Birmingham schools - Leasowes?

[SchoolThinking]

Has anyone got any experience of this school? Looking to move to the area and wondering if this school is worth considering. Also Earls?

Or any other suggestions?

Not direct experience but I have relatives at this school.
I would recommend Earl's over Leasowes.
Earl's has always been the better of the 2.

I’ve heard that earls is quite a good school.

Is Leasowes not recommended?

Neither of these schools are in Birmingham - they are in Halesowen and fall under Dudley Borough.

Leasowes suffers from very ugly school buildings and a historically not that great reputation BUT things are turning around. The latest open day was actually quite impressive compared to what it used to be like.

Earls always had the aspirational feel for parents. Much grander looking building and always had the better reputation. The other school in town, Windsor, also has a great reputation.

I guess what I am saying is that there is probably a bit of snobbery against Leasowes these days which isn’t warranted. All three schools have a different vibe though - the best thing you can do is go and see them.

@DibbleDooDah yes, you’re absolutely right! It’s actually not Birmingham at all is it?

I thought Windsor school wasn’t particularly sought after?

It’s looking like we’ll be moving closer to Leasowes rather than Earls, even though I’d prefer Earls from the research I’ve done (hopefully will still be within catchment… do secondary’s work on catchment? 🤔)

I know someone who grew up around the area and they were not particularly complementary about Leasowes but we’re talking 20 years ago so I’m hoping it may of improved..

I’ve had one The Earls and one at Windsor and they’re both decent schools and well regarded in the area and do really well with exams results. Windsor has a very academic focus while Earls is more creative and sporty. We didn’t consider Leasowes as it used to have a dreadful reputation locally but I understand it’s improving. I have lots of friends with children at Forge Academy in Old Hill (2 miles down the road) and they’re all really positive about it and their children have excelled there although that has undergone a serious rebranding - it was a very poor school back in the day.

@BoobyDazzler This is all very helpful, thank you!! (Love the username!)

Weirdly I thought there would be more decent schools in the area… but there doesn’t seem to be an awful lot to choose from?
Primary seems to be different, hearing good things about howley grange and Lapal..

I can’t help with primary schools in Halesowen as mine both went out of area but I think in general Halesowen is quite lucky with schools though so I’m sure your children will be happy and successful wherever they go :)

Thank you 😊 I really hope so, secondary schools are consuming my every thought atm, I want them to do well but I just want them to be happy!

Go and have a look round them all and see how you feel then. We knew that what was right for our daughter wasn’t right for our son and they’ve both done really well in schools that suited them. Halesowen has a great college in town too.

In general It’s a good place to live :)

You have several great secondary schools in Halesowen so it’s a good place to be. A previous poster mentioned Halesowen College for sixth form, but there’s also King Edwards In Stourbridge.

Howley Grange primary is very good. I have family members there.

@SchoolThinking

Did you decide which school to apply to? My DD has secured a teaching position at The Earls for September and was very impressed with the school and HT when she was there for the look around and subsequent interview day.