St James’s primary school, Muswell Hill

[Schoolschool7]

Anyone got any experience with this school? Is this the sort of Church of England school where you have to attend church to get a place? Do they emphasise religion quite heavily in the curriculum?

It’s the closest school to a house we’re looking at, and we’re not religious at all. So am interested to know!

@Pl242, I agree. It felt like a really homely school. I think they do one year one form and then next year 2 form. Or something like that. Might also depend on the number of applications. Last year they couldn't fill in all the seats in one form. Mostly because I think people don't know that they are open to non church going people as well and also because there are so many school options close by.

Does anyone know if schools will be doing tours this coming term? I’m guessing not, but would be good to see!

I like the idea of a homely, one-form entry school a lot!

Good question. I don’t know. Think it’s going to be tricky for schools and a lot will depend on rules and how the situation develops. Most of them run tours in the second half of the autumn term ie between half term and Christmas and some go into January too. Though it may all be different this year. Will you be applying for reception 2021? Maybe call the schools once they’re settled back in and see what’s what. The local authority, in this case Haringey, will publish an overall guide to the admissions process. Usually in October but again, things could all be quite different this year. They should have some sort of info on their website in September or October though. Finally and I’m not sure how old your child is so this may or may not be true any, but are you aware of the St James preschool? It’s not at the site of the school but on muswell hill Broadway. I’m unfamiliar with process and timescale for admissions etc but it has a strong reputation locally. Finally, something else I’ve just remembered! This was a few years ago now, but remember my BIL saying that St. James’s didn’t have wraparound care on site. The kids were welcome at the one at tetherdown school. But something to think about if you’re working parents needing that and trying to factor in commutes etc. Again, may well have changed but wraparound care definitely an important thing to check with all schools you are considering if you need that or might do in the future. Good luck!

I don't have kids so may be talking out of my arse here (usually do) but what about Muswell Hill Primary? (Top of Muswell Hill near the roundabout where the buses stop.) Would that be in your catchment area? I have no idea what it's like but am aware parents pay a premium to get into schools in MH, Fortismere is a popular secondary school, and assume Muswell Hill Primary is similarly popular.

muswellhillprimary.co.uk/

@NoRegretsCoyote

The non-religious schools discussed here do not have daily christian worship.

Bosco I don't think this has been true, at least in practice, across England, for a number of years.

@Boscoismyspiritanimal is correct. All schools should have "daily worship of a broadly Christian character." This is usually through assemblies. However, the Christian element is likely to be a minor part in most schools and a major part in a faith school. A faith school will also allocate significantly more time to RE teaching than other schools.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/collective-worship-in-schools

solidaritea But in practice it is different. Across England, it is a long-contentious issue - cases before the courts, campaigns for reform etc - and acknowledged that a large % of schools are non-compliant with the legal requirement.