Secondary Schools Barnet area - guidance needed!

[Waney]

So we're thinking of moving houses with secondary school in mind for our DS. Want to stay in north London and considering as non-selective Wren Academy, East Barnet and Ashmole Academy. Can't really get into catchment of any two schools though (possibly East Barnet and Ashmole but then risk also being in a bit of a black hole too if the catchments get smaller for those schools). So:

1. any experience or knowledge of those schools as to which to prioritise?
2. Quite like Barnet as an area to move to but what are best areas close-ish to East Barnet School or areas to avoid?
3. Is Ashmole/New Southgate area ok for getting into London for work?

Thanks peeps for any guidance you may be able to give!

Of these, the Wren is the hardest to get into due to its religious ethos and criteria - there are few distance places. It is pretty strict too (no bad thing!). I know a few kids at Wren and East Barnet and parents are happy and kids do well.

I don't know Ashmole at all so can't comment.

Largely Barnet schools are good - Football, QE Girls are other non-selective comps if your DC are girls.

Football? That was Copthall before auto-correct decided to be helpful.

Thanks for your input. So basically Wren is a no go unless you are religious? Mines a DS and QE girls equivalent is uber competitive although will have a go! I wasn't aware of Copthall - I'll have a look. But I assume catchment areas for East Barnet and Copthall don't cross?

Sorry - QE Girls and Copthall are both girls only!

Have you considered Mill Hill County? There are 20-odd selective places and the rest distance and siblings. It's a great all round school.

None of these catchment cross over.

Southgate and East Barnet may cross but I am not sure.

Thanks FanDabFloozy

Ashmole Academy is extremely academic - they tend to let the less academic kids fall through the net. For example - last academic year, Barnet College had 350 kids with SEN on their books in equivalent to Years 12/13. Ashmole had one.

Thanks for that heads up