Target audience of Windmill School Barnet

[ThisNeatPinkHare]

My child is in phase transfer year and I face having to finally settle on parental preference. We have not been able to visit all schools we are interested in and have somewhat to rely on what the websites give and what other parents have reported.

I would therefore be really grateful for any knowledge about the Windmill School in Barnet. We had identified it as a good fit but I read somewhere that it is not very academic?

For context, my child is currently at mainstream primary and based on their mock SATs is predicted somethings like 5s for GCSEs maybe some 6. Cognitive assessments have shown though that they are very intelligent, but do not reach their potential due to their SEN - they are autistic with lots on SEMH needs (but no challenging behaviours), dysgraphia, audio processing difficulties, sensory differences etc. Maybe also ADD but no diagnosis as of yet.

We are also very interested in The Holmewood School and are going through their admissions process. We like how nuturing and holistic it is. 5 GCSEs sounds realistic to us and there is support with what comes after GCSEs.

Then we are looking at ERS and Roman Fields as well. Have decided against JMA and Orange Tree.

Any intel on the Windmill School would be greatly appreciated as we are pressed for time to make a decision! Thank you!

How do people make these decisions without being able to visit schools?

If DS is in Y6/secondary phase transfer year, you should have the finalised amended EHCP for secondary already.

The Windmill school isn’t as academic as some SS. Most at TWS will be working roughly around ARE. Some are working slightly below but not loads below. Although in theory DC at TWS could achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 5+, many won’t.

Some DC find the behaviour of other pupils at Holmewood challenging. Something to be aware of if DS would be.

Depending on exactly where you (not asking you to say), Silverways might be worth looking at if you haven’t already ruled it out.

Thank you, that is very insightful! Yes, we have a named school and will appeal, hence need to finally settle on one school, we will name in the appeal.

Silverways is unfortunately too far.

Would you mind explaining about the behaviour at Holmewood, please?

Although Homelwood doesn’t admit if the primary need is SEMH, some DC can display behaviours that challenge as part of their ASD profile. Not blaming the DC at all, but some DC find this and the noise difficult to cope with.