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Original poster

Agony over N London/N10 secondary schools

83 replies

boyngirl · 11/07/2009 08:59

Hi all

I'm new here but been obsessively reading posts on choosing secondary schools.

I will try v hard not to be too boring about this as I know it's been asked/discussed 8 billion times. I would love some opinions on what type of schools to opt for, especially from Muswell Hillies.

My son (don't know all the abbrievs, sorry) is only 7 but we're having to think about secondary schools as we've got house on market (just want bigger property, that was motivation for moving).

I live in borough of Barnet at the mo where there are great schools, selective, private and state. BUT don't know if want son to go through all the hideous tutoring/exams business (he is v bright but who knows how bright compared to others and he might be a thicko by the time he's 10!!) - one school boasts 3000 kids going for 24 selective places. I mean, pressure or what? Plus don't want to live on doorstep of these schools as we don't really like the areas (not a snobby thing, honest, they are nice but just not us). Then there's private schools - fine but we'd be skint for next 8 years. And 'private' isn't necessarily a magic wand I guess.

ANYWAY (boring myself now)we really like the sound of Fortismere in N10. We've lots of mates in Muswell Hill and like the liberal sound of the school (we are the ghastly media types some of you speak of with a shudder - quite rightly) and it's got quite good results. But not as good as loads of schools in Barnet. I'm concerned I'll do my son a disservice by not sending him to the 'best of the best' if he is v clever.
He's a sensitive but fun-loving type of boy. His current primary school is fantastic, he's gained lots of confidence (he was really shy when he started) and lots of pals.

Do any of you have kids at Fortismere or know it really well and if we move to Mus and he doesn't get in or we decide against it what alternatives are there eg good other state school, grammar or even priavate?

Thanks for reading this!!

Boyngirl

OP posts:
Original poster
boyngirl · 12/07/2009 06:45

Yes MrsMattie, that's my worry - options limited. But re Barnet even though there are lots of excellent schools, where we currently live we are not in catchment for any. Well one, but we're not sure about it even though it's said to be good (Compton in N12/N11 - anyone know it?)So it would still very probably be the selective route. And therefore no guarantee of getting in.

QEBoys has outstanding results but it's so madly academic plus I've got this thing about wanting the kids to live right by the school so they have a community of friends. My bro went to Hab's and found it a very lonely difficult time as he had no social life as a teen because his friends lived 10-20 miles away. And they were all loaded when we weren't but that's another story.

VanessaML - yep got little girl too in reception. Fortismere is co-ed and so is (super expensive) Highgate.

Anyone any experience of Dame Alice Owen?
I think I might start another thread asking about the Barnet school options inluding Alice,QE, Compton etc. Although I am deffo over thinking this, it's a big decision as we are moving house and about to splash all our cash...

OP posts:
VanessaMuchLessa · 11/07/2009 21:02

Judging by your name there's a second DC to consider too? I take it Fortismere is co-ed?

MrsMattie · 11/07/2009 20:59

Fortsimere is a good school, but if you don't get in, your options are limited.

I'd go for living in Barnet, to be honest. Very fortunate if you can live in a borough with such fantastic schools.

frogs · 11/07/2009 20:56

If you can get into Fortismere, and you're okay with the atmosphere (arty London lefty-liberal) there's no reason to look elsewhere, really. Having said that, you will be paying a premium for living in the Fortismere catchment, so you need to be convinced by it.

Honestly, there's no point over-thinking this. Being in catchment for a reasonable comprehensive is a Good Thing (there are quite a few of these around) and quells the panic of secondary transfer. For the selective options you can decide nearer the time once you have a clearer idea of his ability and the kind of school you're after (some people HATE QE boys, for example, others think it's the holy grail). Horses for courses.

Original poster
boyngirl · 11/07/2009 20:53

Thank you squeaver/2009. Yes I know schools/heads can change.It's a tricky one. I so didn't want to get bogged down in all this but maybe you can't avoid it! I think 'instinct' is the name of the game. Funnily enough my dad came over today and reminded me my 20 something cousins went to fortismere but neither did well academically. Cue more questions..they not academic or school not? But generally didn't put us off so there you go. For tonight it's have another glass of red and sod it!

OP posts:
squeaver · 11/07/2009 17:59

I mean the best state school btw.

Private-wise, there's Highgate (co-ed) but pretty much all the other boys' schools are in Hampstead. Then there's Mill Hill and Habs.

And there ends my knowledge, I'm afraid.

squeaver · 11/07/2009 17:58

I don't have children of secondary age but do live nearby although I can tell you this: Fortismere has a VERY small catchment area.

I think it's something like 0.5 miles. And this has a HUGE influence on house prices in Muswell Hill.

But it is a very good school from what I've heard - the best in the area by a long way.

2009 · 11/07/2009 17:53

I'm sure that there are many of us who could bore for england on the topic of secondary schools!!!.

If your son is academic, then he won't need years of tutoring for the grammar schools. Just start around Y5 which will give him a good chance, and as long as you don't make it into a big deal, then it'll be fine if he doesn't make it. If you have a backup like Fortismere then you're relatively sorted either way.

However, you would have to virtually live in the playground of Fortismere, as the catchment gets smaller and smaller each year...

Also, bear in mind that schools can change (for better or worse) very quickly, usually when a headteacher changes etc. At 7, your ds still has quite a few years to go and some of the other schools could come into play. So don't put all your hopes on one school.

My advice is to move somewhere where you'll all be happy and that has a reasonable local secondary for backup. Sounds like you have a plan already, so go for it!
Good luck!

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