Back to School in Redland: term times, catchment areas and league tables.

When I was at school (several years ago now) I remember always going back the second week in September but for some reason, here in Bristol, schools go back on or around the first. While parents may welcome this, children and teachers are unlikely to feel the same.

 Here are the dates for the 2010/11 academic year in Bristol.

Term 1 - Weds Sept 1 - Fri Oct 22

Term 2 - Mon Nov 1 - Fri Dec 17

Term 3 - Tues Jan 4 - Fri Feb 18

Term 4 - Mon Feb 28 - Fri April 8

Term 5 - Tues April 26 - Fri May 27

Term 6 - Mon June 6 - Fri July 27

 

Though it is worth double checking with the individual schools in case there are school specific Inset days etc.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Redland is very fortunate when it comes to schools - their reputation proceeds them as they continue to storm ahead in the league tables.

Possibly the most sought after school in the area is the relatively new Redland Green School - sought after in that the tiny catchment area means that hundreds of parents have been left disappointed.

But chances are, if you live in Redland then you are going to get your child into a good school. Other decent secondaries include Colston's Girls School, Redland High School and Cotham School.

And it's not just older pupils who enjoy a decent education in Redland. Whether it is because they are form affluent families to start with, or simply because of the quality teaching youngsters in Redland tend to leave primary schools bright, polite and ready for senior school.

Among the most desirable primary schools in the city are situated in Redland. They are Redland High Junior School, St Barnabus CofE School, Colston's Primary and St Peter and Paul Primary and Torwood House School.

There's also a couple of unusual additions in Redland, including the Bristol Steiner School.

At the other end of the scale we have the new North Bristol Post 16 Centre for 16-19 year olds. Again, they take pupils from feeder schools - primarily Redland Green School, leaving a lot of disappointed families.

Saying that, it will take people from Fairfield, Henbury, Monks Park and Portway schools - which are all outside of Redland.

For a full list of schools in the city, please visit Bristol City Council's website.

So what do you think? Was good schools a factor in your move to Redland? How do you rate the schools in the area (feel free to pop a review in our directory - just click on the relevant links in this story)>

And are you glad the kids are going back sooner rather than later? And just how far would you go to get your child into one of Redland's fine schools? It's clearly a big issue in the area and we want to hear from you...