Lawnswood school, Leeds. Advice pls!!

[Acorncat1]

Hi guys
Just wanted to get some feedback. We're currently in Ireland but moving to Leeds soon.
I sent in my offer application and heard back today that we got Lawnswood, which was on our list. I'm wondering if anyone has any feedback on this school?
We'd put Horsforth first as we are hoping to live in that area but didn't get a place. I wonder when we move if we're in LS18 could we get a place?
Argh, so hard to sort this out from so far!!
TIA

Bump

I've heard that Lawnswood is ok. Horsforth is usually very oversubscribed and will have a waiting list. Even if you move to LS18 there's no guarantee you'll get a place.

Thanks so much. When you say OK, how do you reckon is compares to horsforth or abbey grange, given that they're all ofsted good? Thanks!

I don't have children at any of them but know people who do. All the parents seem equally happy with all the schools. The least happy child was the one at Horsforth. However, I know genuinely lovely children who have gone to all three you mention. They are all Ofsted good and I wouldn't worry if I was you.

I think the differences are primarily demographics. I know people who've gone to Lawnswood and achieved very well (Russell Group unis etc). Reputation is not as good as Abbey Grange or Horsforth, and the results aren't brilliant (just below average for Leeds schools, whereas the other two are amongst the best performing).

If I was moving to Horsforth I would probably apply to move to Horsforth if possible, but it could well be tricky. I'm not sure what they base the waiting list on - i.e. whether you go higher up the queue if you have moved locally, or if it's first come first served. It is likely that there will be people either moving away or deciding to send their kids private, so you may have a chance, I just don't know how much of a chance.

Yes, thanks for that. We are going to go on the wait list for those two schools. I've gotten fairly positive feedback re Lawnswood too though.
I suppose I could ask LEA what they base their waiting list on, I read that it wasn't first come first served though.

Sounds like a good plan. I agree that demographics play a part here - and is probably why recent results aren’t brilliant. But there is such a big change in catchment areas that the intake will be different and therefore school is probably very different to the school 5 years ago. If that makes sense!

The waiting list order will be the same order as admissions and distance related, so if you move close to the school within LS18 you should be quite high up the waiting list.

Good luvk

Are you Catholic?

Lots of North Leeds children go to St John Fishers in Harrogate- an easy train journey from Horsforth and SJF is next to Hornbeam Park station. Complicated admission criteria but some in year churn.

My daughter adores Lawnswood and has amazing friends. Not sure I would consider sending children all the way to Harrogate. Part of the appeal of Headingley is having somewhere safe and fun to hang out after school. Lawnswood 6th form is one of the best in the country especially for maths. Visit the schools first - it's the only way to know. My daughter visited several and we knew immediately that Lawnswood was right for us. She's never been happier in school and we've moved a lot. Carr Manor Community is also great and offers coaching and mentoring groups that mixes year groups - it's very inclusive and nurturing. Good luck!

Follow lawnswood on Twitter - they're doing brilliant things right now for students at home