St John Fisher (Harrogate) or GSAL?

[Blueberrypots]

Hi all,
I have name changed as I didn't want to be identified but we are going to be applying for these two schools and provided our DD1 gets a place offered at both, (very likely), I just don't know which one to choose.

Does anyone have any experience of these two and what would they go for? Any advice and things to look out for would be greatly received. They both seem like great schools but I am completely at loss as to what to unpick/watch out for, etc...

We haven't had a great experience in terms of DD1 being stretched at school so that's clouding my judgement slightly, but I don't want it to!! Also a friend whose DD1 was L6 on entry at the Fisher had issues with her not being stretched all year, but I guess that's just one story and my I don't think my DD1 is going to be a L6 although she could be close. Any ideas?

I read somewhere recently that SJF had been deemed the '19th best comprehensive school in the country' but don't know on what criteria?

Yes I think it is on results, they do get exceptionally good results for a comprehensive school, and 10-15 children to Oxbridge every year.

I did quite a bit of supply there about 4 years ago. Great place, the students were friendly and thoughtful, the staff caring, knowledgeable and ehtusiastic - and it had the best languages department of any school that I went into whilst doing supply.

I did quite a bit of supply at St John Fisher about 4 years ago. Great place, the students were friendly and thoughtful, the staff caring, knowledgeable and ehtusiastic - and it had the best languages department of any school that I went into whilst doing supply.