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Secondary education

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

Original poster

St John's Senior Private School (Enfield)

60 replies

AlmondMilkTea · 09/11/2022 22:30

Hello!
Would really appreciate some recent info on this school (old threads from 2017 noted). Considering future secondary options for my DS and state options are limited (and catchment options are quite bad) where we are and also this is the only private secondary option in the Enfield area that we're aware of.

Ofsted reviewed...interesting that it was requires improvement....now outstanding...

Anyone able to list pros/cons? Website info is quite limited and no advertised open days (I plan to email them and ask).

Thanks so much

OP posts:
Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 10:08

Anyone please 😊

OP posts:
Wallabyone · 10/11/2022 10:16

I'm surprised to hear it's outstanding!
I personally wouldn't choose it, but understand why you are considering it if you are in Enfield. Have you been to visit?

Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 10:47

Wallabyone · 10/11/2022 10:16

I'm surprised to hear it's outstanding!
I personally wouldn't choose it, but understand why you are considering it if you are in Enfield. Have you been to visit?

Hi thanks for your message.
Yes..outstanding ofsted in 2019...
Why wouldn't you consider it?
Haven't visited yet but keen to hear of other's experiences/thoughts as it would be a big financial sacrifice and really don't want to get it wrong! 😞

OP posts:
Sweetleftfood · 10/11/2022 11:30

Are you anywhere near Wren Enfield? could that be an option?

Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 11:44

Sweetleftfood · 10/11/2022 11:30

Are you anywhere near Wren Enfield? could that be an option?

Hi...Keeping a close eye on Wren Enfield...if it follows the success of Wren Finchley then it would certainly be our top choice but looking at the furthest distance data we prob won't meet catchment and I assume it will only get increasingly popular...worse case would have to move house to be closer...would mean a downsize or significantly higher mortgage....have couple years to plan but trying to plan ahead as options near us are quite bad. 😣.

Do you have experience with either school?

OP posts:
Soma · 10/11/2022 14:08

If you're near St John's then Mount House, Camlet Way in Hadley Wood is also a co-ed option.

waiting2022 · 10/11/2022 14:25

I think St Edmunds in Ware also runs a coach service from Enfield.

Sweetleftfood · 10/11/2022 16:37

We are in Finchley but not in Wren but it's got a very good rep around here, good luck!

ClannadSinger · 10/11/2022 16:45

I go in to all schools in Enfield in a professional capacity. You get a feel for the schools and the children seem happy at St John's. it has a nice feel to it. However, an observation, the teachers seem very strict and old school but if you don't mind that then not a problem.
Wren Enfield also has a lovely feeling and also quite strict teachers. Kids seem very happy there also.

Soma · 10/11/2022 17:05

Maybe @XelaM might be able to give you some insight into St John's.

Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 17:36

Soma · 10/11/2022 14:08

If you're near St John's then Mount House, Camlet Way in Hadley Wood is also a co-ed option.

Thanks @Soma
Will take a look. We're not actually near St John's. We live on other side of Enfield (more "deprived" side) where decent secondary options are limited and so not in catchment for some of the better state options which means we may need to go down the private route.. or move house. Not keen on moving house as would need extra £200k at least to get anything close to what we have at moment (size wise). Downsize would be tricky as have elderly parent with us.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 17:37

waiting2022 · 10/11/2022 14:25

I think St Edmunds in Ware also runs a coach service from Enfield.

Thanks.. will take a look

OP posts:
Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 17:39

Sweetleftfood · 10/11/2022 16:37

We are in Finchley but not in Wren but it's got a very good rep around here, good luck!

aww thank you! .Yes I've heard Wren Finchley is doing really well and has become very desirable for most. Have heard Wren Enfield is very strict which has been off-putting for some families but that's a positive in my view.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 17:42

ClannadSinger · 10/11/2022 16:45

I go in to all schools in Enfield in a professional capacity. You get a feel for the schools and the children seem happy at St John's. it has a nice feel to it. However, an observation, the teachers seem very strict and old school but if you don't mind that then not a problem.
Wren Enfield also has a lovely feeling and also quite strict teachers. Kids seem very happy there also.

Thanks @ClannadSinger
Of the two; which would you say had the best all around feel? Appreciate everyone looks for different things but quality of teaching/focus on academia/discipline/pastoral care etc?

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Cabbagesandcustard · 10/11/2022 17:59

My niece is in Year 9 at Wren Enfield. It's has just had its first Ofsted a couple of weeks ago so keep an eye out for the report being published.
It's extremely strict which I know some people like - but others (incl my sister) feel it is too authoritarian for generally well-behaved young people. My niece suffers from anxiety and the pastoral care has been quite unsympathetic.

Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 18:03

Cabbagesandcustard · 10/11/2022 17:59

My niece is in Year 9 at Wren Enfield. It's has just had its first Ofsted a couple of weeks ago so keep an eye out for the report being published.
It's extremely strict which I know some people like - but others (incl my sister) feel it is too authoritarian for generally well-behaved young people. My niece suffers from anxiety and the pastoral care has been quite unsympathetic.

Hi @Cabbagesandcustard
Thanks so much for the heads-up...will defo keep an eye out for that!
Really sorry to hear about your niece's experience with the pastoral care. Has your sister fed this back to her form tutor/leadership team? I agree strictness isn't required for all children....but hopefully it does mean that there's less disruption in class? (which is something I hear a lot about in state schools). Any comments on quality of education?

OP posts:
ClannadSinger · 10/11/2022 18:17

@AlmondMilkTea can't comment on quality of teaching unfortunately as I visit in a non-educational. Children seem happy at both. I do know quite a few people whose children attend Wren and they have all commented on how authoritarian it is. Also lots and lots of homework.

Not sure what part of Enfield you are in, but have you considered Ark John Keats Academy? Wrong side of the tracks in some people's opinion but good school and lovely children.
Also St Ignatius. Faith school. Results this year have been very good. Head Teacher is brilliant.
Don't be put off by where the school is. Do lots of research and visit the schools. Don't get me wrong there are some schools in Enfield I wouldn't send my kids to. Lea Valley, Edmonton County being two but some would surprise you.

XelaM · 10/11/2022 18:45

Ah just saw this! My daughter was at St John's but now left. I must say I really liked the school but she didn't (she didn't like the strict teachers, not the kids). It's very traditional and great for anyone who is very studious and/or into football. It's cheap for what you get - huge beautiful grounds, door-to-door bus service, great trips abroad, German language (which I really liked as I grew up in Germany). It's a bit of a marmite school. Many parents love it but also I know a number of families who have left and changed to Mount House. It's definitely a football school, so if your kid is into football they will be in high regard and get many opportunities because of the Arsenal connection. I'm on my way out but can definitely tell you all about it later.

XelaM · 10/11/2022 18:53

My daughter is not particularly studious and found the kids too "goody-goody" and not particularly "cool" (which was definitely a plus in my books) and she said the football boys got special treatment. The teachers were very strict and traditional so she used to get into trouble a lot. She also hated the uniform because it was frumpy and you had to wear an uncomfortable bow around your neck in the winter. But for kids to whom these are not important considerations- it's a good school.

My only concern was that I thought they were quite strict on GCSE options and didn't have a particularly wide choice.

The bus service was amazing though! I still miss it. It used to take my daughter from home (even though we lived quite out of the way of the bus route) and then drop her off to wherever we asked them to. Really convenient.

Original poster
AlmondMilkTea · 10/11/2022 19:02

ClannadSinger · 10/11/2022 18:17

@AlmondMilkTea can't comment on quality of teaching unfortunately as I visit in a non-educational. Children seem happy at both. I do know quite a few people whose children attend Wren and they have all commented on how authoritarian it is. Also lots and lots of homework.

Not sure what part of Enfield you are in, but have you considered Ark John Keats Academy? Wrong side of the tracks in some people's opinion but good school and lovely children.
Also St Ignatius. Faith school. Results this year have been very good. Head Teacher is brilliant.
Don't be put off by where the school is. Do lots of research and visit the schools. Don't get me wrong there are some schools in Enfield I wouldn't send my kids to. Lea Valley, Edmonton County being two but some would surprise you.

@ClannadSinger Thanks for this useful insight. Ark John Keats is closer but as you say; many advise against it based on the population it serves (controversial, I know). I would definitely consider it but judging by the latest data (high sibling allocation and tiny catchment of 0.3 miles) I'm not sure we would even stand a chance; which is just ridiculous because it's not far.

St Ignatius - would consider and would likely get a place (main downside is single sex). Will likely have to keep it on the shortlist though and possibly Enfield Grammar too. As you can tell, I'm confused - ha!

Any intel on Kingsmead?

Lee Valley I figured was a no-go.

Ofsted reports confuse me a little. How objective are they really? I know it's not about academia only and results are just one element of what makes a school "good" but I struggle to understand how you can have such a wide range of what "good" actually is. It often seems that the schools in deprived areas are graded more generously as they take into account the additional challenges faced? Is this the case?

OP posts:
ClannadSinger · 10/11/2022 19:09

Kingsmead by no means the worst. I know someone whose son goes there and he's lovely and did really well in his GCSEs. However, I can't give a definitive reason but don't think I'd send my kids there.

Meadowbreeze · 10/11/2022 19:31

@XelaM if you don't mind me asking, what year did your daughter leave St Johns? Did she leave because of the things you mentioned?
We are currently in the middle of a very last minute Y10 wobble and have offers from Mill Hill, St Johns and poss Queenswood but still need to visit them again.

Meadowbreeze · 10/11/2022 19:33

@AlmondMilkTea I get what you mean by the catchment for Ark. I'm not sure how far you are from it but I know a very happy child who went to the primary part and than was very successful at 7+ without tutoring. I was really impressed. It seems to get incredible grades out of not very good starting points.

Soma · 10/11/2022 20:35

@Meadowbreeze Are you looking for boarding? Without a doubt, Queenswood or Mill Hill. Although I think Queenswood has the edge.

Meadowbreeze · 10/11/2022 20:55

@Soma No, day. Things have broken down at our state school so we are moving. DD has pretty bad dyslexia so we are worried. We need to make a decision asap as it's so late in the year already. I'm worried queenswood will be too academic but it's our favourite option. DD has a friend at MH so it's the obvious choice but the stories she's been hearing about drugs and mental health issues have scared me off a bit.