Highbury Fields School (also St Mary Magdalene Academy?)

[cantstopwillstop]

We are looking at a flat near Highbury Fields School but will have to decide before I take a tour. (My DD is in Year 5).

I'm really impressed by the Ofsted (not that Ofsted is the end all be all) given that they kept their Oustanding this year when so many other schools lost them. The results are great. But for some reason, it doesn't seem as popular as other girls' schools (CSG, Parliament Hill.). Why? Does anyone have any info on the school?

My DD could also take the test for SMMA but we haven't prepped much for grammar tests and it's getting late -- I suppose we could start now! Is SMMA worth it, compared to Highbury Fields?

Thanks!

DD was there for a few weeks until she was offered a place at her 1st choice school. I was happy for her to stay at HFS as there wasn't anything wrong with the school and on paper it's similar to where she is now.
It doesn't seem to sell itself as well as the schools you mention and doesn't seem as popular with the middle class families. The site is a bit cramped but then so is CSG. Lots of families choose it for their daughters so it must be doing something right

Ah thank you Camandls! Do you mind if I ask why she moved?

Place came up at her 1st choice and she had her heart set on going there.

It used to be super popular in the 00s! All the rich Islington girls would go there. I think maybe Mary Magdalene happened and a dip in single sex school preference?

Interesting, Dodgeitornot -- I hadn't thought about how competition with SMMA might have affected the school intake. That makes a lot of sense!

SMMA was our first choice but had missed the aptitude test deadline!! Not sure if we can apply for the school now since registration is closed.
Our next option is HF. A friend of mine has a daughter there and is doing well.