New Ashmole Primary School, Southgate

[JSpen]

I was just wondering if anyone was considering the new Ashmole Primary school opening in Southgate (North London) in 2016 for their child. Any thoughts on the proposal, pros / cons?

Hi Clau1980, we really struggled with the decision but ultimately went with Walker. It's nearer our home - and we have a v independent nearly 2 year old who wants to walk everywhere - and we spoke with parents of kids in older years who are happy there (despite recent disruption). We also thought that having older kids there might be a good thing if our son later is interested in joining orchestras etc.
It really was a tough decision and I sat on the fence - every move towards one side made me homesick for the other - but my other half just felt like Walker was a really good, local school that's a big part of our very local community and that (here's where I hold my breath) we'll deal with what comes next much nearer the time.
I think they'll all be good. We're v lucky at this moment.

Hello, we got offered Walker but have decided to stick with Ashmole. It was a tough decision but weighed up a few options and decided to go with Ashmole. Hope that helps.

Thank you both. We haven't actually been offered Ashmole so I can't think about that yet. When I rung walker they were really keen for me to come and see it again which I think is a really good start. You are right we are lucky I would have given my right arm for these choices with my daughter!

We were offered Ashmole last week unexpectedly after being 58th on the list! One child dropped out apparently. We declined in the end and decided to stick with our original choice though it was very tempting, I think it will be a great school. Parent feedback near me in general on Walker has been good too despite the old head issues so like the others said both are great options.

Jspen we were 55th originally and I rang yesterday and they said I am still 6th? Before I ring and question it were you definitely 58th? Went to walker today he new head showed me round and was very impressed with the quality of work there, my daughter is in year 2 at a private school (after not getting any of our choices 3 years ago) and I thought the work at walker looked better.

Hi Clau, that's odd. However I did only call 2 days after offer day to find out what place I was, when did you call? Unless the timing made a difference? She definitely said 58. Worth a call to check they definitely have you in the right ranking.

That is really strange, I called the day the offer letters arrived so there can't have been movement before I called surely?! Unless there were late applications in those days and I actually went up before I went down. I don't think I can call and question their waiting list procedures they will think I'm mad

Do you know what distance you were? We were 0.7 if that helps

Hello,

There is no harm in checking.
please do call, at least you will find out if there has been further movement.

Good luck.

Hi,
Hoping to get some feedback, I was wondering how everyone's LOs are getting on at either Walker and Ashmole now.
It's time for me to start applying for Sept admission, would be great to hear first-hand experience of how the new Ashmole is doing.

My little boy started at Walker, only a few weeks in but so far so good, he's always been fairly clingy but settled in really quickly here and is really enjoying it. They have just started on sounds and reading books etc so have them a few weeks to settle before that stuff kicked in which I thought was good especially for him as he is a summer baby. My older one who had been at a local private school and on the waiting list for walker since reception also got a place at the beginning of September so have them both there now. Am also impressed by what she has been doing and I would say it has followed on quite naturally from her private school which was supposed to be quite academic. The new head at Walker who is now permanent seems excellent she has a real presence but is also out there every day helping the reception children line up and go in smoothly so very hands on.

Thanks for your feedback, we went to visit Walker and we're really impressed, loved the environment and the headteacher was great. Walker is our first choice but will go and see Ashmole as a back up. By the way did you put all six choices down. It's

Youngest has just started Walker and am very happy so far. New head is approachable and experienced.

We're really pleased with Walker too. The children all seemed to settle in quickly and are making quite fast progress with literacy. For homework this half term, they've to practice writing several different letters, and each week they're being given new reading books and new words in their own "tricky words book".

The school is friendly, I asked my son the other day whether a child in his class was his friend and he replied "we're all friends in our class"! Clau1980 put it very well about the head having presence but also being very hands on and approachable. The school has a lovely feel - children and parents quickly feel part of a friendly and active community. There's lots going on in terms of after school activities, as well as curriculum enrichment and parents also meet up.
The facilities for reception (playground and inside equipment) are also being updated.
So, yes, we think Walker is a lovely school.

Hi any info on how the first year went from current parents. Any info on the planning application to build the new school?

Thanks Richard

Hi Richard, the first year just started, in Sept 2016!! It has been great so far. We are really pleased with our choice.

The teachers and the support staff are brilliant. Everyone pitches in! I think my DS who didn't go to a nursery has progressed in leaps and bounds in the 3 short months at school. Learning to read/write/count and very enthusiastic about it.

The children put on a wonderful Christmas show. Given the lack of building and facilities they get to use the resources at the senior school which is good.

Various clubs have started. They are learning Spanish (taught by Senior school staff).

Cons : the building will not be ready this year and might take longer. Not entirely sure what they will do for the Sept 2017 intake.

Hope this helps.
Lost

Sorry confused now Lost are you talking about Walkers or Ashmole?

sexymuthafunker, i think Lost is talking about Ashmole. I have been reading the thread and I know that he accepted Ashmole

Can I ask here what people did for this 2017 admissions please?
We have been accepted by Ashmole (by text, no letter though, so I'm a bit worried), and Ashmole has been our first choice. Now I start regretting for not putting Walker down. I guess too late for us.

Did anyone end up sending their child to Ashmole Primary. We may be moving g to Southgate so interested in opinions

Hello yes talking about Ashmole Primary. It is a lovely school .

Thanks.

Does anyone have news about the new buildings planned at Walker? Do you know where the children will be moved? will it be very disruptive?
any thoughts would be really appreciated

Hı ı m New my son ıs 154 on waıtıng lıst for ashmole because of dıstance 1.2mıle but we have moved the house whıch ıs 0.583 whıch ıs ın catchment area for ashmole they went 0.635 thıs year does anythıng thınk he has chance to get offer from ashmole before september thank u

Hello Gemm1

Have you informed the council that you have moved closer?

Good luck.