Secondary school dilema : The Archer, JCoss, Ashmole Academy

Ilanite · 2021-07-10T06:14:41+00:00

Has anyone got experience and views on any of above schools. My son has an EHCP for dyslexia . Doesn’t need lots of support but a little helping hand . What is the pastoral care like in any of these schools? My son loves the Archer ( but it’s the only one he’s seen pre Covid) …. I’m a little concerned their results don’t seem as good as the other two schools. Any insight into any of these schools would be much appreciated.

NorthLondonNameChanging · 10/07/2021 12:11

DC1 is at Jcoss and we are very happy with it. DC2 will follow next year. The Head is fantastic, staff are enthusiastic and committed, school ethos is inclusive and emphasises responsibility and consideration for others. "Be a mensch" is very much at the heart of the school. DC does not have an ECHP though and you would need to speak to the school about their provision for ECHP kids (outside their specialist unit for kids with SEN).

I know families with kids at Archer and all seem happy with it, but again no ECHPs... you should really talk to the Sencos at each school to get a feel for their provision. Know nothing about Ashmole at all I'm afraid.

Original poster

Ilanite · 10/07/2021 12:25

Thankyou!
Yes I’ve tried contacting sencos … only Archer and Ashmole have arranged meeting. Jcoss refer me to their online open day and website which is a bit general. Makes it hard to make an informed decision but have heard once in they are good at supporting ehcp children.
Nice to hear your DC is happy there

OP posts:

justcheckingreally · 10/07/2021 12:47

Have you thought about Heartlands? If you're near Highgate station that would be excellent for an ehcp with dyslexia. Have a look at Barnet/Enfield/ Haringey secondary allocations and contact the schools with the highest EHCP acceptance. They will have the most money in the pot and hence best provision. Thats how we looked and are v v happy.

justcheckingreally · 10/07/2021 12:48

Sorry I meant Southgate station or any picadilly line or overground

kkneat · 10/07/2021 12:57

Pastoral care at Ashmole is poor and seems very little amount of enrichment activities. Very academically focused a lot of homework. Good SEND support and pastoral care at JCOSS. Haven’t had any recent involvement with Archer. I would really try to speak to some of the young people who attend these schools as parents can be biased or not want to admit their choice for their child wasn’t the right one. With a EHCP you will have a lot of choice. Sometimes the lower achieving schools are the ones that focus more on the pastoral/wellbeing of children.

NorthLondonNameChanging · 10/07/2021 15:40

That's a very good point @kkneat makes about speaking to kids - you really see in these boards how people like to boost their choice of school for their DC! Unless there's been a big falling-out of course...

At the risk of doing that myself, FWIW Jcoss was not our first choice (it's not very local), and we kept DC's name on the waiting list for the school we had placed above it on preferences. I've asked DC a couple of times if they would move school if a place came up (it hasn't), but they don't want to as are very happy and settled.

Swimmum1206 · 10/07/2021 19:52

DS is at JCoSS in Y10. We have been so happy with the school since day 1. We don't know too much about the SEND support, but I do know a few parents who specifically send their kids there for the support they would receive for dyslexia.

What I will say is that all of the teachers appear to know their students and their strengths and weaknesses and provide and ice and guidance based on it.

nancypineapple · 12/07/2021 16:19

For pastoral care the Compton school in Finchley and Totteridge Academy are top in this area.Where are you based op? Why have you chosen those 3 schools as they are in different areas? I know parents in both JCoss and Ashmole and have kids at Mill Hill County and the Wren. Happy to answer any questions x

nickyee · 15/07/2021 18:52

@nancypineapple Just wondering whether you might be able to tell me how Ashmole and Mill Hill County compare? And what their strengths and weaknesses are. Thanks!

sammyvine · 21/07/2021 23:26

@nancypineapple

For pastoral care the Compton school in Finchley and Totteridge Academy are top in this area.Where are you based op? Why have you chosen those 3 schools as they are in different areas? I know parents in both JCoss and Ashmole and have kids at Mill Hill County and the Wren. Happy to answer any questions x

I have heard Compton is a fantastic school and has been great for many years. Many people rave about the school.

How do you find Wren Academy. I have heard it is very strict and very rules based? Also do you know much about Archer Academy in East Finchley? I have heard it's one of the best schools in London apparently in terms of grades etc..

sammyvine · 21/07/2021 23:26

@NorthLondonNameChanging

DC1 is at Jcoss and we are very happy with it. DC2 will follow next year. The Head is fantastic, staff are enthusiastic and committed, school ethos is inclusive and emphasises responsibility and consideration for others. "Be a mensch" is very much at the heart of the school. DC does not have an ECHP though and you would need to speak to the school about their provision for ECHP kids (outside their specialist unit for kids with SEN).

I know families with kids at Archer and all seem happy with it, but again no ECHPs... you should really talk to the Sencos at each school to get a feel for their provision. Know nothing about Ashmole at all I'm afraid.

How good is Archer? We are thinking of moving to East Finchley so this could be a school my kids attend if we can get a place as I know the catchment is very very small/