Acland Burghley, North Bridge School, other N London secondaries?

[USUK]

We are looking at moving to London from overseas, and I'm looking at possible schools, state and private, for DS, who will be entering year 9 in Sept 2018. I would welcome hearing from parents about recent experiences with Acland Burghley & with North Bridge House, Hampstead and/or Canonbury sites. What are academics like at either of these schools? How would you characterize school culture? I would also welcome suggestions of any other schools in North London we should be looking into for possible entry in Year 9 (understanding that this is not a typical entry year, in state system especially, which is why we are also looking at private). Thank you in advance.

Central foundation is a good school for boys. I've just recently looked at most of the available secondary schools due to my son starting this September and central foundation was far the best. It's near canonbury too.

My friend pulled her dd out of Acland Burghley and put her in a girls school so I can't say I've heard great things about it. But I can find out more if you want me to.

Thanks for the response. What did you like about Central Foundation?

The children were calm, honest, engaging and enthusiastic about their learning. My husband went there years ago (left in 1998) and lots of the teachers are still working there, which is a refreshing change from my daughters school which haven’t had a teacher stay for more than one term.

The gcse results are good too and the views from parents who have older children there are very positive.

It’s a strict school but my son will need it. We find out at the beginning of March if he got a place and I have to say we will be gutted if he doesn’t.

Thanks, it does look good (and probably very hard to get into at year 9). Good luck for your son!

We are very happy with NBH Hampstead. It's got good premises and facilities, great location and is a happy school. It isn't top of the pile in status or results because it is genuinely mixed ability. Many students do very well but all do well enough iyswim. They also offer some subjects which many other schools do not, e.g. Photography which DD (14) is doing for GCSE and RE is not compulsory as in many schools. We also like it being co-ed and there don't seem to be issues with competitiveness or bullying, pastoral care is excellent.

We are really happy with Acland Burghley.

DS started William Ellis this year and he loves it and we have been impressed with the breadth of experience he has already had via trips, classes and engaging in extra curricular activities. He is very studious and moans about boys messing about but having offered to put him on waiting lists at Acland Burghley (where his close friends - also happy) go he said no and wants to stay at Ellis. It's definitely worth consideration I think.

Thanks. Cheesecake53, I would love to hear more about Acland Burghley and what you like about it--what is the school culture like? Are you happy with the teaching? Thanks for any further information.

and thanks too MercedesDeMonteChristo for the suggestion about William Ellis.

William Ellis has a good reputation. I have a friend whose DS moved there after a disastrous start elsewhere (not AB) and they are very happy. It has just been given planning permission for what sounds like some fairly extensive improvements.

Oh, an AB parent, tell us all Cheesecake!

Just to counter the move from AB. I know of a few people who have moved their child to AB.

There was an ex North Bridge House pupil showing parents around at this years AB open days.

And there is the UCL Academy depending on where you live. Mixed reports though

Want to know more about AB and WE too. Looking for next year.

AB has a very friendly and arty vibe and offers a rich curriculum. I am impressed with the pastoral care and with how apprachable the teacher and heads are.

There are lots of after school clubs and my ds loves the school to bits. In my son's from several children joined from other schools during the year (from WE and CSG).

I am very happy with the teaching and feel my ds is pushed enough but not so hard that he is frustrated - the school uses 'show my homework'. Let me know if you want to know anything else! :)

I thought the building work at William Ellis and Parliament Hill was being scaled back due to lack of available funds? But I can't remember where I read that, maybe the Camden New Journal?

There is Haverstock School too.

I read that too. I think a couple of weeks ago the story was that the building works were on hold. Last week I saw a report that things have been agreed and a version of the work is going ahead.

Thanks Cheesecake for the further info on AB, that is great to hear.

My pleasure, USUK.

Yes thank you cheesecake, almost exactly what I've heard from other parents with children at AB.

Thanks too Davros, I should look up exactly what's happening with the building work.

USUK Y9 is the year before schools traditionally start the two year GCSE exam syllabus. I've heard some schools start in Y9 though. All fine if your child starts in September of year 9 but may be an issue if you arrive later?