Bishop Douglass Finchley (2024/25)

[Silentio]

I applied for Bishop Douglass, I liked the school, I liked the environment and it has good results on paper, on locrating the percentages seem good, top 12% in GCES and top 3% on progress 8, so why is it always undersubscribed? This year (2024/25) only 117 offers were made. Is that because Barnet has so many good schools? Or because of the RAAC scandal which happened in September 2023 (which doesn't seem to be a huge problem for Bishop Douglass as it is only affects 3 classes). Am I seeing things that don't exists? What are other people opinion? Why this school struggle to shine? I will accept PM if you don't want to talk publicly.

Perhaps people assume they won’t get in if not Catholic? Also, parents seem to focus on results rather than value-added /progress 8 scores. BD does really well for a mixed ability cohort. Of course, lots of other good schools locally. Finally, they don’t sell themselves well.

RAAC was minor and is now solved.

I have a child there and am very happy with it. They stream, and behaviour in top set is great - they work at a fast pace. They’ve got to know him well and there are lots of nice opportunities offered.

Plenty of clubs and activities, table tennis in the playground, regular theatre trips and residentials in the summer during wider horizons week. Teachers really seem to go above and beyond to offer good opportunities.

it is strict, but behaviour seems good. DC is not aware of any bullying.

Happy to answer any questions.

Just to add- they plan to reduce the PAN to 120, I think, so 117 is an ok number.

I agree with you, they definitely don't sell themselves well. Interesting, why are they thinking to reduce the number?

Two children from my DC's primary left last year from year 7 due to bullying

Bullying from who if I may ask, older children or children in the same class?

Same year group

So DC told me this week that there had been an incident of bullying. It took place on social media, so most likely off school premises and outside school hours. (Phones are not allowed at school.)

It seemed dealt with well. Victim contacted school via anti- bullying email address. Perpetrator punished.

Thinking of applying to BD for entry in Sept 2025. Does anyone have experience of SEND at the school and if it's very academic?

Anyone?

Hi! My son only just started so unfortunately I don't have much to share. I would say, so far so good..