Hillside is a well-established school with a good reputation. It has a nursery and so takes children from 3 - 11 years old. Despite having over 500 pupils it does retain a friendly community feel. The school when it was originally built was never intended to house so many pupils and so does currently have some mobile classrooms. However, these are going to be phased out, as a new school in the area should ease the intake of pupils. The building itself is built round a quad with classrooms off it. There is one school hall, library and computer room. It is very old though and in need of a facelift. For instance it still has a toilet block outside which is finally going to be replaced with one attached to the school. Although inside the conditions are slightly cramped, outside it has two large playgrounds, and separate play areas for reception and nursery. It also has a lovely large tree-lined field. The school itself it set amongst a residential area but the trees and allotments to one-side give it quite a rural feel. Most of my involvement with the school has been with the nursery and I cannot speak too highly of this. The staff are brillliant and really prepare the children well for starting school as well as making each session really fun. Other staff in the school seem equally competent and inspiring, and from what I've observed the children seem very happy here. read more