Harris Academy in Battersea? What should I know?

[Masalamama]

A leaflet popped through my letterbox today. DD is a little way off but I am thrilled at the prospect of another secondary school is the neighbourhood. Can anyone tell me anything? Is this a good thing and should I keep an eye on it? Thanks tons

It could hardly be a bad thing.

The school, on Battersea Park Road, has had various names in the last decade or two and is usually a serious contender for worst in London. It did score as "most improved" one year though, when Performing Arts BTEC (?) could count in league tables, but it seems to have dropped back.

It would make a huge difference to the area if the school could be turned around.

The "worst school in London" sounds a bit harsh. It always attracted a fair contingent from North Lambeth, who considered it a better option than those closer to them. Though as they got off the 77 bus, motivated Battersea kids got on, making their way to schools towards the south of Wandsworth borough.

More fair to say that it was a school with a challenging catchment, but certainly at times it was a school which did well by the pupils it had. Our experience of the pupils we saw on the bus were that they were far more considerate and better behaved than those from the much more sought after Greycoats and Westminster City School.

There is scope for a turnaround. In so far as a school's achievement is constrained by the pupils they take in, improvements at Lilian Baylis and Pimlico will keep more kids in Central London, and hopefully the Harris brand and approach will persuade more Battersea kids to give their local school a go.

I am reading quite a lot of negativity about the chain academies approach on MN. BUT, a branded approach to education quite appeals and might pull in some of the families that might otherwise move? I am keeping an eye on this... Thanks!

Masala,

Harris are average schools at best, with inflated results.

I'm a teacher, so I can tell you that you're better off going for Emanuel or DC (for boys) or Sydenham (girls) in your area.

I'm not sure recommending for ate schools will help OP (especially as Sydenham is nowhere near Battersea Park Road).

I don't share the view the current pupil's are better behaved on buses than those in ther uniforms. Quite the opposite.

And I suspect that pupils travelling long distances to this school are doing so only because it is that London rarity; undersubscribed.

ate = private

Not true. A few years back both Lilian Baylis and Pimlico were pretty dire. Wandsworth had a well run education department and was better able to support its most troubled school. Lambeth does not have enough school places so a certain number will always have to commute.

We took the same bus as Battersea Park kids through the whole of Primary years. Some high spirits yes, but reasonable courtesy to other passengers. Pity if that has changed.

I think there is scope for a turnaround. If it happens it could, like with Pimlico, be quite quick. There will be plenty of children who would prefer not to commute or go private.