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Secondary education

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Original poster

Best London state secondary school in your opinion?

208 replies

Simplegal · 29/07/2023 20:13

I’m overwhelmed with school choices for a Year 10 entry for my DD into an Co-Ed state secondary school. We have a last minute, frantic move to London from abroad and looking for entry for my DD. Somewhere within 30-60 mins travel to Canary Wharf? Open to faith schools as she has been in a traditional catholic school previously. We haven’t even started the accommodation hunt just focusing on schools first! Please comment if you love your school! Thank you!

OP posts:
Happygerbil · 29/07/2023 21:49

Honestly if you want a decent state school and don't have to be in Zone 1, I would look outside of London. For example there are excellent state schools in Sevenoaks, a 24 min commute to London Bridge.

People move out of London for this exact reason.

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:48

Thank you that’s great advice. They should also be working over the summer holiday?

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Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:47

It sounds like I’m going to struggle.

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Verite1 · 29/07/2023 21:47

Kentish Town. Move somewhere that is close to both Camden school for girls and Parliament hill (also girls). You would then also have the option of la saint union (Catholic girls) or acland burghley (mixed - wouldn’t be my first choice but seemingly much loved by the local yummies)!

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:47

Thank you! Will add to the list!

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MeMeMeYou · 29/07/2023 21:43

Don't email the schools, email admissions at the local councils for the borough(s) the schools are in / where you are likely to live. Find out which schools have spaces and which have a short waiting list. For info I emailed the council admissions as my DD was unhappy at her school and found only one school in the county with a space. When we moved house my other child waited 15months for a space to come up at our nearest school as its v popular despite us living 0.3 miles away. So you may or may not have choices. Birth rate in that year group makes a big difference.

BlessYourBlackCottonSocksOnTheRider · 29/07/2023 21:42

HarrietJet · 29/07/2023 21:35

Very snooty. Some people would far prefer Zone 2 to Zone 4.

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Having lived in both I’ve felt far, far safer in Whitechapel.

HarrietJet · 29/07/2023 21:38

Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:37

Is this because they will be oversubscribed or don’t usually take entry in Year 10?

Just full.

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:38

I have seen Muswell Hill mentioned. Any school you recommend?

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Needmorelego · 29/07/2023 21:37

@GonnaGetGoingReturns Kingsdale also “specialise” in sport. But I think it’s something like 10% of children who are on the “specialist” track.
I know loads of children at Kingsdale - they go there because their parents applied and they got picked from the lottery.
It’s a comprehensive with a lottery for places (although changing soon to selected local primaries having priority).
It’s not even that special tbh.

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:37

Is this because they will be oversubscribed or don’t usually take entry in Year 10?

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Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:36

Thank you will have a look at colleges too.

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MutantTurtles · 29/07/2023 21:36

You want co-ed

But Greytcoat is probably the best option

HarrietJet · 29/07/2023 21:35

EmpressoftheMundane · 29/07/2023 21:13

Woodford is leafy and feels “safe” for teenagers to be out and about after dark. Living in Whitechapel, not so much.

You need to consider not just the school, but the neighbourhood for your family.

Very snooty. Some people would far prefer Zone 2 to Zone 4.

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:35

Will have a look at this thanks.

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Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:34

I will have a look at this. DD is happy to
continue in a catholic school. Open to all options though.

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Thisismynewusername1 · 29/07/2023 21:32

Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:31

Does that mean she would change schools again for A Levels? Trying to stay in the same school for as long as possible.

Depends on the school. If it has a 6th form she can stay on, if it doesn’t she will have to move.

many choose to move anyway, as they want a different experience, teachers etc.

bryceQ · 29/07/2023 21:32

What about muswell hill area? Good schools and leafy neighbourhood

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:31

Does that mean she would change schools again for A Levels? Trying to stay in the same school for as long as possible.

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HarrietJet · 29/07/2023 21:30

Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:14

Thank you for these options! She was baptised at one month old and has done her FHC including Sunday school for six months prior!

Then she's a shoo in for any Catholic school that has places. Very few will have for a Year 10 entry, though.

PreplexJ · 29/07/2023 21:30

"best state school" in London for year 10 will have a long waiting list. So good luck.

Thisismynewusername1 · 29/07/2023 21:29

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 29/07/2023 21:23

Rules out Kingsdale then if no musical instrument!

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Not necessarily. They also do sports scholarships, for both established athletes or you can test for general potential.

it’s also a large school in an area with high turnover of people moving in and out, so I would think it’s easier than most. However, I wouldn’t class it as one of the “best” schools in London either.

sorry o/p, didn’t realise you said co-ed. st Ursula’s and coloma at both girls, as is Prendergast, also one of the better schools.

haberdasher aske’s in New Cross is co-ed and has a good rep.

how old is your child? If she’s 16-18 the advice may be slightly different as she will be 6th form.

Original poster
Simplegal · 29/07/2023 21:28

I would consider anything for a lovely school for her.

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GonnaGetGoingReturns · 29/07/2023 21:27

Needmorelego · 29/07/2023 21:26

You don’t need to be musical to attend Kingsdale. It’s a comprehensive school.

I know that but they specialise in music.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 29/07/2023 21:27

If your budget stretches to independent then The Laurels in Upper Norwood is a good Catholic school and two friends’ DDs go there.

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