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Secondary education

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Leigh Academy Blackheath - reviews please

6 replies

Mariap1782 · 25/06/2021 18:59

My DS has just been offered a waiting list place. We have to decide between LAB and a local independent. Grateful for any views. Thanks

OP posts:
Toomanyminifigs · 26/06/2021 21:01

I know several families with DC at this school from YR9 through to YR7. As you know, it's a new school so has no exam results yet but it's run by an established academy chain so presumably knows what it's doing.
My Ds is YR6 and several DC in his class didn't get into LAB due to distance and their families are desperately waiting for a place to come up. It's becoming a well regarded school locally.
None of the parents with DC there have ever said anything negative to me about the school but it is a 'normal' comp and I don't think any state school would match up to a private school in terms of class sizes and facilities. It is obviously free though!

Mariap1782 · 28/06/2021 07:32

Thank you Toomanyminifigs, really helpful.

OP posts:
thismustbejazz · 30/06/2021 23:48

Hello,

I am not sure it can compete with private schools - if you have colfe's I would take Colfe's, same for Blackheath High. But it depends upon the money. Private costs will just keep going up. If you have a place I imagine you live close so a shorter distance for your child to travel is always a consideration.

Parents are pretty desperate for a place there, I do know that!

I too don't have children going but I know one child there really well and also know the parents. They seem happy and of their child's friends seem really lovely.

Other people I know more generally always seem happy enough with the school. Have heard that they have a lovely library!

The school seemed very clean when I visited and I seem to recall hearing good things about the head.

I don't know what you do about results!

I suppose it depends what you think. I don't think it can compete with Colfe's in terms of pastoral support and grounds.

What I would say is that other state options nearby are challenging, like John Roan. Greenwich should be better served with secondary schools.

Also if you do stay private make sure you decline when you really know -other people will be desperate for a place.

Good luck!

Bozzle · 01/07/2021 02:24

Can I ask when you did the banding test for LAB please? Is this the yr 7 entry in September? Im in the process of applying for yr 9 or at least trying to.

thismustbejazz · 03/07/2021 16:00

If you were going to start at LAB in year 7 commencing September 2021 you would have had needed to sit the banding test in 2020, from memory there were 2 test dates, one on a week day and one on a weekend.

The cynic in me says that this is just a way of selection, the most disorganised parents may not realise that this needs to be arranged, so if they just list the school in conjunction with the usual council deadline for school preferences, then they can miss out entirely.

The school website should detail the dates and times of the banding tests. Good Luck!

tigerbear · 16/09/2021 00:24

Any recent insights into LAB please? I’ve just attended an open evening there, and got a really good vibe. Now worried about whether DD would get a place or not (she’d be just out of catchment in a few of the bands)

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