Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

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

Original poster

Secondary Schools in Bexley - Anyone got any experience??

31 replies

Funnybunnyboiler · 11/02/2011 03:59

Hello there. I'm moving from Pembrokeshire to Bexley in Kent later this year with my 11 year old son. I've arranged a place for him in a local Junior School for the last 6 weeks or so of this term, but he's moving up to Secondary school in September and I've got to decide which one. I've been told by the Council that as kids in Wales don't take the 11+ exam, he will now have missed the opportunity to get into grammar school. I've also been told that as applications have already been processed, it's unlikely I'll be able to get him into an oversubscribed school in the area. I was hoping to come down in a couple of weeks to visit some schools but I really don't know where to start. Does anyone on here know anything about schools secondary in the Bexley area, and which ones I should aim for or avoid! Many thanks x

OP posts:
MarinaResurgens · 13/02/2011 20:28

Funnybunny, I have PMed you with some useful information. The Harris Academy used to be Welling School. Blackfen is girls only (known as the Academy for Refined Young Ladies locally Wink, but it gets very good results and value added).
DGS and BETHS are great, Wilmington is very good (less oversubscribed than those two) Habs is bound to be popular because of the huge success of their Federation Schools in Lewisham, Leigh CTC is one of the most oversubscribed state schools in England!
Definitely contact Kent LEA and LB Bexley about arranging a late test, and check which schools are Foundation (Hurstmere, DGS, BETHS I think, Bexley GS) because they will have additional admission criteria and a senior member of staff who can talk to you frankly about your chances.

Original poster
Funnybunnyboiler · 13/02/2011 14:35

Thank you so much for your replies. I had a system crash and couldn't get back online till today to respond :o( Those are all really useful suggestions. Just as useful to know where to avoid as well!

I thought I'd def take a look at St. Columba's. I know the reputation there used to be good but I also heard that it may have slipped a bit. difficult to know which is the most recent reputation. I know St Catherines has a an excellent reputation.

Both the Trinity School and the Academy replacing Crown Woods School look like contenders, although both are over 5 miles from the DA5 postcode where I'll be living, so i need to check out the transport first. Same goes for the Harris Academy I think. Was the Harris Academy formerly Black Fen?

I have now been told that it may be possible to arrange a late 11+, so I'm going to have a look at BETHS Grammar. Does anyone know anything about Dartford Grammar or Wilmington Grammar which are also close by?

I've also spoken to the junior school which I'm hoping to get him into for the last term of this year. They mentioned Leigh Technology Academy in Dartford, and the Haberdashers Aske Crayford Academy which only opened to secondary kids in 2010. both look interesting but sometimes the word on the ground can tell a different story from the glossy website. I'd be really grateful for any guidance here. I'm a bit overwhelmed!

OP posts:
MarinaResurgens · 11/02/2011 18:01

Try this one

Trinity C of E School I have heard very good reports of it and were we not at the absolute wrong end of the borough for it would have given in serious consideration.

A left-field suggestion is the LB Greenwich replacement for Crown Woods School, which is due to re-open as a collegiate academy with four different small schools sharing new resources like a gym and a restaurant. One of the schools will be "like a grammar", one a comprehensive, one a tech and one a 6th form centre.

It is JUST across the Western border of LB Bexley and as it has been undersubscribed (and in special measures for a time) in the past, you might strike lucky and get him into a school which has lovely new buildings and an improving future.

Crown Woods
I would agree

TalkinPeace2 · 11/02/2011 17:31

DH went worked at one of the schools there and there were cannabis plants growing in the border outside the front door.
Head of Science had not recognised them!

Madsometimes · 11/02/2011 14:03

St Columba's is a well thought of catholic school. Another school that is on the up is the Harris Academy.

Tigerstripes · 11/02/2011 13:34

My boyfriend taught at welling school for one term and hated it. The behaviour there was awful and he has since learned it is known as a 'tough' school.
I did supply teaching at Erith school and was greeted by 'you know this is quite a challenging school, don't you?'. It is rated outstanding but the behaviour certainly doesn't match. Friendly teachers though.
Sorry can only tell you ones to avoid!