Newton Farm, West Lodge, Cannon Lane or Grimsdyke

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Hi all,

I am about to relocate to the harrow area (company move) and have been looking into the schooling options there for my 2 year old. I quite like the sound of the four schools mentioned above.

Just wanted to get the opinions of those that may know a thing or two about the schools/area so I can make a more informed choice as to where we end up and more importantly which school to go for.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

I think Newton farm had their sat results disqualified due to cheating by the school.

Lots of talk about it at the time. Seemed to be a bit of a marmite school with some parents defending the Head and some thinking it is a very pressured school.

Also if you're looking for a multicultural school do your research.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/a1871863-Newton-Farm-School-Sats-fraud

The catchment area of Newton Farm is ridiculously small, the school is only a 2 form entry and the area has lots of flats nearby so you literally have to live on the doorstep to get in. Property would be much cheaper in that area in comparison to the others you mentioned. In fact all those schools are extremely popular and have very small catchment areas although Harrow has a big expansion project going on at the moment so this may change. The property prices around West Lodge are very high. Which ever school you choose you would need to get as close as possible to ensure your application would be successful ( less than 1 mile!)
All the schools on that side of the borough are very highly regarded and do well so I wouldn't be disappointed with any of those choices, don't disregard Pinner Park, Pinner Wood or Longfield either all are equally as good. I know your child is only 2 but if you are buying a property and planning on staying long term I would be more inclined to look at the catchment for the secondary schools. Nower Hill would be the popular choice.
Good luck.

Thanks for the replies!
Property prices do seem to vary a fair bit. Any specific reason for this? In theory I would have thought Newton Farm area would have been quite expensive too?
given the choice which of the schools would be your preference?

I have had 4 kids go through Cannon Lane and it's been a good school for us. Two are now at secondary but I still have two at CLPS.
We actually live just across the borough line in Hillingdon, but we are 4 minutes walk from the school.
It's now a Primary school and has a 4 form entry now, but don't let that put you off.
We have a new head this year, and he seems very good so far and we are having new classrooms built so the school is a bit of a building site.
Also there is a new High School- Pinner High, opening in September 2016. It's backed by the local successful Harrow secondary schools and will have fantastic facilities as it used to be a Private school.
This is right next to Cannon Lane, so if you buy close enough to get your child into CLPS, you should be able to get them into PHS.
Property prices will vary in Harrow, depending on the neighbourhoods you are looking in.

Some areas are more desirable than others. No the prices are not as high around Newton Farm as the others you mentioned. Can you visit the areas to see for yourself? Might give you a better understanding.

You should also consider transport links if you commute into London. Hatch End (Grimsdyke) is the slow train to Euston.

Hi all.

Posting a question here as this appears to be an active thread.
I am hoping to have some input on if Pinner park school, Marlborough or St John Fischer can be compared to Cannon Lane or West Lodge?

Are these schools well regarded?

I am planning to buy a house in this catchment and wandering if the schools are good?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I don't know about Malborough but St John Fischer and Pinner Park are both really good schools.
StJF is a catholic school and priority is given to locally practising Catholics. It would be worth taking a very good look at the admissions criteria before buying close to it!
Also be aware that parking around all Harrow schools is dismal so being able walk every day is a wise move.

Thank you for the information.

Pinner park would be walking distance so pleased to hear this is a good school also.

Hi - please could someone tell me about the teaching standards at cannon lane. I am considering this over private. I owuld liek to know if they help prepare for 11+, which schools the kids are going to after cannon lane etc. any help would be appreciated.

No state schools in the Borough of Harrow would prepare a child for the 11+ as all Grammar schools are outside the area. You would have to tutor and prepare your child in their own time. Children at primary school go to a variety of secondary schools depending on where they live and if they want church schools etc. Sending your child to Cannon Lane would not advantage or disadvantage your child when going to Secondary school.

You'd struggle to find a state school that prepares for the 11+ as it plays no part in the curriculum. That is something you'd be expected to do in your own time.

HELP!! Cannon Lane or West Lodge? What are the pros and cons of the two schools? Is West Lodge really better than Cannon Lane? If so, why?

We've just moved to the Borough and my son in Reception year is expected to choose between the two schools in the next couple of days.

I am moving from Birmingham to London and have shortlisted Pinner as the area. Catchment of West Lodge and Newton Farm is extremely low. Grymsdyke is slow train to central london. Canon Lane is rated good whereas others are outstanding. Really confused which school to concentrate. Please advise

Oh my goodness!! Trip down memory lane. I just saw Grimsdyke in the title and had to click.

I went to Grimsdyke until we moved in feb 1976. We used to call it Grimsdump Slimary!
My brother and his friend had a bet on as to how long it would take the teacher to notice if they emptied the nature table. they removed one item each every day until it was empty , and she never said anything!

Seriously though, don't buy a house in the road that Grimsdyke is on. (Colburn Ave??) because we moved out in feb 1976. Then summer 1976 was a hot summer and the houses were built on clay which shrank. The houses all then had major problems, and became unsaleable.

Supermom - do you have a child at West Lodge? What makes you think it's results are bad? I think there's more to a school than academic results. I agree with you that it's harder for schools to be rated OFSTED Outstanding these days and West Lodge hasn't been assessed for a long time.

Pinner has had a number of burglaries recently but overall it's still a very safe area.

Hi

Any review on West lodge school regarding the kaleidescope area. Thank u

Hi mum's.. Any reviews for Marlborough school in harrow??

Hi,

Need some urgent advice. I am moving to Harrow with Pinner wood .4 and west lodge .5 miles away from the property I shortlisted. Is there any chance that my 4.5 year old would make it in either of these.

Thanks
Gaurav