lindsay loo

Hi we are planning to come over from West Midlands to Tauranga area next summer. Our youngest daughter will be 16 and wondered what Otumoetai college was like. She is dyslexic with learning difficulties (nothing too major but she struggles with English and Maths). She has a passion for fashion and also interested in childcare.

also what are the nice areas to live in within the school catchment area?

Thanks you

pineapplelump

Hi Lindsay

My husband works there, it is a BIG school, he doesn't even know all of the staff let alone the kids!
If she is interested in fashion, I believe the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic has a fantastic Fashion design course which she could do instead of staying on at school.

Ash1

Hi ,

Our daughter nearly went to Otumoetaie College but we managed to get her into Bethlehen instead. It has a pretty good reputation and a really good sporting set up (not sure about fashion all though all of the colleges are quite "arty").It is quite a large college and is well attended( I think about 1,800 students) Otumoetai is also quite a nice place to live as are Matua(especially around Fergusson Park) Bethlehem , Belleview, Burretta Park(probably spelled wrong). They do allow a certain amount of students in from outside the zone.
Good luck and if you want any help on house details and areas "Am Loolah" who posts on here is "in the know"
Good luck
Ash

lindsay loo

Thanks thats really helpful. What age can they go to Polytechnics over there? I will have a look on the website for more info.

pineapplelump

A friend's daughter started her course just after doing her GCSE's, so 16 onwards I guess.

lindsay loo

excellent thanks for your help