Hi my DD is due to start secondary school Sept 14 which means completing the applications by end of Oct 13. We live in catchment for Little Heath School and although our DS went there (there is a 7 year age gap between siblings) he did not enjoy his time there. I have friends who say they are going to put Denefield as their first preference even though they live out of catchment. I agree with the principal that we should send out children to our local schools, however in practice I am getting concerned that Little Heath's change from outstanding to requires improvement in its last Ofsted inspection is very worrying. I know of secondary school teachers who have children at LHS who say they wish they had chosen another school, and other friends who say you get out of it what you put in! This seems strange to me since many parents are aware of the on-going issues of poor teaching at LHS with little or no response from the Head, and issues of bullying that are still unresolved for pupils now starting year 9.
I would appreciate any comments on this topic and to hear your personal experiences of LHS and Denefield. Many thanks