JFS / JCOSS / Ashmole Academy

[LioraGori]

Dear Friends, I’m hoping for some ‘insider knowledge’ from you about JFS? Does anyone have children who attend this school?
If yes it would be super if you could give me your opinion on this school education achievements and extra curricular activities? Can anyone make a comparison between JFS and JCOSS schools?
We've just been offered a place at JFS but JCOSS is much closer: 70 min VS 40min.
JCOSS doesn't offer anything currently. The academic results for JFS are amazing for a comprehensive school, whereas Google reviews for JFS are low enough. How is the mental health system in JFS?
In addition the Ashmole academy is literally behind the corner. My daughter is tending to select a Jewish school rather than Ashmole. However 70min for commuting one way (even though it is only 1 school bus) seems to be too much.
Is it worth to be waiting for a place at JCOSS or JFS could be even better for my daughter?
Alternatively, should we insist on a place at the Ashmole Academy and save 2 hours everyday for something else? Currently they don't have any vacant places for our year but taking into account the distance to the school's gate I think it could be a question of couple months only.
We are in a real quandary about what to do. The DC is very able and motivated. I'm looking for her to be challenged academically but to be happy and motivated in a school with good discipline, where children are expected to work to the best of their abilities and are supported where they struggle. My daughter plays violin so music education and ability to apply her music skills is also important.
Any helpful advice or comments would certainly be welcome!

DS has just started Y10 at JCoSS and it is a fantastic school. Door to door, the journey is normally around 70 minutes. That's 20 minutes to get to the coach stop, then around 30/40 minutes on the coach depending on traffic. All of the kids seem to quickly get used to the commute and use it as part of their social life!

We didn't look at JFS mainly because of the journey, but also because it is such a huge school compared to JCoSS. DS is pretty quiet and we felt he would probably get lost in the crowd. Whereas at JCoSS all of the teachers seem to quickly get to know each child and there just seems to be something for everyone there.

When it comes to music, I'd say there isn't a massive amount of opportunity. DS plays the clarinet and joined the wind ensemble and jazz band from Y7. When we went to the first concerts we were hugely impressed with the standard. However, as the older students left, the standard seemed to drop to the point that DS became frustrated and last year quit the bands. He plays outside of school instead. However, all of the music teachers are incredibly enthusiastic.

TBH, if you've been offered a place at JFS, I'd take it. We know several children who go there and they are all really happy and have achieved amazing results. I know that places do come up at JCoSS, but it's probably not worth losing a place at JFS for!

If you are happy to go to Ashmole then I would. It's a very highly regarded school. The only additional feature at either Jcoss or JFS is that it's exclusively Jewish, and if you like Ashmole then it sounds as if that isn't a main consideration anyway.

Ashmole has good results and a great music dept - if your dd is into her extra curricular stuff then the shortest journey possible will make a huge difference, especially in cold, dark winter months when a long commute carrying heavy bags will be an utter nightmare.

Sticking my neck out here, I will also add that I don't agree with religious schools which only take kids from a single religion. It's hardly diverse, is it? Ashmole is very diverse and represents the mix of North london life. The religious schools do not.