Secondary School 'choices' !

janetmac1200 · 13-09-2006, 12:20

Tyring to come up with 3 Secondary School 'choices' for my son. Have always had Westfield as no.1 choice as he's at a linked primary school but results & Ofsted reports look shocking on paper compared to others. We live in Hackenthorpe so are considering Birley, Aston and/or Eckington as well as Westfield. I know it will all come down to admission policies in the end but if anyone has recent experience of any of these schools, I'd appreciate an 'insiders' view. Ta !

Tricky · 13-09-2006, 13:01

You might find this site useful.

A cursory look would suggest that Westfield would not be a great choice and that Birley or Eckington would be better than Aston.

Stuff · 13-09-2006, 13:06

I went to Eckington (I'm 24 now, so it's a few years ago). I though it was a great school, no complaints at all.

janetmac1200 · 14-09-2006, 12:06

Thanks for those. Had come to similar conclusions but it's hard thinking about taking no. 1 son away from his existing friends and throwing him into the deep end. Thanks again.

finoni9 · 20-09-2006, 13:01

Living and working with secondary kids in this area and in these schools - Birley or Eckington would be my choices.

yorkiepudd · 20-09-2006, 15:44

According to the info provided with the application though, Birley was oversubscribed last year.

With even a few 'catchment area' pupils and applicants with siblings in the school not getting places they are expecting the same for next years intake, so you must weigh up the likleyhood of actually getting a place against the possibilty that you might loose a place at your local catchemnt school.

In a worst case scenario, you could end up with a place at a school that is comparable to Westfiled (on paper, anyway) but that is miles away from your home.

Just a point to consider, can't fault anyone for wanting the best education possible for their kids.

finoni9 · 20-09-2006, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by janetmac1200

Thanks for those. Had come to similar conclusions but it's hard thinking about taking no. 1 son away from his existing friends and throwing him into the deep end. Thanks again.

I am also thinking of applying to a school outside my catchment for my son - at first he was adamant that he wanted to go to the local school with his friends but after discussing it and pointing out the positives of the school further away he has come around. I made sure he knew that although the local school is not bad, I think he is special and therefore I want to look around and make sure I do the best for him and not just do what everyone else is doing - this made him feel good about himself and realise that there is most to life than just doing what his friends are doing - kids don't see the bigger picture like parents do.

finoni9 · 21-09-2006, 07:47

More info on trying to get into secondary schools are on this thread:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/show...3&goto=newpost