Secondary schools and sixth form in Ruislip/Pinner/Harrow area?

[KatPag]

Hi there,
my daughter (14) is currently in a French school but we are thinking of moving her to the English system as she is quite musical and this is not catered to by her current school. Unfortunately I don't know much about the English schools in the area and would love to hear some positive (or negative) opinions about local secondary schools, especially if you have had some experience of doing music at A levels.
It's so difficult to pick a school, specially a non fee-paying one, as many sites seem to cater to private schooling!
Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi @KatPag , I live in Ruislip and DD went to a junior school here till last year. Most of her friends joined various senior schools nearby, so I can speak a bit about the schools in Ruislip. I don't have personal experience of any of them though, most of what I know comes from DD's friends and their parents.

My first choice would be Pinner High due to your preference for music (www.pinnerhighschool.org). It is a new school (opened in 2016) and was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2019 (see here : www.pinnerhighschool.org/page/?title=Ofsted&pid=41). It has music in its curriculum all the way to A level (see here : www.pinnerhighschool.org/page/?title=Curriculum&pid=29)

Second choice, again due to preference for music, would be Bishop Ramsey school (www.bishopramseyschool.org/). It's a faith school though (Church of England) and I believe requires some sort of proof of church attendance before admission. DD's friend, a very musical girl, goes there and the parents are very happy with the school. They have music at A level (see : www.bishopramseyschool.org/page/?title=Music&pid=94)

Also take a look at Ruislip High (www.ruisliphigh.com/). Unfortunately they don't have music at A level (only till GCSE, see : www.ruisliphigh.com/home/curriculum/curriculum-map-2022-2023/), but it has been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted twice consecutively, the site and buildings were developed just a few years ago, facilities are fantastic, and everything is still nice and shiny. It has got very good reputation locally, the kids do well and many of them go to good universities.

Lastly, also take a look at Queensmead (queensmeadschool.org.uk/). They too don't have music at A level (only till GCSE), and rated "good" by Ofsted recently. Good large campus and facilities. I know a few families who had a very good experience there and their children are now studying in reputed universities.

Hopefully this gives you something to start with. If you have more queries, please post, and I will ask around and respond here.

Best of luck!

Sorry, my links in the above post are all messed up. Reposting the links alone

Pinner High : www.pinnerhighschool.org/
Pinner High Ofsted report : www.pinnerhighschool.org/page/?title=Ofsted&pid=41
Pinner High curriculum : www.pinnerhighschool.org/page/?title=Curriculum&pid=29

Bishop Ramsey : www.bishopramseyschool.org/
Bishop Ramsey music page : www.bishopramseyschool.org/page/?title=Music&pid=94

Ruislip High : www.ruisliphigh.com/

Queensmead : queensmeadschool.org.uk/

Agree with PP. I have taught at a couple of those schools. They all have a great local reputation. Bishop Ramsey is usually seen as ‘The’ school to get in to but they are strict with admission.

Thank you so much for these messages! They are so helpful! :-) xx

Unfortunately we aren't of faith so I think Bishop Ramsey will be out! But thanks again!

My daughter will be attending a secondary school soon, so this information has been really helpful.

@KatPag Hello! Curious which French school your child goes to? I'm moving to UK from USA and am searching for French schools.