I have a bright, enthusiastic Year 4 DD. I'm thinking about secondary schools and whether or not it's worth going all in to tutor for the test schools. We live in Islington where the secondaries near us are fine but not great (in my opinion.).
Dame Alice Owen's test is an option and because we're not too far from Finsbury Park, this wouldn't be a crazy commute for us (Google maps says 33 minutes door to door -- but I've never done it).
Obviously tiny chance of getting in.
That said, I know little about the school besides its amazing reputation. Why is it so desirable? Is it really that much better than other secondary schools considered good in London (say, Parliament Hill or Camden School for Girls? -- both of which might be in reach of us, esp. if we move (which we have to do anyway at some point).
Any thoughts are very welcome!
Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.
Dame Alice Owen?
lillyledbetter · 30/08/2022 17:12
sammyvine · 04/09/2022 19:27
I don't like how the DAO head comes across. It seems like she has turned the school to only be about exams, nothing else.
Also the way they deal with racism is also a worry.
If you are a person of colour, particularly Black I wouldn't send my child to DAO. A school where being called the N world doesn't lead to exclusion? That tells you all you need to know about the school.
I was shocked to hear that the head was Jewish, because you think would a Jewish person would take racist incidents seriously.
Sladurche · 09/10/2022 09:20
I wouldn't send a dog I liked to DAO. Current head has turned the school into a toxic mess. Think Lord of the Flies. Fine if your kid is outgoing, academic, very mentally tough and resilient, and can brush things like bullying off. Do not send if sensitive, neuro-diverse, or from a minority group or have anything that marks them as different. They will suffer. That school has a racism and homophobia problem, a barely-functioning pastoral team, a "tick-in-the-box" safeguarding team and a non-existent SEND team. Its bullying, off-rolling and focus on reputation and exams rather than actual children is the best-kept secret in Potters Bar. they will always do what's best for them, not for your child. Be warned.
sammyvine · 04/09/2022 19:27
I don't like how the DAO head comes across. It seems like she has turned the school to only be about exams, nothing else.
Also the way they deal with racism is also a worry.
If you are a person of colour, particularly Black I wouldn't send my child to DAO. A school where being called the N world doesn't lead to exclusion? That tells you all you need to know about the school.
I was shocked to hear that the head was Jewish, because you think would a Jewish person would take racist incidents seriously.
XelaM · 10/10/2022 12:56
Wow we are in North London and I have never heard this. Didn't DAO win the award for the no1 state school in the country two years ago? Several of my daughter's primary friends went there and I've never heard a bad word about it. Isn't it THEE most desirable state school if you have more than one child?
Sladurche · 09/10/2022 09:20
I wouldn't send a dog I liked to DAO. Current head has turned the school into a toxic mess. Think Lord of the Flies. Fine if your kid is outgoing, academic, very mentally tough and resilient, and can brush things like bullying off. Do not send if sensitive, neuro-diverse, or from a minority group or have anything that marks them as different. They will suffer. That school has a racism and homophobia problem, a barely-functioning pastoral team, a "tick-in-the-box" safeguarding team and a non-existent SEND team. Its bullying, off-rolling and focus on reputation and exams rather than actual children is the best-kept secret in Potters Bar. they will always do what's best for them, not for your child. Be warned.
sammyvine · 04/09/2022 19:27
I don't like how the DAO head comes across. It seems like she has turned the school to only be about exams, nothing else.
Also the way they deal with racism is also a worry.
If you are a person of colour, particularly Black I wouldn't send my child to DAO. A school where being called the N world doesn't lead to exclusion? That tells you all you need to know about the school.
I was shocked to hear that the head was Jewish, because you think would a Jewish person would take racist incidents seriously.
sammyvine · 10/10/2022 15:34
Are those people you know who go DOA White? They probably don't face any racial issues.
I would send my child to a school where calling a Black student the N word leads to just a slap on the wrist. What kind of school headteacher accepts that?
XelaM · 10/10/2022 12:56
Wow we are in North London and I have never heard this. Didn't DAO win the award for the no1 state school in the country two years ago? Several of my daughter's primary friends went there and I've never heard a bad word about it. Isn't it THEE most desirable state school if you have more than one child?
Sladurche · 09/10/2022 09:20
I wouldn't send a dog I liked to DAO. Current head has turned the school into a toxic mess. Think Lord of the Flies. Fine if your kid is outgoing, academic, very mentally tough and resilient, and can brush things like bullying off. Do not send if sensitive, neuro-diverse, or from a minority group or have anything that marks them as different. They will suffer. That school has a racism and homophobia problem, a barely-functioning pastoral team, a "tick-in-the-box" safeguarding team and a non-existent SEND team. Its bullying, off-rolling and focus on reputation and exams rather than actual children is the best-kept secret in Potters Bar. they will always do what's best for them, not for your child. Be warned.
sammyvine · 04/09/2022 19:27
I don't like how the DAO head comes across. It seems like she has turned the school to only be about exams, nothing else.
Also the way they deal with racism is also a worry.
If you are a person of colour, particularly Black I wouldn't send my child to DAO. A school where being called the N world doesn't lead to exclusion? That tells you all you need to know about the school.
I was shocked to hear that the head was Jewish, because you think would a Jewish person would take racist incidents seriously.
XelaM · 27/06/2023 14:40
It's the Holy Grail of schools for any North London parent
Poetayto · 27/06/2023 14:35
St Mary Magdalene is a lovely school. I have a DC there in year 8 who has a nice bunch of bright, engaged friends. There is no distance criterion on the governors' places, for which you have to sit a quite low-stakes verbal reasoning exam. But you need to register for it by the end of this week I think to sit it in the Autumn of year 6, so get your skates on if interested.
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