Finding a Good School?!?

I have 2 young daughters - who will be almost 4 yo (preschool) and 5 yo (kindergarden) in Sept.

I have taken lots of time/energy to research the schools avail to us here in the US (before I knew we were moving) - Looking at both public and private schools.

I am very concerned about getting spaces in a quality school (either public or private).  I have found many private/independent schools offer a preschool program - so both girls could be at the same school.

We will be living in the Gloucestershire area (probably Cheltenham).  We don't have a house yet (hopefully by June we will)

I have found the primary schools test scores on a BBC website; but how do I really know the quality? 

I cannot go over until mid-August b/c I am due w/ #3 in June; but really want them to be able to start on the 1st day of the fall session with everyone else.

Looking for suggestions!?!?!?!

All schools are inspected by a government body, Ofsted.  They publish reports on the schools which are listed on http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/.  Have a look and compare them with the test scores. 
Be aware that children here start school at the age of four.  So both your children will be moving up a grade. 
You should also contact the County Council where you'll be moving as some schools can be very hard to get a place in. 

Might I add that you shouldn't necessarily be put off by what seem to be "bad" test scores.  There could be a lot of reasons for it - such as the school accepts "special needs" children and their test scores are averaged in with the entire school.  And not all schools teach the same subjects in the same manner.

As well, all schools will have some sort of "religious education" class.  There's no "separation of church & state" here, remember.

Hi,

I would contact your local school system (LEA? I am still unsure of comparable education terms!) that you will be moving to as I discovered that this past March 12 was the last day for enrollment in and around Newcastle. Luckily there were still openings in the primary school that I wanted there and I will be meeting with them at the end of this month when I go over for a visit before moving in August.  I am seriously having second thoughts about my twins attending school this coming fall however because they turn 4 in July and the class they will enter "reception," is a full-day program. I am not quite sure they are up to that. I contacted my local LEA online and they gave me the email address for the administrator of the school I wanted. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice about LEA......

I know what you mean about being concerned to put the 4 yo for full day.  I was having a hard time with the idea of putting my 5 yo in US kindergarten for full-day.  I think I will be holding my 3 yo (turns 4 in Dec) so that there are 2 years between them.  There are big debates in my area whether full day or half-day is better for the kids (my school offered both).

I am just hoping we can still get a spot at a good school.  I keep hearing the area which we are moving has good schools - I just want to get a spot! 

DH starts his job at the end of the month.  Hoping we can make some progress on this issue at that time!

Funny thing, I am almost more worried about getting into a good school then finding a house!

I am also trying to find schools in Newcastle.  My daughter is  but will be turning 7 at the time of start-up.  Any advice on private versus public?  Also, are the Catholic schools hard to get in?  What are the good public schools in the area?  Thanks

I have family who live in Cheltenham. If you would like me to ask them about any specific schools i would be more than happy. They have 4 children so are well versed on the local schools