Today on Bishopston Mum is a local mum’s perspective on Bishop Road Primary School in Bishopston. Bishop Road Primary School is for children 4 – 11 years and has an Ofsted grade of 1 ‘Outstanding’. It has over 700 pupils and is the largest primary school in Bristol.

The local mum who shares her thoughts and experiences has a child who is just about to start Year 1 at Bishop Road Primary School.

What was your personal experience of the primary schools admissions process? Was this school your first choice and if so, why?

Bishop Road was our first choice of schools but having recently moved into the area we were relieved and pleased that there were so many excellent primary schools within a small area. We would have been happy with any of our three choices.

What qualities & advantages do you feel it has over other schools?

Bishop Road is a large school, I can understand people’s reservations because of this but coming from a family of teachers I have often had it drummed into me that large schools usually offer the best career options for teachers and therefore larger schools often have the pick of the best teachers available.

What do you think of the school building and facilities?

The school is undergoing necessary development to accommodate the growing number of pupils so more space will be created. Having a playing field only a couple of minutes’ walk from school, and soon a new sports building is a very exciting and a wonderful addition to an inner city primary school.

What do you think of the size of the school?

Although large we have never felt with our introduction to primary school that it is too large. Reception classes are quite separate and although pick up and drops offs are busy, so is walking down the local high street and life in general!

What do you think of the staff?

So far with those that we have dealt with we have been exceedingly pleased. Our daughters teacher and both assistants have been excellent and are wonderful at their jobs.

What is your opinion on communication between the school and parents?

This is one area I feel could be improved. Without emails being sent by class reps there are a few events we would have been unaware of. Sometimes I feel more information could be passed on and there are areas of the school website which are very out of date.

What are the school’s values and ethos?

Bishop Road seems to be a community, they embrace development and are inclusive yet celebrate diversity – however with a relatively affluent and middle class intake a school has the luxury of an active PTFA which only helps to strengthen the ‘community’ ethos and a far lower level of socioeconomic problems to deal with.

Do kids in reception receive homework/reading/tasks do do at home? If so, what are your opinions on the amount/level of homework?

There have been a few small tasks sent home, some reading and learning of new words. It has always been pupil lead and I have never been made to feel that it is something I should be forcing my child to do.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The PTFA is a very established and active part of the school. Raising money to cover additional things at the school and also providing a social framework for families. I have been very impressed with work that they do and hope to get involved in the future.

Many thanks to the mum for kindly sharing her thoughts and experiences on Bishop Road Primary School.

Would you be happy to share your experiences of a local pre-school, primary or secondary school on Bishopston Mum? If so, please email me (Hilary) on bristol_mum@hotmail.com