St Catherine's RC Primary School (Barnet)

[Natfontana]

Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could offer some up to date information regarding this school? They haven't had an Ofsted in ten years and even their Challenge Partners report is years out of date during which time there has been a new head. I've looked on Parentview (Ofsted) and this would suggest there are quite a few parents who are unhappy with the school / new management. Is there a reason for this? Results look decent so it's strange that there seem to be so many disgruntled parents - I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight? Also, what's the parent community like at the school? Any intelligence gratefully received as we are trying to decide between this school and another before Tuesday! Many thanks in advance, Nat

[Zinnia]

Can't offer specific info on the school I'm afraid, but had a quick look at the Ofsted parent view and a sample size of 24 is tiny for a 2 form entry primary. Most parents would not think to fill it in unless there were an inspection... which obviously there hasn't been whilst the majority of those parents have been involved with the school. So the likelihood is that the parents who have given it a poor rating on the survey have a particular axe to grind with the HT. Hope you are able to get some responses with specific knowledge of the school before Tuesday!

[Natfontana]

Thanks Zinnia. I had thought of the sample was quite small but still seems overly negative....hopefully someone will be able to offer some insight before D-day!

[Wallabyone]

Hmm, the old head was very well-loved (I know her, she's brilliant). Often, parents don't like change, and they could be making stark comparisons between old and new. I don't anything much about it recently, but I do know of a primary headteacher whose children go to St Catherine's, and she is happy with it. Sorry I can't be any more helpful.

[fishfingersandtrashtv]

Hi Natfontana, I know this was a long time ago, and you might have chosen a different school, but if you did pick St Catherine's I was wondering if you would be happy to share if overall you felt this was a good choice? Thanks