Experiences of Ark Franklin or Kingsgate for primary school in NW6/ NW10?

[shubz0115]

Hello, I'm new to London and trying to wade through the complexities of schools here. I have a 2.5 year old, and will be looking to start primary school in Sept 2027. Looking to move to NW6 or NW10 in the coming months, and wondering if anyone has experience with Ark Franklin or Kingsgate? We're keen on having strong academics and as little of persistent absences in the school as possible. Any other state schools you would recommend in the area? We're not religious. Thank you!

Both are like chalk and cheese although Kingsgate fits the description you are looking for! I would recommend going to visit both on an open day during school hours to get an idea of behaviour.

I don't know anything about Kingsgate but Ark Franklin is very popular and oversubscribed each year (i think you have to be less than a km to get in) that said we are further and got an offer at the start of term from the waiting list last year and i know plenty of parents who are happy with it - had we not been happy with our other choice i would have accepted. It's known to be quite strict and academic, and gets excellent results - it starts earlier than most schools (gates open at 8.20) and has the support of the whole Ark Academy - worth reading up about and going to visit to get a feel. They do a lot of extra curriculars too.

That area has quite a few great schools, other popular ones are Salusbury, Princess Frederica (church or need to be very close) and Malorees.

Thank you for! Can you share in what way they're different? From what I can get from reading about Kingsgate - it's got the high academics but it's more diverse socio-economically than most schools? (Which in of itself is a good thing, but curious if it leads to any issues)? I'm going to visit on Friday.

Thank you so much for sharing! Yes - seems that Ark Franklin will be super tough to get in from a distance perspective. We're considering a house on the Kilburn side of Queen's Park (which most likely will not be close enough to Ark, but will be close to Kingsgate and Salusbury) and another one on the West side of QP, which will be closer to Ark and Frederica. So trying to see which one we should go for!! Such a difficult decision at such an early age when you don't know too much :(!!

It may be hard to get into but the waiting list does move (which is why we got an offer) - but hard to predict as changes year on year. I recommend visiting Ark, Salusbury and Malorees - all are great schools with happy kids, so plenty of options whichever house you go for.