Gipsy Hill - Paxton and Dulwich Wood Schools

[dreamsofsleep]

Hello

Considering a move to Gipsy Hill and the above mentioned primary schools would be our nearest.

I'm really keen to hear impressions from parents with kids already there or who otherwise know the schools well.

Many thanks!

[NotMeAsIAmHiding]

Have name changed for this.

[NotMeAsIAmHiding]

Sorry hit post by mistake.

We chose Dulwich Wood based on its lovely outdoor space. We were told that Paxton was an academic hothouse and sadly we believed that. I wish I had looked closer. We are at another school now and DD is much happier. There are some less than robust teaching at DW and the head seems disengaged. I know people always say results aren't everything but really it does indicate gaps. New school has picked up on issues DD has, it has arranged OT and speech therapy, and she has made SO much progress. More than her entire time at DW. Also she has friends now. I can't say more. If you ask about DW locally you'll get parents raving on about it and dismissing other outstanding schools. It scared me. Go to both schools at drop off time in the morning. How happy are the kids going in? What's it like at pick up time. What I would do now is go to a parent with an older child in that school uniform and ask them if they'd mind telling you what their experience of the school is. Hope that helps. Sorry can't tell you anything about Paxton but I am sure someone will.

[dreamsofsleep]

Thank you that is a really useful and interesting insight. Is your DD at another local school now and would you be happy to share which one as it sounds great?! No worries at all if not. I have actually heard good things re paxton - but not from actual parents there. I'm sorry you had that bad experience at DW.

[NotMeAsIAmHiding]

OK

[NotMeAsIAmHiding]

We moved house. Still nearish but decided to change schools as we liked the one nearby. I don't want to share as don't want to out me but we aren't in Gipsy Hill.

We weren't unhappy with DW when she was there - we had nothing to compare it to. And just thought all schools were pretty much the same. It is only going to another school that we realised what a difference a well run school with good teachers can make.

[dreamsofsleep]

No problem. My DD is actually in an excellent school in a neighbouring area which I am really reluctant to pull her out of - but we would really love more space and no way can afford that where we are.

[Toomanywheeliebinsagain]

Paxton is supposed to be great. Part of the gipsy hill federation that my daughter attends (she's in another of their schools). Our experience has been first class to date (and I'm a tough customer as I work in education). Head very engaged, very hands on and freed up to concentrate on learning. We don't live near Paxton but I hear v good things. Dulwich wood has been on a journey (was in special measures) and I think they are now doing ok but I don't know anyone personally

[indieblack]

I went to visit Dulwich Wood and loved both the site and the overall ethos. Having seen this thread I'm troubled by the PPs experience. Anyone else have current/ recent experience of DW?