Anyone got any experiences good/bad about primary schools in the S6 area? Hillsborough, Malin Bridge, Marcliffe, Rivelin, Loxley (?), Bradfield, any others..?
We are starting to look at schools for our son. I have seen the results from the DFES and Ofsted but don't think they always tell the real story.

I went to Rivelin 20 odd years ago and can't fault the place... The teachers there were brilliant, if a little strict sometimes.

Malin Bridge is good as well from what I've heard, but I can't really comment on Bradfield or Marlcliffe.

I have to admit to being biased as I was Chair of Governors of Rivelin for a while in the 1990s, but it was a good school tehn and still is, as far as I hear!

Perhaps you could contact the schools and arrange a visit to get a feel for them?

Joe

I can vouch for Malin Bridge School for several reasons.

1) My son goes there!! He has special needs and the school are wonderful with him. The atmosphere is very inclusive and welcoming and the staff are great. They have bent over backwards to help my son and the understanding they have shown has been second to none. The parent/school relationships are good too. Lots of parents give up their spare time to help within the school which I think means a lot these days. They are welcomed and encouraged too.

2) I work there!! Ok so I am only a Lunchtime Supervisor, but it does give you a proper feel for the place. On the whole, the kids are a great bunch and their relationships with the staff are good. I love working there so much so that .............

3) I do my college placement there too!! I do a placement there twice a week and love every minute of it!! Working in the classroom, I see what a good school it is and how the teachers really encourage the kids at every turn.

They do stuff after school too such as a gardening club, cheerleading and football practice etc. There is always something going on and it's generally a friendly, welcoming place.

Thanks for those. Will find out when the 'open days' are for Rivelin and Malin Bridge. I've heard lots of good things now about the latter so that is def. worth a look! Mind you in the district I'm not sure how much choice is available for parents!

can also vouch for Malin Bridge both my children go there. I am not originally from Sheffield so had to go looking for a decent school rather than just knowing which are the better ones.

They have just had their open day though...just before the half term but I am sure if you contact the headmistress she can help you.

I have found the school extremely good and whilst I am not sure they hit high in the league tables the atmosphere in the school is fantastic and the teachers are really nice and welcoming. I was put off Wisewood primary simply because not even the secretary appeared to have the time of day for the pupils so heavens knows what the teachers were like.

I have heard good things about Riveline too, my neighbours boys go there and to their pre school...they are good kids and well mannered.

I have heard that Marlcliffe is going downhill.

Moon

I've heard that about Marcliffe too - no offense meant to anyone working there but it is actually our nearest but reading the reports on it, leadership (which they say now is really influential in a school) sounds weak.

My children went to Marlcliffe and they were fine. I think they got a poor Ofsted inspection 2 years ago and are now addressing a few weaknesses it threw up. To be fair, Ofsted inspections often pick on unexpected things (and unfair) and I would never judge a school just by that. You need to look round schools and talk to parents to get a 'feel' of the place.
Loxley has got a good rep, more of a village school and children who go there generally can go to Bradfield Comp. (feeder school), which can be difficult to get into if you are not in the catchment.
As for 'Bradfield', the only Primary I can think of is Bradfield Dungworth - a true village school. It is out in the sticks and I have no idea about chances of getting in but it is in a lovely setting and has a good rep.

My child has just started at Marcliffe and so far we have found the school to be excellent. Don't go too much on the ofsted report - go and have a look round for yourself! Remember that if this is your nearest school then your son will be able to make friends with children who live nearby too. The school is really friendly and the reception teachers there are brilliant.