Does anyone have any views they can share about Rotherfield primary school in Islington?

[intrepidbaby]

Hi. I'm trying to decide whether or not to send my DC there. It has a 'good' OFSTED rating and I quite liked the head, but my impression is it still needs to improve in many areas, plus its SATS results aren't great. I don't know any parents with children at the school so I'd be really grateful to hear real (recent) experiences, good or bad, that might help me decide.

There was a thread not so long ago about Islington schools if you search. I hear only positive things about Rotherfield. What is it you are particularly worried about?

oops! Sorry, I found one recent thread which mentioned rotherfield - it sounded positive but wasn't hugely informative. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place - will check again!

This is my first foray into the world of primary schools and I'm more than a little nervous about making the wrong decision - like any parent I just want to do the best for my child. I guess I'm looking for evidence that pupils of all abilities can and do thrive there, both in the academic sense and that they're happy. I don't know anyone with first hand experience of the school so feel I'm not seeing the full picture - all I have to go off is a brief visit last year (I will probably try to visit again) and an OFSTED report from 2010.

Concerns: Poor SATS results (at the bottom of the Islington league table, 0% achieving L5); OFSTED concerns about meeting the needs of middle & high ability children (I'm going to be optimistic and hope my DC is of at least average ability); apparent lack of investment vs other schools (perhaps unfair, I don't know?); poor attendance record. I don't have a proper feel for the quality of teaching or happiness of pupils which worries me - just the fact I don't know enough. On a positive note however the head and deputy seemed nice and I have a general sense there is a drive to further improve standards. In summary, I get the impression this is an improving vs coasting school but that it still has a way to go to reach the standards of some of the other Islington schools. Maybe this is unfair? What are you hearing puppy? Would love to hear any experiences, good or bad.

Also interested in any opinions on New North Community school which is another potential option for us.

Hi there, I am also keen to hear any views or experiences on Rotherfield and New North in Islington. I visited both schools last year but like intrepidbaby I don't know anyone with first hand experience of either school. I know both have a good Ofsted report but not so good SATs and New North is now an academy.

Hello onetwothee - sounds like you are maybe in the same boat as us then! Have you been offered a place at either of them?

Its really difficult to get a proper feel for them isn't it? I've never heard anything on either in terms of 'gossip' other than vague negative comments without much substance behind them. Hopefully someone on here will be able to help us??

Puppy08 - can you elaborate further on the positive things you've heard?

Hi, I know that the head is committed to improvement and expects good and outstanding teaching as a given. I know that behaviour is good and attendance is being addressed and improved. I know they have an amazing kitchen garden and Jamie Oliver is down there a alot!! I think you have summarised well the last Ofsted...it is indeed an improving school. Good luck!! Can only really say go and visit a range of schools and get a really good gut feeling about a school's ethos and aims....don't know anything about the other school i'm afraid.

Thanks puppy - this is all very reassuring. Out of interest, do you have children at the school yourself or are you commenting in some other capacity? It's ok if you'd rather not say.

Hi, I have a connection with the school but my DSs go to school in a nearby borough. I teach (but not at Rotherfield)....I'd go and visit again...maybe even ask to watch a lesson or spend a little time in R? I completely get what a big decision it is, we went with our local school for our DC (over other higher performing schools) and have never regretted it...we now have the secondary school issue to consider, the concept of real "choice" is a complete myth in London!

Yes I think I will visit again. Hadn't even occurred to me that I'd be allowed to observe a lesson, but sounds like a really good idea.

Its so difficult isn't it, the whole schools thing? I really feel for you having to find a secondary school - I daren't allow myself to think beyond reception class at the moment but can only imagine the stress! Don't get me started on the concept of 'choice' in London - a complete and utter farce IMO!

Can I just ask if you feel your choice of primary has affected your choice of secondary school in any way, or do you think you be in exactly the same position now had you opted for one of the higher performing schools? It sounds like you were happy with your choice so probably not?

I feel less confident in my decision making re secondary. I guess as a Primary teacher I felt I could fill in any gaps at Primary level.

We did seriously consider moving near the highest performing comp in our borough (has a teeny catchment, went out 0.4 miles this yr) but we have now decided to stay put as we love our area and house....we have the choice of a single sex school or a mixed comp which is on the up and where the head really impressed. It is often these sorts of schools where the SMT is strong and the excellent teachers are IME....

If a school is confident about its vision and proud of its achievements it should definately encourage you to have a proper look around....

Re our Primary decision, they have had so many brilliant opportunities open to them, mixed with a wide and diverse community and have achieved academically too....parental support and motivation makes a massive difference on how a child does as I'm sure you realise...best of luck with it all...hope you get the best fit school for your little one and he is happy.

I'm now wishing I was a teacher

Thanks so much for your comments. I hope everything works out for you too.

Thanks guys, sounds encouraging re Rotherfield but shame you don't know anything about New North. I completely get what your saying about the concept of a real 'choice' in London puppy08!

Onetwothee I think you must live really near to me. I also visited both schools last year - perhaps I saw you at the New North open day. Would you mind if i PMd you?

Afraid I don't know any more than you about NN - again I just have a visit (lasted longer than rotherfield but presumably identical to yours) and an ofsted to go off. I'm even considering cornering some parents outside both schools to ask them what they think but have stopped short of doing this so far - partly for fear of coming across like a complete nutter and partly as am thinking they mightn't be entirely honest in that situation anyway. .

Can ANYONE out there tell us ANYTHING about New North school?

Also still very interested in any further observations on Rotherfield please...

Intrepidbaby more than happy for you to PM me.

My DCs are at Rotherfield & I know various governors. While we've been happy with it (with some small reservations) from day one it has seen major changes for the better in recent years due to the commitment of staff and the new head. It's also seen a big increase in parents getting more involved too, which makes a massive difference to a school. Feel free to PM me if you want to ask any direct questions .

Thanks bobthebudda - have just sent you a message

With the new school term starting this week I was reminded I never actually came back on here to say thanks to everyone for all the info. Particularly bobthebuddha . For the record, (better late than never!), I'm so glad I went back to Rotherfield for a second look. It was great to be able to meet some of the other lovely parents and see/hear about the good things happening which the ofsted report doesn't tell you about. It totally reassured me about our place there. Not really sure how I knew so little about the school initially but I just wish I'd done my research properly before I applied as I might've saved myself a lot of bother!

I have met, and was impressed by, the Head of New North.

But its a really good idea to visit schools anyway.

My niece just left Rotherfield and she was very sad to leave. She had a fantastic learning experience and was encouraged by all her teachers every step of the way. They have a range of after-school clubs that are very popular and the Head Teacher always takes a genuine interest in the children's welfare and progress. I'll be registering my little one : )