Moving to Kingston upon Thames, info on Kingston Academy

[CloLu]

Hi All,
We are relocating our family from north London to Kingston upon Thames, finding a house has been really difficult and a long process.
We should be able to move by the end of August. I have two kids AP 10 years old and VP 8 years old. In October I will have to apply for secondary school for my oldest and I realised I will be in the catchment area for only one school, The Kingston Academy.
Does anyone have their children there and could share any thoughts about the school?
Also do you know of any primary school in the area with available spaces?
Many thanks.

Don't have kids there myself but TKA is supposed to be very good. We have family and friends in the area. It has become very popular and the catchment has shrunk, so if you're close to the school you're lucky.
Primary schools are good too. I know people who have been very happy with Latchmere, Alexandra and St Paul's.

Tka is next to Fern Hill primary so it could be you're in the catchment for that. It's very well regarded but pretty huge. So is Latchmere. Alexandra school has a tiny catchment area so unless you will be living very close to it, it's unlikely to be an option. My kids are still primary but people I know with kids at TKA are happy with it. Those with very academic kids throw everything at tutoring to get into Tiffins though.

Thank you for your messages.
My son is not very academic, he is very creative and artistic. I hope TKA could be a good option for him.
I was checking the primary schools and I saw few not oversubscribed that maybe could have places for year 6 and 4 next year. One of these is St Agatha’s Catholic, it is only two forms so not to big. Do you know the school? Is there any special reason for not been oversubscribed like the others schools in the area?

No reason I'm aware of, I know people with children there who seem happy with it. I have heard there is a fairly large Polish contingent who keep to themselves and speak Polish to each other within school (perfectly understandably!) as a friend commented that it was awkward for her daughter making friends, but it wasn't enough of an issue to move school. My guess would be that latchmere and fern hill get better ofsted reports?