Choosing a school in North London-is there any choice?!

[ag123]

So, ds isn't even 3 yet but already I'm getting myself in a major tizz about primary school choices.
So I live in North London...we chose to buy our first house here because it is just at the end of the road of a very well regarded primary which has recently had it's 3rd consecutive outstanding ofsted. However, I went to look around it the other day to consider if I will want to send ds to the school nursery there and I just really wasn't taken by it. Now I feel so confused!!
On the one hand I feel like I am actually so lucky to live well within the catchment for a well regarded school but on the other I feel like I'm just not sure if it's right for my son. But then, I don't know why I'm even thinking about it as it seems like the catchments for practically all the local schools- this part of haringey, barnet and enfield (we basically border all 3 boroughs) are all so tiny now that you are lucky to fall within one catchment!
What I'm kind of annoyed about, an wish I had realised sooner is that you only actually get to really visit and look at these schools once you don't really have a choice.
Am even starting to think about doing the dreaded 'rent somewhere else for a year' thing after having actually gone and visited a range of different schools (although dh not too keen on this idea yet)
Also starting to consider private

What didn't you like? Outstanding does not always mean it will suit you. We had 2 outstanding to choose from and I hated one of them. What do you think private will offer better ?

Well the major issue with it is its almost complete lack of outdoor space...they basically have one yard for the whole of ks1 and ks2 and it's a 2 form entry. Apparently ks1 and ks2 alternate when they use it. Also the reception classes have their own separate outdoor area but don't even use it for indoor/outdoor free-flow. Having worked in an amazing state nursery for a number of years, the importance of children being able to continue their learning outside is something really important to me (in the early years at least)
I don't really even know what it is I want. I think after having grown up in the countryside and gone to my local village school there is something of that I am hankering after. Obviously I KNOW that is completely unrealistic, and there were definite downsides to that- i.e. quality of education etc.
It just felt really 'anonymous' there...like a huge big building right on the edge of a very busy main road with nowhere for the children to just run in their breaktimes even.
And the private thing...I'm pretty sure that's probably not what I'm looking for- I don't want him sitting down doing 'work' all day from 4 years old. I think I am just fantasising about a lovely small school where I know that the teacher really knows my child.
Urgh, can't believe I've become such a terrible precious parent!! It's just so different when it's your own!!!

I am afraid that in the state system parents do NOT have a choice. They have the right to express a preference. However very many parents will only be eligible for a single offer.

Despite what politicians often say, no government has actually made provision for parental choice. This is because the only way parents get to choose is if there is a surplus of places, this costs money, and the government will not pay for it. Local authorities are required by law to provide a place for your child; they are also required by law not to have surplus places.

In the sort of area the OP describes if you are close enough to one school to be sure of a place at it, you can be pretty sure you are too far from all the other schools.

I don't really even know what it is I want. I think after having grown up in the countryside and gone to my local village school there is something of that I am hankering after*

I think I am just fantasising about a lovely small school

If it's really important to you you need to leave London then. You aren't going to find that in a massive city.

You can always go on the waiting list for something you do like that is reasonably near and hope that a place turns up after the start of the year.

We did that, and even from a very low place on the list we got a place 3 weeks into the autumn term after 2 kids never turned up and 2 left.

At the start of reception you have a reasonable chance as most people - even if they didn't get their top choice and that becomes available - don't move their child once they've bought the uniform and gone through the first couple of settling-in weeks.

Hmm, that's a thought. To go on a wait list do you need to have been refused? I.e. Would I need to choose that school as my first choice?

I think you live near me and I think I know the school in question. Is it on the A406?
PM me if you want lots of detail, but it is a good school, and if you are in catchment for it there are very few other schools of the same standard in that area. Sport is an issue because of space, but the look at times are staggered and well managed.

Sorry, typo in last sentence - playtimes are staggered and well managed.
My children went there, and I have worked there and in other schools, so more than happy to discuss pros and con's with you.

Don't forget there is lots of opportunity for tons of sport out of school.

My DS attends a very well regarded state school in west London, and to be honest the outdoor space is ‘shabby’ as in rubbish. However I try to ensure that after school, he gets as much outdoor play as possible

The exact rules about waiting lists vary from Borough to Borough so check with your Borough bu the general principle (in London) is this:-

1.You apply through the pan London admissions system. This requires you to make your application through the Borough you live in. Which borough the school, or schools, you are applying to is, or are in, not relevant.

2.You apply for up to six schools in order of your preference. (These can be in any Borough)

1. On offer day you will either get an offer for the highest preference school for which you could get a place, or if you are unlucky you will not get an offer for any of your preferences.

4.if you do get an offer for one of your preferences, and accept it, that does not stop you getting a later offer for a still higher preference if it becomes available.

5.If you do not get an offer for one of your preferences on offer day then you will either get an offer for the nearest school to you with vacancies (harringey) or they will wait to see if they can get you an offer for one of your preferences (islington)

6.In either case you can go on the eaiting list for as many schools as you like. offers continue to be made right up until the first week of Autumn term.

IMO, list the school you really want as your first choice, then the rest, but make sure that you have at least one school that you have a definite chance of getting a place at. Better a school you don't like at the end of the road than a school you hate that will take 3 buses and an hour to get to and only has spaces because it's so bad that no-one wants it!

As far as allocation goes, you aren't penalised for where a school is on your list - preferences only come into play if you qualify for more than one school, at which point the computer will allocate you the higher preference of the two (or more).

After 31st August, admissions passes to the school from the LA, so if you want to stay on a waiting list make sure you ring the relevant schools to let them know of your interest.

The most important thing of all, is to realise that if you are offered a place in a school and turn it down, then the council have fulfilled their obligation and will assume that you intend to HE or go private. Always accept and then go on the waiting list for as many schools as you can.

Also be prepared to have to move fast if you are offered a place - we were offered one on Thursday morning, I had to sign the forms on the Friday and she was there on Monday morning.