I am a Dunraven parent., and we are very pleased with the school.
Firstly it is largely a happy school. By and large the kids all behave well in the neighbourhood and seem proud of their school.
DC says there is no real bullying, and when there is trouble it is taken seriously and dealt with instantly. I know the parent of a child who experienced a spell of bullying and that parent praises the school for the quick effective action they took. But after 3 years DC can't think of any bullying known about first hand.
The teaching seems good and the curriculum well organised. Some teachers are nothing short of inspirational and most are OK.
They work at the discipline, not overly harsh but they are 'on it' the whole time. I feel as if the school likes teenagers, if that makes sense.
DC has had some great opportunities, the school is involved in lots of good partnerships, visits to Imperial College to spend a day in the labs, the Carnegie reading thing, dance festivals, and the music is amazing! The twice yearly concerts are of an astounding quality. They can learn an instrument in individual lessons,, very inexpensive, and then are required to join one of the very many ensembles. They also take part at a high level in street dance competitions and did an ambitious drama production last year.
The fair banding system reflects 'fair attention' too - they cater very well for kids doing BTecs and non-GCSE subjects, the inclusion department is brilliant, and the last few years they have been launching kids to Oxbridge.
When I see arguments raging on MN about good comps I always think Dunraven is an excellent example.
Do you live in 'catchment'? It varies band by band, with 1:1 being the widest.