Primary schools in Barnet

[SayHitIsntSo]

Hi all
DS is 25 months old, and it's time we start thinking about his education...

We are non practicing Jews, so unfortunately won't get accepted to any of the Jewish schools (we don't keep Kosher or go to synagogue). on the other hand- we're not Christians either, so all C of E schools are irrelevant to us.

What to do?

We want to move closer to a proper school, but the only one we found that is even proper is Brooklands- and it is so over-subscribed, that I'm reluctant to even try to move to the area and then to be rejected.

I have gone over and over and over Ofsted and can't find my hands and legs in there...

We live in Hendon now, and willing to move anywhere within the borough. we don't know anyone with children here, so have no one to ask :-(

Any insights?
Many thanks, and a happy 2011!

What do you mean by 'proper'?

Do go and see schools before you judge them. Honestly. You will be amazed by some of the guff written in Oftsed reports, or how much of the 'wisdom' you hear from other parents about which schools are good/bad is just lazy hearsay.

If you have your hopes set on a particular school, you will have to move practically on the doorstep. It is very common for schools to have a cut-off point of for admission as little as 0.3 or 0.4 miles away. So really do think it through. You don't want to move to a new area for one particular school and then not get into that school.

Take heart, though, that schools in Barnet are largely very good compared to practically anywhere else in the country.

proper-has good ofsted reports (as I've said- I'm new here so don't know any other criteria on which to judge any school).

How do I know where to start? there are more than 100 schools in the borough....

and, of course, thank you for your reply (where are my manners!!!)

my dc go to a local CofE school which is excellent. There are plenty of non christians there and that includes many jewish children. If you are not practising any religion, why would it bother you?

Do you go to any playgroups or have local friends with children who can recommend schools?
There are lots of good schools in Barnet, you can't tell from Ofsted reports alone, they have different characters/ethos and you need to visit some - phone and book in for a tour.
RE CofE schools; most have a mix of Christians and non-Christians

I can only recommend those that friends are happy with but some good ones to start;

Moss Hall
Frith Manor
St Mary's (Finchley Central)
St Pauls (Mill Hill)
Courtland (Mill Hill)
Garden Suburb School
Charlegrove (sp?)

I stress these are only the schools friends children go to and are happy with. Barnet has a good reputation for primary education overall.

Adding to the list Zipitydoda gave, also have heard good things about Moss Hall and St Mary's. Can highly recommend Manorside too.

Ofsted reports is a good start, but then make sure you visit the schools too. You know your child and will quickly get a sense of what will suit him when you see what the schools have to offer. We chose Manorside as it is much smaller than Moss Hall, for instance, although they have very similar Ofsted results.

Oh, forgot to add I agree with the other comments, Barnet overall has good primary schools, so chances are your DS will be fine wherever he goes, so don't panic!

would like to hear anyone's view on Chalgrove primary in finchley?

Think about Northside in North Finchley too though the catchment has become fiendishly small since the last 'outstanding' ofsted report. There are quite a few Jewish kids at the school too.