Loughton/Debden schools

[Kasey17]

Hello,

I’m interested in my son attending Davenant school for year 7- we meet the criteria.
I would like to live closer to the school so that it is either a short bus ride away or within walking distance.
Can anyone recommend roads/areas within Debden that have lovely, tree lined streets as I have heard that some parts of it are to be avoided.
I would consider Loughton too but would not want to be near the secondary schools as this wouldn’t make any sense.

I also have a child in year 2 so any recommendations for good primary schools would be good.

Thank you in advance 🙏

Distance has very little bearing on admission if you meet the attendance criteria so I'd suggest finding somewhere along the 20 bus route from Buckhurst Hill through Loughton or Debden for a reasonable journey, or even Theydon Bois, lots of pupils walk from there.

Not that you were asking but I wouldn't necessarily buy in to the hype around the school. It's no better than the other local schools, has it's share of problems. Arguably Debden Park is the 'better' school on paper, but I would rule Roding out either.

If you move to the area, Hereward school for primary.

That should read *wouldn't rule out Roding.

Thank you for your input. Can I ask what you mean by Davenant having its share of problems? What kinds of problems and how recent?

I meant primarily that Davenant is not immune to any of the problems afflicting local senior school cohorts... vaping, exposure to drugs, unkind behaviour/bullying and inappropriate social media content. So if you had anticipated that the religious ethos of the school guards against any of that I'm afraid that's not the case.

Moreover, in my personal experience (two children, recent) - if your child does not struggle academically or socially in any way they'll probably have a good experience. Unfortunately, any wobble, they are good at ticking the right boxes, but the genuine care is sadly lacking. Others might recommend, I wouldn't.

I would say it depends on your child and what you are looking for in a secondary. Yes on paper Debden park is outstanding but if you look on the government website, Davenants exam results are stronger for the last few years. Davenant is rated good with outstanding sixth form.
However with exam resulysthis can change from year to year.
Debden park has again been recently inspected so maybe will keep its outstanding, maybe not.
In my experience it depends on many factors. One the peers they have, two your child's happiness at said school (different environments suit different people) and three if they have any issues.
For example a child could attend Debden park and have no issues and sail through, another could go to Davenant and be bullied, and vice versa.
I agree all the secondary schools face similar issues.
I have heard good things about all 3 secondary schools as well as bad. I have had a child in Debden park and one in Davenant. For me one was better than the other, but again there are varying factors. Maybe visit all the schools and see which you feel will best meet your child's needs

To add, in terms of where to live or avoid in Debden. Generally people say to veer away from the Broadway and shops. I think its quite nice around goldings ect. Tbf if you want Davenant, their catchment is wider . So you could live in Theydon bois ect and still comfortably get in if you attend church regularly.
Hereward is the best primary in my opinion. Although that's not to say the other 2 primary schools are not also good

I would avoid Davenant at all costs I regret sending my child there. The Children are not the issue the leadership are. Read the Google reviews this last year they beyond accurate. It is not what it was!