Secondary Schools Barnet area - guidance needed!

[Waney]

So we're thinking of moving houses with secondary school in mind for our DS. Want to stay in north London and considering as non-selective Wren Academy, East Barnet and Ashmole Academy. Can't really get into catchment of any two schools though (possibly East Barnet and Ashmole but then risk also being in a bit of a black hole too if the catchments get smaller for those schools). So:

1. any experience or knowledge of those schools as to which to prioritise?
   
2. Quite like Barnet as an area to move to but what are best areas close-ish to East Barnet School or areas to avoid?
   
3. Is Ashmole/New Southgate area ok for getting into London for work?
   

Thanks peeps for any guidance you may be able to give!

[FanDabbyFloozy]

Of these, the Wren is the hardest to get into due to its religious ethos and criteria - there are few distance places. It is pretty strict too (no bad thing!). I know a few kids at Wren and East Barnet and parents are happy and kids do well.

I don't know Ashmole at all so can't comment.

Largely Barnet schools are good - Football, QE Girls are other non-selective comps if your DC are girls.

[FanDabbyFloozy]

Football? That was Copthall before auto-correct decided to be helpful.

[Waney]

Thanks for your input. So basically Wren is a no go unless you are religious? Mines a DS and QE girls equivalent is uber competitive although will have a go! I wasn't aware of Copthall - I'll have a look. But I assume catchment areas for East Barnet and Copthall don't cross?

[FanDabbyFloozy]

Sorry - QE Girls and Copthall are both girls only!

Have you considered Mill Hill County? There are 20-odd selective places and the rest distance and siblings. It's a great all round school.

[FanDabbyFloozy]

None of these catchment cross over.

Southgate and East Barnet may cross but I am not sure.

[Waney]

Thanks FanDabFloozy

[Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername]

Ashmole Academy is extremely academic - they tend to let the less academic kids fall through the net. For example - last academic year, Barnet College had 350 kids with SEN on their books in equivalent to Years 12/13. Ashmole had one.

[Waney]

Thanks for that heads up