Hackney Schools: Mossbourne Academy vs Stoke Newington

[thatdad2]

Dear all,

I know it's a dilemma that has been broached upon before in these pages. My DD may have the choice between joining Mossbourne Academy and Stoke Newington High School--both very good schools.
Mossbourne clearly has achieved the highest result so would the obvious choice.
So I was wondering if any parent could share their direct experience of the school--both in terms of teaching and relations between the pupils?
If the school is so successful, it must be for a reason.
In advance, many thanks.

I know mossbourne is not for everyone but I really do think it is a really good school. My dd and Ds both go there and are really happy and enjoying themselves. My Ds went to stoke Newington but was badly bullied so it was not the right school. My dd had the choice of going to Clapton girls, stoke Newington or wherever but she insisted on mossbourne. She has loads of friends and most of the teachers are really supportive. 'With the exception of mr toothe'
She really enjoys the lessons and doesn't find it too strict, the only problem we have encountered is the test week. Very high pressure on year 7 students.

Apart from that mossbourne is not all the strict snobby school it is made up to be

I would choose Stoke Newington - but I can't see how you can realistically be in the catchment for both. Or maybe I can.

I am not sure you should be referencing individual teachers, whether for positive or negative comment.

You can easily be in the catchment for both Mossbourne's outer circle (by ballot, as is the inner circle) and SN. I have heard that SN settles into cliques and can be racially quite divided - does anyone have any more thoughts on that? I've heard nothing but good reports from Mossbourne kids but that may well be a self-selecting bunch who are happy with the very firm structure.