Secondary Schools

[woodlandfling]

Hoping to move to the area soon and would like advice on good secondaries so we don't end up in the wrong postcode! St Albans is our preferred location but it could be anywhere in the vicinity. We are not necessarily looking for the school with the best results, more a good pastoral approach.

Have you had a look on School Guru? Really useful (for state schools - primary and secondary) in giving you more information about admissions and your likelihood of getting a place depending on your location.

I'm sure others can give you more detailed info, but to get you started:

State schools with a good reputation in St Albans: Beaumont, Sandringham, Verulam (they are actually in a consortium called BeauSandVer - google for more info).

State schools with a good reputation in Watford: Parmiters, Watford School for Boys, Watford Grammar School for Girls.

Sorry, School Guru is actually here.

Thanks - I will have a look at this. Should have said, have 1 DD who is Yr 8. Anyone else?

In St Albans, happily all the secondaries are good with the exception of Francis Bacon.

Regarding pastoral approach, Marlborough is very strong on this (I am basing this on the first hand comments of several parents I know with children there). It's also easier to get in to as it's a school on the up, rather than at the top in terms of results, eg Sandringham, Beaumont.

Also, as you have a daughter, you might consider St Albans School for Girls (STAGS - not to be confused with St Albans High School for Girls, which is a private school). Again, good results and reputation.

Another place near St Albans with excellent secondary schools is Harpenden - although I understand that some of them are very difficult to get in to (you practically need to live in the playground etc).

Good luck!

If your dd is already Y8, then there is a possibility that you may well get into a very good school without having to live near it iykwim.

However, as a general rule I'd say keep to the north side of St Albans which gives you afar greater choice of good secondaries. If you live in centre or south you are limititing yourself to Marlborough (v nice school but not strong academically) and Francis Bacon (has recently been in special measures).

STAGs, Sandringham and Beaumont all excellent both in terms of pastoral care and academic performance. All heavily over-subscribed and for year 7 entry you have to live very near to them to get in - but as I said in Y8 you may well be lucky. It's amazing how many vacancies do crop up with people moving etc.