Muswell hill primary vs Tetherdown vs Coldfall

[coffeeplss]

Hello Muswell Hill families!

we’re moving into the area and i think we may have a choice between these three schools. Is anyone able to advise?
our thinking:

• Muswell hill primary - is it strong enough academically? Not sure if it’s challenging kids who are doing well? Premises a bit meh but no big deal. Great for after school clubs and wrap around care
• Tetherdown - the fact a lot higher % of kids end up going to selective secondaries is reassuring. I understand it’s probably down to tutoring but hoping at least it would have a positive vibe and encourage trying hard. After school club have limited capacity. Open role for a Headteacher so there’s uncertainty
• coldfall - solid choice, looks like a great school. Logistically would be a little more complicated with drop off and pick ups but doable. After school clubs have limited capacity as well.

how does a community feel compare in these schools?

thank you!

We looked at a couple of these schools last year. Tetherdown certainly seemed to push kids (as well as plenty of tutoring by families) and the head spoke about links with high achieving state secondaries as well as proudly listing private schools kids went to in Year 7. I didn't realise he was leaving.

During our visit to MH Primary the head was very honest and open and said it was not a 'hothouse' school. A few went on to selective state and private but also state schools. I must say that MHP was my favourite as it's the closest to our kid's current school in terms of feel and ethos.

Maybe posting on the Primary thread would get more traffic? I don't have an insight into the schools themselves as our kids refused to move school so we are still commuting.

Tetherdown's destinations are 100% due to tutoring. Their ofsted was downgraded precisely because they weren't stretching the able kids as they were all being tutored.

Coldfall is due an Ofsted inspection and I believe has spaces in an otherwise oversubscribed area. I know of several families who have moved their children to other schools in recent years.

It is worth reading recent governors' reports, available on the school websites.