Dame Alice Owen?

If you are interested can just sent an FOI request to DAO to find our their music place instruments and grade historically. My friend find the school response is quite prompt.

I wouldn't rule it out ... if she is of a good standard on his first instrument, just do something short as a second study. Good luck!

Thanks. My daughter just started on bassoon in addition to her usual instrument so don’t think she’ll be ready to audition with it by the autumn, unless a squeaky rendition of hot cross buns would do!

Grade 8 in Triangle should do the trick

Oh that’s interesting about written feedback, new to me. Well, it’s 15 years ago but my DS didn’t get a music place with two Grade 5 distinctions.

Bassoon, oboe, French Horn? There used to be a list called Endangered Species and you could get free lessons.

What counts as a niche instrument?

Isn't the headteacher a racist or something? That's what i heard.

We had written feedback and it was violin. I know of far lower standards on more niche instruments that did get in.

"The feedback was dreadful"? I didn't know they said anything to you ... that's surprising.

Not generally true about niche instruments .. plenty of violins and clarinets get in on music places. Mine left a few years ago but astonishingly there weren't shortages of any instrument.

Grades didn't matter when we were applying in this consortium. It was down to passing the first listening test as to whether you were invited back to for a practical performance. And even if it was a good performance, it had to be a niche instrument to be considered. I heard mine play their piece, it was very technical and played very well (I'm quite critical so I don't say everything is fantastic at all) and it was grade 5 level at the age of 10 and the feedback was dreadful.

Anyone with any detailed insight on how competitive getting in on a music place is? I know the answer is 'very' - but roughly what levels are we talking at in terms of grades?

Not sure my disagree on the DAO being 'holy grail' of North london parents comment counted as negative but yep it is definitely not the holy grail for many North London parents from what I heard.

all*

I must say this is what I hear from al DAO parents, so was really surprised to read any negativity about DAO. It was certainly the most desired school for kids from my daughter's North London prep

Both my children attend DAO. I am surprised at the negative comments on this thread. I know there were some issues with a few children spouting negative comments but this was dealt with very swiftly. Teachers at DAO are excellent. Pastoral team are experienced in dealing with all matters. The music department is second to none. The extra curricular activities are varied with so many different options mostly held at lunchtime as they have an hour for lunch. The school is seeped in history and most of the children feel very special attending such a brilliant school.

PS I have DC at one of the other two schools you mention so feel free to PM me if you'd like further info

I know lots of families there and all are very positive about the school but I can't agree with the 'holy grail' comment because there are tonnes of good school options in North London and the travel to DAO for those coming from Islington is a right pain.

Our DC had a place there and we didn't take it up because of the journey - I have to admit, we were reluctant to give up the place and I was worried we might regret it later but, especially with all the rail strikes etc I'm really glad we opted to go with a closer option. As kids move up through secondary they often have so many pressures on their time and long journeys, disrupted travel etc does add extra stress. Saying that, there's no doubt it's a terrific school so, horses for courses.

Best 11+ advice we got was not to get hung up on the idea that there is one 'best' school for your child. There will be pros and cons to all of the ones you're looking at, and if you're engaged as parents (as you clearly are) and invested in making sure your child is in the right educational environment for them, you'll make a good decision

That’s good to hear. We aren’t religious either. More in the “be nice to others and chew with your mouth closed” camp (to quote a phrase).

Oh nice @Tomatosoupagain ! Good luck. It’s worth adding to your list. I’m always impressed by how nice and friendly everyone is there whenever I go in. And fine for the non-religious - we’re not!

Very many thanks. We’ve registered for the exam there too! Glad your child is happy there.

Many thanks! We are looking at that school too and she’s preparing for the exam.

I think some parent think it is "holy grail" because its sibling policy and it is a comprehensive school on paper.

Definitely not any, DAO is remotely too far away from a lot of north london areas.

It's the Holy Grail of schools for any North London parent

I have never heard anything but good things about DAO and I know several people whose kids go there.