Islington primary schools - can't decide.

[Eartha20]

We can't decide between William Tyndale Primary and Gower School Montessori Primary. We love the Montessori system at the Gower, where our little one has been accepted, but we've heard some not great things about it. William Tyndale is sounding ok. The thing is, it's right on our doorstep and it's the ease of the school run and getting involved in school life that appeals (after school play dates, etc). Any thoughts?

Tyndale, without question. Even leaving aside the money and the practicality, it's a lovely broad-based education in a bouncy, enthusiastic environment with a good mix of pupils. If you can get in there, there's no reason to look elsewhere.

I've never met anyone who got excited about the Gower school - people seem to like the nursery (which is on a different site), but never heard anyone enthuse about the primary school.

Ditto Frogs. Don't underestimate the loveliness of going to your local state school - you cannot replicate its benefits anywhere else. I'd only swap it for the most tip top tried and tested private school with amazing grounds.
From what I gather, the Gower isn't that. Without wishing to slag it off (though the many families I know who've pulled their children out would be happy to), I don't think it offers you a good enough alternative to justify sacrificing all the benefits of a local school, especially a good one like Tyndale.

Tyndale. I have looked at both, DC ended up elsewhere in the borough. A proper school with excellent facilities, good results and lovely-looking DC. Know several people with DC there and they've all been happy and supportive of the school. If it's on your doorstep, it's a no brainer, really.
Gower provides good wrap around care and holiday care which may be attractive to working parents, but the Holiday Club there is actually open to kids who go to other schools so you could send DC there during the summer regardless.

I'm so pleased that people are saying nice things about William Tyndale as it is our local school.

I can't say how useful this is. Just one thing, castrophewaitress. What does DC mean?

Ah, just found out.

Late to this thread but another vote for WT here. Have one DC there and another hopefully starting at the nursery in September. So far it has been great both academically and pastorally. Feel incredibly lucky to have such a good school on our doorstep

Great. Thank you so so much, all. Have been tearing my hair out. Not any more.

We couldn't bear TGS when we visited it and have friends who took their DC out because they were unhappy with it. And we've heard similar from others (albeit unverified stories). But have only heard good things re WT.

William Tyndale! I went there (a very long time ago) and loved it. At the time it was
where all the rich labourites sent their children. Lots of famous faces

Hi all

It is worth having a look on WT's website as they have had their Ofsted inspection (published in March 2013) and they got outstanding in all four areas. It was a nice read.