Tell me about any genuinely special primaries in north london? (State our private)

[Loopyloopy1]

Looking to move, have a DC in year 1. He’s at an outstanding primary school, but I don’t love the feel of it. (So I no longer think a school has to be outstanding to be wonderful.)

Want to stay in north london, so curious to know what schools you all think of as really wonderful places in north london?

I’m looking for a school that puts pupil happiness first, and where there is lots of outdoor play.

(Of course, our move won’t be entirely led by school, but finding a brill one is a start!)

Do check highate primary school. It's a state school. Our child doesn't go there but I have heard really great things about the school from a lot of parents. They describe it as a really special school with a lot of emphasis on the child's well being. They also have forest school. They have a video online which takes you through the school, which is great to get a peek into their classrooms etc. They also do regular tours so highly recommend calling them and arranging a tour.
www.highgateprimaryschool.co.uk/

Thanks Quacky! Will definitely check that one out and book a tour! Lovely area, too.

Agree with Highgate Primary. Also St Josephs Highgate - you don’t necessarily have to be catholic, especially for in-year entry. It does have an Outstanding ofsted, but it’s not the fashionable choice, and all the better for it.

Coleridge in Crouch End. Though you need to live almost in the playground to get a place.

Thank you for these! Is St Joseph’s very catholic on the scale? (I’m not!)

I have heard of Coleridge, and only good things. So will check it out!

(My search is from Hackney in the east of North London, probably to about Highgate, Muswell hill, Crouch End, Ally Pally, Hampstead (though Hampstead itself is too pricey), and as far south as Islington, Camden, Kentish Town - so any suggestions in that huge area would be amazing!)

You might be better concentrating your efforts on schools that have places. Really no point focussing on a fantastic school that if full with a waiting list dozens long.

A good point, hersetta, but we don’t know where to narrow down in terms of part of north london yet, so would like to tour a bunch of lovely schools and find out if they’re possible before I do!

I live in south Islington. In terms of state schools, the buzz is currently around Hugh Myddleton, which has a Forest School programme.

With private schools, people speak very well of Dallington, but it doesn’t have outside space I think. There’s also Rosemary Works, on the Islington/Hackney border, though it may be too far east for you.

In the Dartmouth Park area of Camden and Brookfield Primary, does Forest School/Outdoor Learning.

These sound great! Thank you - I have heard of the Dallington before and have wanted to check it out.

Islington / Hackney border is not too far - we’re including bits of Hackney in our search.

Will book into see these schools!

Rosemary Works School is really lovely.

Friends (several over the years) rave about Eleanor Palmer in Kentish Town. Tiny catchment area, though.

We’re at Shoreditch Park, they have a very good therapeutic behaviour policy.

The pre-school was good, transition into reception is good and his anxieties have been managed very well by school staff.

I recommend St Peters! My 3 kids went there, one is still there. Its a genuinely happy and relaxed place, and they are doing really well. Have a look and make an appointment to go and see it!