Hi @ghislaine
We've just stared in Y7 so a bit early to say what sort of child would be happy there. Our son is pretty academic and sporty and is happy there.
He doesn't really like hanging with very loud / boisterous kids and has found quite a few kids on his level.
If you do go there, if you can I'd strongly advise doing some days in the summer camp. He met quite a few people there and it really helped him knowing some people when he started, and this of course leads you to meet friends of these people etc.
We also organised a local meet-up before term started and he met some people there which was also helpful. He's also made friends on the bus back.
The school is big, around 460 in Y7 this year I think. For some kids that might be overwhelming, for others a great opportunity to find kids with similar interests.
Music and art are reputed to be very good if your child is talented at those, and it has a good reputation if your child is academic.
Days are a bit longer than other schools I think, 8.40 to 3.40, and longer of course if doing clubs after school.
You can choose to do 2 languages in Y7 which for us was a big plus.
Most kids we know are happy there (ignoring complaints about homework etc), teachers seem nice and our child appears challenged which wasn't always the case in primary. I have heard of some kids who have struggled to make friends and are unhappy - it's still early of course but like all schools it won't suit everyone.
The admin was described to us before we joined as chaotic but they get there in the end which seems to be the case for most things. All classes seem to be fine, but some admin issues around the clubs. Suspect all will be fine with these from now on.
Personally we are very happy so far. Good luck, I know it's a really difficult decision with preferences for secondary.