there was an expectation that most mothers were SAHM and others that it relies heavily on its good intake. But other friends have raved about how happy their DC is and how well they have settled. You'd really have to visit to decide for yourself.

Lots of schools in Hampshire seem to have the lovely small entry: ours is 20, and like you say, some of the smaller villages it is a low as 15. St Bede, Weeke and Western are the largest and I do wonder if all the good coverage they get is as much to do with being large schools with lots of children doing a lot of things as it is to do with any intrinsic brilliance.

Our school is a church school in the East of the city but within the city itself. Ofsted Good, and DD loves it. We are delighted with it so far. (V small and so I could probably be identified) We were initially a bit concerned about whether she would lose out on e.g. team sports but felt that this could be provided out of school, and that on balance a small school would be better for her. She does a lot at the leisure centre and has friends out of school as well as in school.

[Georgeous]

Thanks Annner, as you say I'll have to visit. My initial instinct is that the school might be too big and somewhat overwhelming for a 4 year old. However, I suppose it all depends on the staff and how they manage it.

I'm not too worried about extracurricular stuff and sport - the leisure centre is a great resource as you well know.I think the balance your daughter has sounds great. I suppose I just want St. Bede to be the right school as I love the idea of walking through the park to school, but you can't have everything!

[mary21]

I think you have to go and see it. A 60 entry will be in 2 classes of 30 probibly each with a TA and class teacher. Where we are a 2 form entry school is a small school the big ones have 3 forms and there is talk of 4. Bigger schools have to organise themselves better and cant rely on good will to get them through. Also think ahead. Hard to do but what will work better when your child is a bit older. local friends they can walk to etc. Dont just be swayed by a lovely cosy reception class. They will be in juniors etc before you know it