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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Islington secondaries

31 replies

Wonderberry · 04/03/2022 15:17

I'm curious about word on the street regarding the Islington secondaries. Apart from SMMA, where do middle class parents, send their children?

Highbury Fields seems lovely, but I'm also perturbed by the bad reviews I found online. I'm surprised its not more popular given its excellent value added and outstanding Ofsted.

Opinions very welcome, via pm if you prefer.

OP posts:
1slingtonmum · 07/11/2022 12:11

I can't comment on SMMA, but we have been very happy with Highbury fields. The school has high behavioural expectations, and the rules reflect this, but I do not find it overly strict. I would describe it as 'firm but fair'.

My child couldn't cope in an environment with poor behaviour, and really appreciates the good behaviour and clear expectations at Highbury fields. Personally, I also believe good behaviour is key to foster a good learning environment.

IsThePopeCatholic · 07/11/2022 12:48

My friends’ daughter is at Highbury Grove. She’s very musical and bright, and is doing very well - lots of extra-curricular activities and clubs. I think she’s one of those children who would do well anywhere, but she is certainly thriving.

SameBoat2022 · 07/11/2022 16:07

1slingtonmum · 07/11/2022 12:11

I can't comment on SMMA, but we have been very happy with Highbury fields. The school has high behavioural expectations, and the rules reflect this, but I do not find it overly strict. I would describe it as 'firm but fair'.

My child couldn't cope in an environment with poor behaviour, and really appreciates the good behaviour and clear expectations at Highbury fields. Personally, I also believe good behaviour is key to foster a good learning environment.

Thanks. We tend to prefer coed but I hear similar great feedback on HF... are extracurriculars good as well? Best of luck!

1slingtonmum · 08/11/2022 02:35

Yes they have a good selection of after school clubs, and children are really encouraged to join them. It is a relatively small school, so may not have as many as a much bigger school like SMMA, but there are enough clubs for the number of pupils.

YULIAZ · 09/12/2022 11:32

Hi, Is it possible to find out more about the SEN department at SMMA? I am currently looking for a school for my son(year 7) urgently. He has ADHD and learning difficulties. Is support for students with SEN well organized? What can you say about SENCO? I would be very grateful for the answer?

Overthinker73 · 14/05/2023 23:26

This is my first post and not sure who reads this but I could really relate to your post as I have a year 6 boy who I d rather have gone to a mixed school so put SMMA first but he did not score highly enough on their test. He s going to CFBS and I think we are really lucky -( we could afford private for him but not our daughter and wanted parity) . If your son or anyone else is going and you felt meeting my son pre September would be useful let me know as only one other boy from his class got in .

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