Gatehouse, Dallington or Gower School

[stchristophers]

I am dithering over three schools for my eight year old.

He is bright, creative and academically inclined. He is also quite independent and can work without direction.

I can imagine him enjoying Dallington but I'm a bit worried about class size and I wonder whether there are enough facilities on offer there.

Gatehouse seems to offer a lot in terms of facilities, but I want to know more about homework and discipline. Is it fun and challenging and interesting? Or is it all exam related?

Gower School I don't know much about, but my husband drives past it on the way to work, so it's a route-related choice. I'm not drawn to it.

Any input from current parents at any of these schools appreciated.

(There are good state schools near where we will be moving but sadly there are so good that everyone wants to go there, and my son is way down the waiting list. He is at a state school now, but we are moving far from it).

You might also look at the Lyceum, on Paul Street, EC2.

Hmmm. Is it worth widening the net a bit with the state schools search? I imagine you're after a Yr3 place, when spaces tend to crop up even in the initially very oversubscribed schools. Don't know about Gatehouse but the other 2 tend to be very EYFS and KS1 heavy in terms of number of kids, after which they empty out somewhat....Don't know which state schools you've looked at but I imagine Islington/Hackney - worth ringing the councils to ask there they do have a place in Year 3 and do some visits? Good luck.

I agree with the posters comment about year three vacancies; people have a net tendency to move out of London, so even hugely subscribed state schools can have vacancies further up the school.

Thanks. But Lets say he is on waiting list for good state schools. I can always keep him on list and see if a place comes up. Until then I need him to be in school. Does anyone have any first hand recent experience of any of the schools i mentioned? Thanks again!

OP I will send you a PM.

There is a new free school starting/started (not too sure) on Downham Road, which could be an option?

DS went to Dallington. PM me if you want more info.

Nevergiveupever - have you posted the same stuff on the Gower School on more than one thread?

I'm sorry but I don't know very much about the Gower school as it isn't one of the ones I've applied for.

Lengthy thread on the Gower school in the education forum. Not very complimentary.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/education/a1835481-Gower-school-islington