After speaking with a distraught mother recently, I wanted to introduce myself and let other mothers out there looking for schools know that I was in your position this past summer. My name is Victoria and I have a daughter in reception in Moor Allerton Hall. My husband and I just moved to leeds and moved to this area based on Talbot and Gledhow and were devastated when we did not get a place. I hadn't heard good things regarding MAH and supprisingly it was from people who did not even have children at MAH but have lived in the community for a number of years. Let me just say that I am so happy with MAH. My daughter is happy and excited about learning. I find the staff very approachable and willing to make time for the parents. We are always invited into the class to see how the children are progressing. As said in previous comments the school is mixed and has a high % of muslims. I don't know what the percentage is and nor do I personally care. I care that the school is diverse and I'm really happy that my daughter is learning about different cultures.( Her teachers actually dressed up for Divali. My daughter is still talking about it) Another little bit of info is that MAH has access to the high school next door. They use their computer facilities (which is supposed to be really hi-tech) and their running track.
The school is working really hard to make the changes that parents are asking for. They are extending the after-school clubs and are trying to make the breakfast club available to more students. The new head as of january 2012 is very excited to take on the challenge and I think with the help of the staff and parents, Moor Allerton Hall can reach it's full potential.
I hope this helps a little. I know how scary it is to try and find the right school for your child. I would encourage any parent to come and look at the school and speak with the staff personally.
Victoria