Schools: what makes them good? Any in London?

[beaniegold]

How important is it to find a "good school" for your children? And how do you judge what makes a school good? (Parental satisfaction doesn't seem to bear much relation with Ofsted's judgement). My oldest is only two, but I'm already thinking we should maybe move to an area with better schools as they are really terrible around here. Any ideas as to where we can move with decent state primary and secondary schools, easy commute into London and affordable housing???

[Ray the DJ]

Talk to parents living in the vicinity. They are the best judges. Ignore pass rates for exams. Schools that pick and choose their pupils are bound to get good pass rates.

[paulz]

Agree totally with Ray. Ofsted results bear no relation to what happens at the school. Go for a look around and as Ray says speak to parents and pupils.

[Hgrove]

The above answers have made a good point. Not only are selective school results artificial because they pick and choose - where I live it is an open secret that schools with the best results have them because the parents are shelling out for one to one tuition for their children... Word of mouth is the best policy. It is a bit difficult to advise you further without knowing more about your circumstances. For ex. where I live is regarded as a place with good girls' secondaries but not as good for boys' secondaries. I think Colchester, Woodford, Richmond and Kingston have all got good schools.

[Scarlett]

I can recommend the Winston Churchill school in Woking. It was a lovely school when I worked there. 20 mins from London, but not particularly cheap housing!!

[beaniegold]

Thanks for your answers. In many ways it's good to know that the Ofsted reports aren't really a true reflection of how good the school is, but it's much more difficult to choose an area if you're going by word of mouth! It would take years to tour the primary schools of London and the south-east, standing outside the school gates to ask parents whether or not they are happy with the school. Hgrove asked more about my circumstances: I have a boy AND a girl. I'd preferably like an area whether there are both good (ie happy) primary and secondary school - pref mixed schools, but don't mind too much if they're single sex. I'd also like an area where the middle class kids don't all leave for private secondary schools...