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Original poster

Islington secondaries

31 replies

Wonderberry · 04/03/2022 15:17

I'm curious about word on the street regarding the Islington secondaries. Apart from SMMA, where do middle class parents, send their children?

Highbury Fields seems lovely, but I'm also perturbed by the bad reviews I found online. I'm surprised its not more popular given its excellent value added and outstanding Ofsted.

Opinions very welcome, via pm if you prefer.

OP posts:
HighburyHope · 05/03/2022 15:19

Cross-posted, sorry.

Honestly, SMMA and Highbury Fields would be at the top of my list if confimed to the borough.

Highbury Grove has had major ups and downs - great facilities but had a disastrous Ofsted and was taken over by the City of London Academies group. They’ve got quite a toe-hold in Islington now, having come to the rescue of several other failing schools and rebranded them. We didn’t look at any of them but people I know seem to get a strong gut-feel one way of another about their style of education.

People say Islington Arts & Media is on the up. It may or may not still be undersubscribed as it has been for many years.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson does well on Ofsted.

HighburyHope · 05/03/2022 15:07

Just to clarify - location in the borough isn’t a limiting factor for Latymer, but selectiveness is.

Others which might be on the list (also in other boroughs but may be obtainable):

Camden School for Girls
St Marylebone
Stoke Newington School

Original poster
Wonderberry · 05/03/2022 15:06

So for those who live in the borough and can't afford private, and have a child who does not pass the 11+ there aren't may options, is that right? What of the Islington secondaries?

OP posts:
HighburyHope · 05/03/2022 15:04

Other options (depending on location within the borough) include Latymer Grammer, Central Foundation, Parliament Hill, Acland Burghley.

Obviously none of these are in the borough of Islington - read into that what you will.

I’m afraid the reality is that lots of local people with a choice in the matter either vote with their feet (e.g. moving to Muswell Hill) or with their wallets for private options.

Original poster
Wonderberry · 05/03/2022 14:59

DAO sounds great but only takes a handful of Islington children. I'm wondering about other options?

OP posts:
Moominmammacat · 05/03/2022 14:20

Dame Alice Owen's?

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