In my opinion, every new school has to start somewhere, and build up its reputation over time. Bear in mind - the brand-name schools average 100+ years of history and to use them as the benchmark for measuring school academic results against these new DSS schools, seem a little unfair.
The fact that the teachers and the principal in UCCKE are trying to educate students, regardless of their potentials, is already better than some schools who focus only on results.
My son is studying at one of those band one traditional school. If nothing goes wrong, he can get into their secondary school directly. However, I see his problem in school - he would never take any initiatives in studying, doesn't get himself involved too much in any of the school activities. Basically he's not making effort in his study.
I'm wondering if I can change him by switching him to this type of new schools which have different teaching methods - more flexibility, creativity and more effort in strengthening his basic values.