Schools in Muswell Hill and preschool activities

[curlychloe]

We have to move, and have a 1 year old and in 6 months will have another one. As a result schools are playing a major part in our decision making about where to buy. Lots of people say very favourable things about Muswell Hill:

Is it true all the primary schools really good?

And can it be possible there are many pre-school activities you're at risk of over scheduling your children?

And Is Fortismere possible to get into once your kids get to secondary level?

Any answers would be most gratefully recieved.

C

Hi Curlychloe,

Yes, Muswell Hill is primary school nirvana! There are 4 state schools rated outstanding - Tetherdown (supposedly one of the best in the country), Coldfall, Rhodes Avenue and Muswell Hill Primary. Although, all achieve fantastic academic results their approach to education is varied. My impression is that Coldfall is highly structured and very academic whereas Muswell Hill Primary is much more liberal - very keen on a creative curriculum and allowing children to take ownership of their learning,etc. Tetherdown and Rhodes Avenue are probably closer to Coldfall in their approach, but not as structured. Coldfall is the only one of these 4 with a uniform. There is also a very good CofE state school (St James') and a Catholic state school (Our Lady of Muswell). Both require uniforms and regular church attendance prior to application. As you would expect, these highly rated schools are all over subscribed so it is important to live close to them to get in.

Whether you get into Fortismere depends on where you live in Musell Hill. I live .53miles from Fortismere and we are just within last year's catchment. From this year they will be taking 10% from outside the catchment based on musical aptitude, so it is highly unlikely my DS will get a place a few years from now.

However,there is another school in Muswell hill- Alexandra Park school- which has a much wider catchment (& hence more mixed intake)than Fortismere.Many of its children enter secondary school with below average attainment but achieve amazing results - it is in the top 20% for value added schools in the country. At the moment, kids from all over Haringey attend APS. However, it is expected the Muswell Hill contingent will dominate in a few years time as Fortismere's catchment shrinks and the new school in Wood Green opens. I know people can be fixated on Fortismere, but you may not like its ethos. The new(ish) head has alienated many parents in Muswell Hill who have chosen to send their child to APS in preference. Fortismere is very keen on setting in everything (even PE) from the beginning of year 7 and pushes its bright motivated students. I have heard that the not so bright or not so motivated can be ignored. APS, on the other hand, whilst highly structured, seems to value ALL its students regardless of ability. Parents of children who go there - including the aspirational middle classes who were hoping to get Fortismere - rave about its warmth and pastoral care. Academically, their children are flourishing and have a lovely circle of friends. To get a flavour of the two schools, have a look at their websites.

Phew, as for pre-school activities - yes, there are endless structured activities, loads of green space (WITH cafes!)for messing about in. My children are school age now and I find that we still have to pick and choose to avoid wearing them out.

Hope this helps!

I would really recommend Muswell Hill. After school and pre-school clubs such as LAGAD for gymnastics, Mini Mozart and Rugbytots are all amazing. Well worth the move. Lovely, green and friendly.

Maida98 mentions green ...well it is quite leafy but there is also Highgate Wood, which has a lovely childrens' playground, and a good cafe. And acres of forest with winding paths. It is well maintained by the City of London. Beside Highgate Wood across the road, is the Queen's Wood, which is looked after by Haringey, who dont maintain it much which gives it an overgrown, wild character which is rather fun too. So more acres.

Muswell hill also has a Cinema.