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Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Secondary education

Secondary schools crazy, again!!!

21 replies

aquafire · 13/05/2013 23:46

I am looking for a good secondary school for my son. Although I live in Islington, he goes to school in Marylebone area, so travelling is not an issue. He is a bright a boy but private can only be considered if it involves a bursary. I have already looked into QE and Latymer, though what he really wants is to go to City boys. Can anyone advise on what else is out there to be considered please??

OP posts:

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MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 00:02

How old is your ds? Is he at a private school that preps for private secondary/grammar?

MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 00:04

Do you actually live in Islington or in the City?

MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 00:05

I'm assuming he is at a private school if he is aware of City Boys. why has he fixed on this school?

QueenOfToast · 14/05/2013 09:21

If you live in Islington then he might be eligible to go to Dame Alice Owen's School in Potters Bar (if he can pass the tough exam).

The school used to be based in Islington (I think it's the school that some of the Spandau Ballet boys went to) and they have to save about 20 places a year for students who are Islington residents or attend Islington schools.

Good luck.

JenaiMorris · 14/05/2013 10:22

Arf at Spandau Ballet

We genuinely considered a school attended by members of Tears for Fears but felt that ds would be better off in co-ed.

(sorry, OP. As you were).

booksteensandmagazines · 14/05/2013 13:27

There are school buses from Islington to Forest School - I don;t know much about the school but have friends with a son there and he seems happy

MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 14:05

books, Forest is private.

MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 14:36

sorry books...getting me threads crossed!

Ds' two best friends from go to Forest. Their parents are reasonably happy with it.

aquafire · 14/05/2013 20:41

Hi All. He is 10, year 5. He goes to a catholic school in Marylebone and I live in Islington. He liked City as soon as he saw the website while we were looking at secondary schools on the internet. I am not sure why. I am definitely considering DAO but will have to wait and see how prepared he will be by then as the competition is unbelievable for all the grammar, apparently. I will look into Forest as well as I have heard very good comments about it. However, as a lone parent, private schools will only be considered if possible to apply for bursaries... What about Highgate and Camden? Do you know any good ones there? It is not hard to get from where I am.. I have also heard about a couple of estate schools in Hackney, which I am not sure.. one of them is Stoke Newington..

OP posts:

MadameDefarge · 14/05/2013 22:23

My DS goes to an academy in Hackney which he loves. I'm not quite sure what you mean by estate schools...Hackney has very mixed housing stock. If you are actually within the boundaries of the City of London, then City Academy Hackney has 9 places reserved for children living in the City. But otherwise schools like City, Mossbourne and Stoke Newington are heavily oversubscribed with very small catchment areas...though I think Mossbourne has introduced a lottery componant to its admissions. I have heard great things about Highbury Grove though....There is no harm in entering him for the entrance exams for private schools and talking to the bursers about financial assistance.

aquafire · 14/05/2013 22:39

I am on the border with Hackney but on Stoke Newington and Dalston side. I have already looked into Mossbourne and Stoke Newington and I think they look good...

OP posts:

givemeaclue · 15/05/2013 10:16

My niece is at stoke she loves it. She changed from another school. She is on a g & t type program, proc not actually called that.

AndrewD · 15/05/2013 14:45

Also in Islington. From memory every private school I have seen has up to 100% fee assistance - UCS, Highgate, Forest, City, Westminster & St Pauls (albeit long commutes).

There are a number of catholic options too - Oratory, Cardinal Vaughan, St Michaels, St Aloysius, Finchley Catholic High - to name a few.

Also worth looking at St Mary Magdalene and Highbury Grove, but that depends on your feelings about "comprehensives".

MadameDefarge · 15/05/2013 21:29

Perhaps you might like to investigate the new free school which will be based in Downham Road? Its unlikely you would get a shot at the hackney schools you like...but this might suit.

MadameDefarge · 15/05/2013 21:33

I do think you really have to be realistic about the chances of getting into Hackney schools. Its not a matter of parental choice...

Islington is more of a lottery but there are some outstanding rated schools there.

If you feel that state education is not your thing then you need to prep your ds for the entrance exams starting now. The exams are in late Autumn/Early January so you don't have much time.

I'm afraid you might have left the private options a bit late. But never say never. However there are excellent state schools near you to consider. Bridge Academy. Petchey Academy. Highbury Grove.

AndrewD · 16/05/2013 18:42

Not sure that it's too late for a year 5 thinking of 11+ at a grammar or private school? Open days happen from June to the end of the year and registrations are open. Exams happen sooner for grammars but the private schools tend to be Jan / Feb next year. If you were thinking of tutoring your child for 6 months, then perhaps that won't be possible for the grammars.

aquafire · 16/05/2013 20:57

Unfortunately I know I am late. I have just been too involved with my stressful work. Working full time and being a lone parent has proved to be challenging. However, I have to do what I can to catch up with this all. I will give this my very best shot and hope for the best... I have been making good use of all the info provided by all of you, which has been unbelievable helpful for what I thank you all.

OP posts:

MadameDefarge · 16/05/2013 21:03

Also, there is a free school starting up in Downham Road, which should be just around the corner for you...maybe that would be of interest?

MadameDefarge · 16/05/2013 21:04

Sorry..realised I am repeating myself!!!

MadameDefarge · 16/05/2013 21:16

The best thing you can do as far as state schools in Hackney is concerned is to go to the learning trust website and look at the brochure for all the secondary schools and take a good look at the standard maps which show where children have been accepted and rejected for each school which will give you a good idea of your chances. Do the same for Islington

. For private schools clearly your boy is quite independent so you might want to consider Forest, as mentioned, and Northbridge House as well as Highgate. talk to City of London Boys, as never say never, but its ultra competitive and kids have been coached for this for two years at least. Another nice private school is Portland Place, but its not a charity and doesn't really do bursarys. I think you actually have a great choice around you in the state sector, but I would tend towards Hackney rather than Islington. My ex lives in Islington so we looked at all our options over the two boroughs, and I have to say I was very glad ds got into Hackney School, as I am a firm believer in living as close to school as possible, and the nearest to ExP were pretty shabby.

Voffy · 04/12/2013 12:01

Depending on where you live in Islington, think about Islington Arts and Media school. It's a great school (just suffers from a reputation that is outdated and ... frankly.. wrong). I'm a parent there and am very happy. Don't forget to have a look around the local comprehensives wherever you live. Many of them are doing wonderful things but it doesn't quite filter out into public opinion.. or only very slowly!! If possible don't just listen to views of people who have no connection with a school which tend to be uninformed and based on gossip. Visit for yourself and make up your own mind. Looking is free :-).

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