| |
Fitzjohn’s Primary School – the most in-demand primary in Camden |
Fitzjohn’s law: 210 into 30 doesn’t go
ON paper, it is the most in-demand primary school in Camden and fifth in London as a whole.
New figures suggest parents are queuing round the block to get their children into Fitzjohn’s primary in Hampstead.
Last year 210 children applied for the 30 places on offer.
But what does this bald statistic really mean? And does it a great school make?
Headteacher Rob Earrey admitted demand for places at the school – described by Ofsted inspectors last year as “a good school with outstanding features” – are sky high.
“We have always been very popular but the numbers have gone up, particularly after the rebuilding,” he said.
“It’s a very difficult time for parents. They might favour our school but if the school is full the school is full. Property and land prices are high so we won’t be able to get bigger as a school. I don’t know how we can resolve that.”
The Fitzjohn’s Avenue school was rebuilt and refurbished in 2006 to the tune of £2.2 million.
To be eligible for its catchment families must live less than 0.15 miles from the school and, as in many school applications, siblings of pupils are given priority – last year half of the successful applicants were siblings, leaving only 15 places up for grabs.
Mr Earrey said: “It is very flattering but I think it skews the reality of the situation. We’re a small school. Two form entry schools would have less applications per place because they would have more places. Faith schools do not feature so highly on the tables, because applicants must have a religious denomination to qualify. I think the environment of Fitzjohn’s is very enticing. The standards of teaching are very high. All our classrooms are brand new. Yes, we are a good school, but there are many other very good schools in Camden.” |
 |
| |
|
|
