Primary school in Haringey

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Hi. We’ll be applying for a reception place in January, to start in September 2020. We plan to move to the ladder but are unlikely to have it done by mid-January, so will be using current address. We live a few miles further north.

So we need to be sensible in our choices. Maybe two schools with usually small catchment areas (just in case we get lucky) and the rest schools where we have a good chance of getting in from a few miles away.

I’ve spoken to the Haringey education team who tell me that there were quite a few schools this year where everyone got in, regardless of where they applied from. They include various religious schools (not our preference), and others including Noel Park and Lordship Lane.

Any suggestions for schools to visit or consider? Our daughter is confident, chatty and happy. She likes learning and is pretty resilient.

The only other thing is that we’ll only be in the uk for three years (possibly two). So our focus is on the early years.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!

All of the schools in Haringey are rated as either 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted, so that's good news!

And it is indeed true that there were quite a number of undersubscribed schools for reception intake last year, primarily in the east of the borough.

www.haringey.gov.uk/sites/haringeygovuk/files/primary_admissions_booklet.pdf

In reception, it's really worth being as close as possible to school - public transport or driving makes the whole thing so much more stressful.

Have a look at the Haringey primary school admissions booklet, which gives you cut of distance for last place offered for each school - this will give you an idea of which ones are likely not to be oversubscribed.

Thanks so much for the reply. I’m definitely hoping to walk (or cycle) my daughter to school. I work from home so have some flexibility.

I’ve checked out the cut off distances. There seems to be a divide between school with small ‘catchments’, and those that take anyone who applies. I guess I’m looking for some personal experiences of parents on any of those schools, especially those in the latter category. Are they big, are people out off applying by an unfair reputation (or perhaps that reputation is deserved?).

I’m not that interested in OFSTED, so individuals experiences would be great. Thanks again.

Having had two children go through a primary school in the east of the borough (the poorer, much less desirable part), I can honestly say that the main perception of what makes a 'good' school for many parents depends on the demographic of the intake.

The popular schools tend to have a higher intake of middle class children - doesn't mean that they're necessarily 'better' schools, but definitely seen as more desirable.

My children went to a demographically mixed school - seen by my middle class friends as highly undesirable - but they were both very happy and did very well. These mixed schools are often particularly strong in reception and KS1 as they take in and adjust for the needs of so many different children.

I think the open mornings are happening this term. If you can choose a few and get to actually see them, you'll be in a much stronger position to make a choice. The ladder schools usually have very small catchments, although if/when you have an address in Haringey your child will be nearer the top of the list. Ditto Chestnuts, Western Park and Belmont. Not sure about Stroud Green or West Green, and as you say those slightly further afield Noel Park, Lordship Lane, Alexandra usually admit from a wide distance.

Best of luck.

Thanks, that’s reassuring to hear.

I don't know much about Haringey primaries. However, there is a lot of movement in schools in inner London so stay on the waiting list for your preferred schools if allocated school isn't ideal. Two kids left the class my DD was in by Christmas in reception plus more in rest of the year and Y1. This was at a very popular school in a neighbouring borough.