Harris Academy Purley or Thomas More Catholic Purley

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DSD has a place at Thomas More for Sept, but wants to be put on Harris Purley waiting list now as she likes school. We visited both schools before application . Anyone with experiences of these two schools, re academic achievements, behaviour and pastoral care- good or bad ?

My DD has also been offered a place at Thomas More, but I'm not too familiar with the reputation. Anybody able to shed some light please?

Such knowledge as I have about TM is based on a friend's reports and what I've seen of both sets of kids at the bus stop - I know HP better.

I'd say TM is improving very fast academically and often outdoes HP on that score, but behaviour is still pretty dismal. Very committed new head though, so that often works wonders. HP works very hard with the kids, behaviour is generally excellent and results fairly respectable, especially when you consider what they were like as Haling Manor. I don't know anything at all about pastoral care at TM, but I'd say HP's was good.

Forgot to add that the changes in exam method that are coming in may impact one school more than the other, but I can't see how you'll know which one. Hope this helps a bit - you need some parents really, sorry, just didn't want to ignore it.

Thank you everhopeful. I think I may visit after school one day, so I can observe the behaviour.

TBH I reckon that's the only way really, Cute

I visited Thomas More today, and was pleasantly surprised by the manner of the students. I did not witness any rowdiness, or any inappropriate behaviour. Although the building is quite small, dated, and could do with a little TLC it I has beautiful grounds. There is a lovely mix of cultures, and the boys and girls do swimming and PE separately. I'm glad my DD has a place here. I hope the GCSE pass rates continue to rise, as they've made impressive progress thus far.

There's a similar thread to this on the local board too which might help: local.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_croydon/2019906-Thomas-more-or-Harris-academy-purley

Just bumping this thread for any more views on on harris purley? Thanks.