Cator Park School's ofsted report

[Dave Amos]

A couple of quick questions, if Cator Park School is, as described by the recent Ofsted report , "a popular school", why do all the families I speak with, that have girls aged around 9 or 10 and the finance to do so, move?
Finally, who defines "popular?"

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

Cator Park School is over subscribed so I guess that makes it popular. I know many local families who have been delighted with the progress their daughters have made there. However, there does also appear to be some prejudice in the community against a school that genuinely caters for a broad intake and achieves egood results. The Head and staff there deserve our support.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

[Dave Amos]

Thanks for the speedy reply John. You're always a stout defender of the school, it's excellent staff and fine Headteacher. I am not criticising them or denying that lots of resources should be directed at schools that find themselves in the situation where their students consistently underperform against the borough average. I agree that we must never give up striving for the very best for all. Sadly, the fact remains that according to the latest stats, my daughter will on average achive lower grades there rather than somewhere else. I like my house and love the neighbourhood, it really is a neighbourhood. I know and like most of my neighbours and we all look out for each other. Unfortunately her education is precious so it looks like I will have to move in order to do my job as a parent and afford her the best possible chance of success.
I really do wish I didn't have to.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

Cator Park School is over subscribed so I guess that makes it popular. I know many local families who have been delighted with the progress their daughters have made there. However, there does also appear to be some prejudice in the community against a school that genuinely caters for a broad intake and achieves egood results. The Head and staff there deserve our support.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

[Jon Clarke]

I think you'll find Dave it's a thought going through many parents head at the moment, especially when you have a daughter not far off leaving primary for secondary education. Move, private tuition, private school, rent in a catchment area etc - a parent will do whatever it takes sometimes. Toughest decision to make. If only it was better....

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

Dave Amos said:

Sadly, the fact remains that according to the latest stats, my daughter will on average achive lower grades there rather than somewhere else.

The statistics don't say that, Dave. You are not comparing like with like. Able children perform well at the school and there is no reason to suppose they would perform any better anywhere else. What the statistics tell you (and it's the same with Kelsey Park for the boys) is that the average level of attainment of the pupils on entering the school is lower than the borough average, that they admit more of the children that other schools don't want to teach and that they have fewer children coming from aspirational families. Therefore, the average level of attainment when the students leave the school will be lower. If we had a fair admissions policy in Bromley - either based on banding or lottery, which ensured a true mix of abilities in all our schools, you would find a remarkable degree of similarity in the outcomes. I wouldn't presume to advise any parent on where their child should go for secondary education. I do find it depressing though that many parents make their decision on the basis of school gate gossip and keeping up with the neighbours and don't visit the schools and make their decision on the basis of what they see.
Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator