Priestnall or Parrs Wood or Burnage Boys ?

[Samila]

We live near Heaton Moor and have started thinking about secondary schools for our children.
They are both doing really well in primary school but have no idea where to start in terms of secondary schools so any opinions would be much appreciated.
Priestnall used to be outstanding and wondering what peoples experiences are of it since its been taken over by Laurus?

I can’t help directly but have friends with sons at Priestnall and Parrs Wood and both (parents and sons) are happy. My sons are at a different Laurus school and we’re relatively happy.

of Parrs Wood and Priestnall the friend at Parrs Wood certainly thinks that school is better than Priestnall but I have no idea on what basis!

They have a different vibe. Laurus have their way & other schools have theirs. You must visit to feel this. Depending on your child look at KS4 options provision as Parrswood options are huge and varied unlike a lot of other schools.

@Clearinguptheclutter from my experience the behavior policies, focus on certain things and KS4 options are the biggest differences. PW is a bit less strict overall. Extra curricular is different but much of a muchness overall. I know loads at both.
Those I know at Burnage are also happy overall

Priestnall is part of the Laurus Trust and there is a focus on being academic and being able to compete with private schools.
there is a focus on discipline but there is also a thriving musical, arts and creative faculty.

have you been round the schools?

Priestnall was outstanding many years ago, but went to required improvement, hence why it was taken over by the Trust.

my DC went to a different LT school and have thrived.
other people don’t like the ethos and want more flexibility .

Parrs Wood is a big school which means there are lots of opportunities in terms of subjects and extra curricular activities. It is strict (eg they are bringing in locked phine pouches from September) but possibly not as strict as Laurus schools. Maths, English, science and languages have sets which pupils move between depending on achievement so work is tailored fairly well.