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Original poster

Islington/Camden/Haringey school thoughts?

63 replies

TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 12:11

We're currently looking at secondary schools for our DD and finding ourselves on the border of various schools furthest distances. Would love to hear about any experiences you have of the following schools

Fortismere
Highgate Wood School
Hornsey School for Girls
Greig City Academy

Parliament Hill
Camden School for Girls

Highbury Fields School
St Mary Magdalene Academy
City of London Academy Highbury Grove

What do you like/dislike about the schools? Are the kids happy and kind? How is the pastoral care? How is the teaching and behaviour management? Are kids challenged/supported academically? How is communication between the school and parents? Is it well led and managed? Is there much teacher movement? Are there good clubs? Does it value music, art, drama, DT, PE etc as much as english, maths, science etc? Please share any feedback, thank you.

OP posts:
OhamIreally · 14/10/2026 04:22

Are you planning to move house? I can’t see how you would be in the catchment for Camden School for Girls and Highbury Fields and Parliament Hill? I would strike Highbury Grove off your list.

Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 22:02

Toomanydailydecisions · 13/10/2026 18:38

All those schools are quite far apart, i would first work out which you have a realistic chance in and narrow down from there? I've heard great first hand things about fortismere and camden school for girls, though like someone else said, APS seems to be the preferred choice in muswell hill these days.

Weirdly we do have quite a realistic chance of getting into all of these (some on the waiting list) apart from st mary magdalenes which would have to be a place through their test. APS covers a much smaller area so that one is definitely unrealistic. Can you share anything about what you have you heard about fortismere and camden school for girls? Any info is useful!

OP posts:
Toomanydailydecisions · 13/10/2026 18:38

All those schools are quite far apart, i would first work out which you have a realistic chance in and narrow down from there? I've heard great first hand things about fortismere and camden school for girls, though like someone else said, APS seems to be the preferred choice in muswell hill these days.

Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 18:33

strawberry12345 · 13/10/2026 18:22

Also worth looking at the Wren academy

we're about 9 miles away from the furthest distance offered for the Wren Academy

OP posts:
strawberry12345 · 13/10/2026 18:22

Also worth looking at the Wren academy

Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 18:01

Spidey66 · 13/10/2026 17:11

I don’t think Greig has a particularly good reputation. I can’t tell you much because like I said I don’t have kids and I’m not in teaching but somewhere in my brain is the information it wasn’t great. But that was 2 years back, they may have had a new head. And I wasn’t really concentrating!!!

Thanks for sharing, always useful to hear from people that have lived locally for a while!

OP posts:
Spidey66 · 13/10/2026 17:11

I don’t think Greig has a particularly good reputation. I can’t tell you much because like I said I don’t have kids and I’m not in teaching but somewhere in my brain is the information it wasn’t great. But that was 2 years back, they may have had a new head. And I wasn’t really concentrating!!!

Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 15:28

Spidey66 · 13/10/2026 14:49

I lived in Ally Pally until 2 years ago. I don't have any kids but from hearing the neighbours talk, Alexandra Park School has an excellent reputation.

Thanks @Spidey66 the reputation is good but I think we'd be too far even on the waiting list sadly

OP posts:
Spidey66 · 13/10/2026 14:49

I lived in Ally Pally until 2 years ago. I don't have any kids but from hearing the neighbours talk, Alexandra Park School has an excellent reputation.

Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 14:46

BeckyAMumsnet · 13/10/2026 14:27

Just bumping your thread @TheCosyRedAnt - best of luck.

Thanks! @BeckyAMumsnet

OP posts:
Original poster
TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 14:42

Lexibletheflexible · 13/10/2026 14:40

Would you mind if I privately messaged you?

Show quote history

Of course not, please do! :)

OP posts:
Lexibletheflexible · 13/10/2026 14:40

TheCosyRedAnt · 13/10/2026 12:11

We're currently looking at secondary schools for our DD and finding ourselves on the border of various schools furthest distances. Would love to hear about any experiences you have of the following schools

Fortismere
Highgate Wood School
Hornsey School for Girls
Greig City Academy

Parliament Hill
Camden School for Girls

Highbury Fields School
St Mary Magdalene Academy
City of London Academy Highbury Grove

What do you like/dislike about the schools? Are the kids happy and kind? How is the pastoral care? How is the teaching and behaviour management? Are kids challenged/supported academically? How is communication between the school and parents? Is it well led and managed? Is there much teacher movement? Are there good clubs? Does it value music, art, drama, DT, PE etc as much as english, maths, science etc? Please share any feedback, thank you.

Would you mind if I privately messaged you?

MNHQ
BeckyAMumsnet · 13/10/2026 14:27

Just bumping your thread @TheCosyRedAnt - best of luck.

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