Hackney secondary schools…?

[ballast]

We're packing in schools visits for our yr6 DS. Just wondered if anyone has a take on Bridge, Haggerston or Hackney New? All worth a look, or run for the hills?!

I know someone with two dc at Haggerston who have had good experiences, so positive overall.

Thanks Gregor. I've heard good things about Haggerston too, but am curious why it isn't as popular as Bridge seems to be.

As a parent of a child in yr8 currently attending Hackney New School I would recommend it. Small school (25 children per class/ 4 classes per year group/ upto 100 intake per year group) long hrs, no homework. School home communication is excellent. Head along with staff very approachable. Tough love ethos runs through school. DD has settled very well after initially wanting to leave and attend Bridge (her other choice, many friends attended)

Hackney New School has an open morning today Friday 3rd October 9-11am by appointment but sure you can turn up.

Hi Ballast - we too are doing the round of Hackney secondaries - its hard work isn't it! We know people at Bridge who love it but for me the site was a bit too small and apparently due to this it feels quite chaotic during the day. Haggerston felt a bit underwhelming and to us a bit dreary inside but again we know lots of parents who really liked it. We saw Mossbourne the other evening but I can't really decide what to make of it as it is incredibly military and strict. Our neighbours son goes there and give it a 9 out 10 but his mum said the strictness has made him quite anxious. Our current favourite is Petchey followed by Highbury Grove but I seem to wake up every day with a new thought on it all....

Sorry to come in at this point.. Current year 7 now at urswick.. Thriving and did all rounds last year. Mossbourne our nearest but with new selection very hard to get in to.. Percy next local not on list lots of local bad press .. Liked haggerston, stoke mewing ton, city tiny catchment, good luck but to be honest choice in hackney is fab now!

Focus on - what was the bad press re Petchey. I don't know anyone with children there or anyone applying but I liked it when I looked around but would love to know the word on the street about it! Thanks

Hi in the main bullying and lack of action ... Know of 2 children transferred. Also on personal front ds experienced low level niggles from a girl in year 6 .. And I knew she would go to Petcy due to siblings.. Loads of choice mind you in hackney so filled up all 6 choices nicely!

Apologies, as I thought the thread had died and just spotted you had all posted! Sweet, thanks for info on Hackney New. I was impressed by the Head and by the teachers we met/ kids too.

Becks, I've heard others who are v.happy with Petchey so don't be put off if your instinct was positive. We're a bit too far away from that one so haven't looked. Highbury Grove I think had a dip in exam results last year and now a new Head too? I have a friend who's been a bit put off by those things, but again we're too far away so that's purely anecdotal.

As focus says there are lots of good choices in Hackney, so we're feeling lucky. We haven't looked at Urswick as again a bit too far away. I liked both Bridge/ Haggerston. Then there's Mossbourne, which is clearly impressive though not too sure it's v.us and obviously a lottery as to whether you'd get in anyway. Still it's a tough choice!

Thanks Ballast - we're nearly there on the viewings now - going to do Haggerston for one last time next week and then its decision time! How are your visits going - do you have a favourite?