Best London state secondary school in your opinion?

[Simplegal]

I’m overwhelmed with school choices for a Year 10 entry for my DD into an Co-Ed state secondary school. We have a last minute, frantic move to London from abroad and looking for entry for my DD. Somewhere within 30-60 mins travel to Canary Wharf? Open to faith schools as she has been in a traditional catholic school previously. We haven’t even started the accommodation hunt just focusing on schools first! Please comment if you love your school! Thank you!

Totally agree. Leafy and safe is exactly what I’m after in a neighbourhood.

Do you know many teenagers in Whitechapel? That's quite a judgement.

Thank you though her musical ability is limited to singing along to her favourite songs! Doesn’t play an instrument.

Would you consider moving outside of London? Lots of excellent state schools in towns within 30-45 min commute of the City/canary wharf. Cheaper housing too.

If you want Catholic there was a thread a while ago on good ones here. La Retraite in Clapham is good and I’ve known relatives snd friends go there and do well.

You should also look at Colleges because some do 14-16 schemes and UTCs (University Technical Colleges) which start at Year 10. Usually STEM based.

Rules out Kingsdale then if no musical instrument!

You don’t need to be musical to attend Kingsdale. It’s a comprehensive school.

If your budget stretches to independent then The Laurels in Upper Norwood is a good Catholic school and two friends’ DDs go there.

I know that but they specialise in music.

I would consider anything for a lovely school for her.

Not necessarily. They also do sports scholarships, for both established athletes or you can test for general potential.

it’s also a large school in an area with high turnover of people moving in and out, so I would think it’s easier than most. However, I wouldn’t class it as one of the “best” schools in London either.

sorry o/p, didn’t realise you said co-ed. st Ursula’s and coloma at both girls, as is Prendergast, also one of the better schools.

haberdasher aske’s in New Cross is co-ed and has a good rep.

how old is your child? If she’s 16-18 the advice may be slightly different as she will be 6th form.

"best state school" in London for year 10 will have a long waiting list. So good luck.

Then she's a shoo in for any Catholic school that has places. Very few will have for a Year 10 entry, though.

Does that mean she would change schools again for A Levels? Trying to stay in the same school for as long as possible.

What about muswell hill area? Good schools and leafy neighbourhood

Depends on the school. If it has a 6th form she can stay on, if it doesn’t she will have to move.

many choose to move anyway, as they want a different experience, teachers etc.

I will have a look at this. DD is happy to
continue in a catholic school. Open to all options though.

Will have a look at this thanks.

Very snooty. Some people would far prefer Zone 2 to Zone 4.

You want co-ed

But Greytcoat is probably the best option

Thank you will have a look at colleges too.

Is this because they will be oversubscribed or don’t usually take entry in Year 10?

@GonnaGetGoingReturns Kingsdale also “specialise” in sport. But I think it’s something like 10% of children who are on the “specialist” track.
I know loads of children at Kingsdale - they go there because their parents applied and they got picked from the lottery.
It’s a comprehensive with a lottery for places (although changing soon to selected local primaries having priority).
It’s not even that special tbh.

I have seen Muswell Hill mentioned. Any school you recommend?