Tottenham's schools are a lot better than its reputation. Almost every school the inspectors have graded across the borough is good or better. Nearly half of those graded are outstanding. Local primary pupils score solidly in maths. A buyer who rules the area out on schools is going on its reputation and ignoring the inspection reports.
At primary level, the 14 mainstream state primaries in the area average about 105 on the key stage 2 maths test. There are plenty to choose from. Bruce Grove Primary carries the name of a local station, Lea Valley Primary takes its name from the river on the eastern edge, and church schools such as Holy Trinity and the St Francis de Sales infant and junior schools are also on the list. Back when Tottenham was semi-rural, it was known for its Quaker schools, with Rowland Hill teaching at Bruce Castle. The district built its name on schools long before the football arrived.
Secondary choice is thinner. Only two mainstream state secondaries fall inside the area, and their pupils average about 45 on Attainment 8, the government's measure of results across eight subjects. Harris Academy Tottenham covers both primary and secondary ages. For sixth form, London Academy of Excellence Tottenham and Haringey Sixth Form College are both local options. With only two schools inside the boundary, most families end up looking further across the borough at 11.
Ofsted's grades for Haringey as a whole come out strong. Of 36 graded settings across the borough, 35 are good or better. Sixteen of those are outstanding, one requires improvement and none is inadequate. Another 37 settings hold no published grade yet, which tells you nothing either way. One requires improvement out of 36 is the kind of figure most boroughs would happily put on a banner.
Haringey Council allocates places under its published admissions rules, so living close to a school you like does not secure a place there, and an inspection grade tells you nothing about whether your child will get in. The council publishes the distance each school's last place went to. Check that figure for the schools you want against the front door of any house you shortlist. Families who pick the house first and then read the admissions rules can find out on offer day that the school round the corner has already filled up.
Schools are one of Tottenham's real strengths. Primary choice is strong, the borough's inspection record is about as good as they come, and the one thing to plan ahead for is the secondary.