Hackney Secondary Schools

[Ellajules10]

Just in midst of secondary applications and feeling a bit dis-heartened about choices. We live in Islington/Hackney border where there are much fewer choices than Hackney itself. Main ones would be Central Boys which I likes but DS really wants to go to co-ed. Also Hackney New School which I was interested in but now a bit concerned about. I think it may become good but feels extremely on hold until they complete the building work in a couple of years time. For the time being they have a rather basic set-up with a lack of facilities. The other options are Bridge and Haggerston, our favourite being Haggerston. We loved the building and facilities, although only concern was poor GCSE results which makes me wonder that they are not pushed enough or that the teaching isn't great? We are also going to apply to Mossbourne but chance in a million...

Check the detailed stats on the Dept of Ed website school profiles. I know someone with two very high achieving DC at Haggerston, who are doing v well and they are v happy with the school. The detailed stats tell you whether each respective ability group is being pushed to reach potential, whereas the overall results only tell you about the average of a whole year group and may reflect intake, not progress of pupils.

I wouldn't worry too much about buildings and building works - DS is at a school that has just finished a big building project and it hasn't had a bad effect, having been well managed. Does the building work ultimately mean better facilities for the Gcse years?

You should check the admissions criteria for Mossbourne - I have been told that there is some sort of lottery for admission but I don't know the ins and outs of it.

You can still get in to Mossbourne if you live within 2.3km of the school.

Mossbourne gets loads of kids in to Oxbridge, I have heard it's really good.

No, there doesn't seem to be a lottery system in place (although a friend told me there was). Their admissions criteria is on their website.
Not sure why you would think it is better than the other schools you mention. Smoke and mirrors and all that.

ThunderbumsMum, I have heard it is possible to get in even if you live further away

Here's hoping, laydeec

Thanks. We will definitely try mossbourne as we were impressed. They do work on a lottery system as opposed to distance from school gates so anyone up to the 2.3km has a chance.

Mossbourne's changed to lottery and they've changed it again for this year so it's hard to tell what your odds are. It's still weighted in favour of those who live close to the school. Think there's three bands, so inner, outer and outer still (or something!) More places go to kids in inner band than distant. Still worth a go though.

Intrigued about Hackney New School as that's close to us too, but have heard people say similar to you.

Have heard really, really good things about both Bridge and Haggerston though.