Harpenden primaries/transition to secondaries

[HoppityWood]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to Mumsnet (to posting at least!) but I would be really grateful if anyone familiar with schools in the Harpenden area could offer any insights…

We are doing some research into a potential move into the area within the next couple of years. That would mean my two children (both boys) would finish primary school in Harpenden and then move on to one of the state secondaries (Roundwood or SJL). I’ve been looking at primary vacancies in Harpenden and it looks like we might struggle to get them both into a good primary - or at least the same one!

So our options would potentially be: 1. Send to a village primary with spaces (e.g. Wheathampstead, Kimpton, Markyate), or 2. Send them private for the last few years of primary (e.g. Aldwickbury). In both cases, I’d be worried that none of the children they finish primary with would end up going to the same secondary school, and they would have to start making new friends all over again!

Can anyone offer any insights into this? Do children from any of the village primaries end up at Harpenden secondaries? Is it common for boys to leave Aldwickbury after Year 6 and go to a Harpenden state secondary? Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance 😊

I think the primaries you mention will feed into Katherine Warrington mostly? But I guess your kids will have local friends to meet up with outside of school, so will still benefit from going to a local school?

Thank you @Newgirls. I don’t know much about Katherine Warrington, need to do some more research! But I’m sure you’re right, they would hopefully make friends in the area from both school and other activities we get involved in.

Markyate is in the priority area for Roundwood, but this September only about half the village got in to roundwood based on distance as it was a bulge year in the priority area. Flamstead would be a worth a look to. You’ve should check the admissions criteria though as most go on distance from home address to school for secondary admissions, not which primary they’re at automatically feeding into the secondary.

Thanks @Namechange13101 that’s really helpful info. I think Roundwood would be our top choice and we would look to buy a house in that part of Harpenden. Good to know that at least some families from Markyate go to Roundwood, sounds like there would be a chance of them having friends from primary that go to their secondary, in that instance! I like the look of St Helen’s in Wheathampstead too, though I’m guessing that doesn’t feed into Roundwood…

I went to Roundwood and lived in Redbourn. Redbourn has its own primary school.

Thanks @TeeNoG I’ll have a look 😊

Katherine Warrington is about four years old now and amazing building and grounds. Well worth a look if you move nearby.