Honest opinions on Harris Girls Academy Bromley

[Maxsax100]

We currently live in South Norwood and as DD is in Year 4 we're starting to think about good secondaries. A girls school would suit her personality best but our options are limited where we live.
We're not Catholic so Coloma is out and we are 3 miles from Sydenham Girls and Norbury Manor is two bus rides away.
We are thinking about Bromley Harris but can see mixed reviews of the old Cator Park school. What is it really like now? Open days are one thing but I'd appreciate honest opinions on the school in the last four years.
We'd have to sell up and move to be closer. Do you need to be on the door step to get in? Could she miss out on a place even if she was close because of the banding test? How close is realistic? No point moving if unlikely to get in.
Where are the nicer roads around there and where should we avoid? We have friends who live near Copers Cope Road which is lovely.
As a PS, DD needs a supportive school as she is more on the creative side and enjoys science ... but not maths.
Sorry lots of questions so any advice welcome.

Hi, I’m also in South Norwood and my DD was offered a place at Harris Bromley, but turned it down as got first choice school (Kingsdale).

Because the schools sorts each admission band by distance, your DD has a good chance of getting a place even though you live in South Norwood because I don’t think it’s a school that is very oversubscribed- if at all... I think my house is 1.3 miles away from the school.

A new head took over the school the year before my DD would’ve joined - he was from SLT at Harris Crystal Palace, so maybe the old reputation of the school has been improved/is improving.

Although, after my DD being allocated the place, I had a look st the school’s rules which I found cane across as a bit draconian. Especially the uniform policy... it seemed as if they completely inflexible IMO.

Thanks Maz99. That's good to know. I wonder if things have moved on since then. Their website says from 2019/20 distance is just 1 mile and we are definitely outside that!
What did you feel when you visited the school? I have a friend who feels it is fantastic for her DD with the new science labs and arts block and it's outstanding status. But it would be good to hear opinions of those who have visited or live locally.

When I visited, the new building was still being built... and it was definitely needed...! The old school building reminded me of when I was at school...!

I felt that the new head was going to be making changes - he had only been there a few months when I joined.

Maybe you might be able to find out furthest distance offered on Bromley council’s website - because I know I was able to find out Langley Girl’s furthest distance on there.

You still have a good chance of your DD getting in, because it depends which hand she ends up in and how far others in that band are.

The Bromley council website should have the booklet for the 2019 intake incl the distances for the last 3 years. That should give you an indication.

Would Eden Park be an option for you? I think they will move in 2019 to their permanent side, currently they share the Ravonsbourne site.

My DD just started Langley and I like it so far (she as well), we were positive surprised about their pastoral care approach, something DD will need. But distance is just 1.4 miles, so you need to check carefully

reluctantbrit, OP lives in South Norwood so Langley is definitely too far and most likely Eden Park too.

MAZ, yes but she said they are open to moving

We had a look at Harris Bromley on Friday.
I didn't particularly like it.... lots of policies.
For example 'we have all the doors open,it's policy'
We have an 'only one person is allowed to speak at once policy' etc!
There is no music teacher and the Principal said they only employ extraordinary teachers and they hadn't found that special someone for that role. This put me off a lot!
I felt it was a bit sterile.
However.....I have a few friends whose DD's go there and they really rate it. Also their results are good.
It will go on our list somewhere but not at the top.
It certainly has a good reputation compared to the old days.

Langley Girls is much better, so if you're prepared to move, go for their catchment area.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Really helpful.