Gutted about primary school offer in Barnet

[Junebabyjoy]

Hi,

Is anyone else from high/new/east Barnet devastated about their primary school allocation?

I’ve not been offered any of the six lock schools I applied for but have been given Grasvenor Avenue which is 25 minute walk away. I’ve never even heard of it.

Can anyone tell me about it please?

I don't know it but I do sympathise. You can always try and move in subsequent years if the school isn't a good fit. But remember the biggest measure of success is due to what what happens in the home and there is much you can do to help your child thrive and do well.

I'm sorry you didn't get any of your choices.

However I don't think a 25 min walk is a dealbreaker. Our first choice catchment school is a 30 min walk but we didn't get a place. We did get a place at our second choice which is a similar distance. I'm going to practise taking long walks with DS in the summer 😂

Phone up the school and ask to go and visit. Keep an open mind.

The general advice is to accept the place you have been offered then go on the waiting list for all the schools you would prefer. Make an appointment to go and look at the school you have been offered. You may love it. I looked it up, it’s rated good with ofsted.
When is your child 5..If it’s not till the summer you could accept the place, defer entry till Easter and hope one of your preferred schools comes up in the meantime. Some areas of London have a lot of movement.
Realistically 25 mins is not too far to walk especially if you get dc a scooter.

There's a lot of movement in london. Go see the school and see what you think. Call the council and ask to be put on the waitlist for the other six schools. Did you not put down one "safety" school where you knew you'd be in using last distance offered?

I know someone whose children go there and she's been happy with it. It's a very small, one form entry, KS1 only school, so there are only 3 classes in the entire school - the whole school is only 90 children. As a result it is very nurturing and every child gets a chance to be recognised. There are various junior schools you can transfer to and her older child has now transferred to Underhill.