primary schools in N16

[Blenky]

We have recently moved to Stokey from Islington. My son is at present at school in Islington but we would like him to move to one closer to our home. We've been offered a place at Betty Layward, does anyone out there have any info/views about this school?

It's very popular, hard to get into and has a large cohort of white bodenmums. I thought it looked a bit strict/unimaginative when we went round, but kids seemed happy. It just had a bad ofsted, but so did the other very popular one locally (W Patten). It has a new head this year. I'd go with it - the only one I'd prefer round there is Grasmere and places there are like gold dust.

We're in the catchment for this school too - as far as I know it was quite well thought of until recently when it recieved a not very good Ofsted report. Our neighbour's children go there and they are happy enough with it. I think they've axed the head teacher and some of the staff since the report so are obviously trying to improve things. I think the school is less mixed (culturally/racially) than others in the area and from talking to our parents it seems it has a reputation for being more of a straight, more academic school compared to, for example, William Patten which is apparently more relaxed, creative etc. Obviously this is all just from talking to other people so could be rubbish!

Thanks for the replies. We have to make a decision before the end of term or the place will be offered to the next child on the list. My son v creative, not so academic, a bit concerned about the strict/unimaginative vibe. Much to think about...