Churchfields Primary Beckenham vs Balgowan

[MrsMummy120]

We went to see both Balgowan and Churchfields and we are struggling to understand what the fuss is about when it comes to Balgowan. It doesn’t seem particularly friendly, the facilities aren’t great and pretty average Key stage 2 results. Why on earth is it so oversubscribed? Our impression of Churchfields was more than positive. Fantastic facilities, great results and it has recently been rated by ofsted as good. The only thing that puts me off is that it is next door to a tip but I am still tempted to put it as our first choice. Am I missing something?

[carbibarbie]

@MrsMummy120 I wondered whether you might update me with what you decided? I'm in a similar position now and would love your insight into whether you went with Balgowan or churchfields x

[MrsMummy120]

Hello @carbibarbie
I feel quite embarrassed reading my original post. I hardly post anything but I really feel like I need to correct myself here.
After talking to a few parents with children at Balgowan we decided go for Balgowan and I’m so glad we did!
We really like the school. Teaching is great, the school has a nice community feel, rich extracurricular activities, very good results (don’t make the same mistake as I did earlier and look at the actual results rather than progress!) and amazing PTA who really care. I have two children at the school now and they love it. They enjoy learning and their social lives. The only negatives I can think of is that it can be a bit clicky and that it would be nicer if it was more diverse. The facilities are not that bad actually, it’s an old building (but with a soul) and the school field is a few min walk from the school (not ideal) but they have a really lovely forest school set up there.
Saying that I know parents of children at Churchfields and they also like the school. You are in a great position, two good schools to chose from.
I hope that helps. X.

[carbibarbie]

@MrsMummy120 this is soooo helpful thank you! Don't be embarrassed at all! I would have posted my own thread but when I saw yours I thought i may as well jump on the wagon! So the things I've noticed in my research of Balgowan is the lack of green space and that the field isn't connected? This would be such a deal breaker for us as my son is soooo outdoorsy and active, so they use the space as much as possible? I know other local schools have lovely fields etc. such as the Harris primary which we also are in catchment for. It's soooo difficult to make w decision! Can you expand on the 'clicky' thing? Are the mums really non inclusive? X

[carbibarbie]

*that's meant to say 'do' not 'do'

[carbibarbie]

Oh my gosh, sorry. I mean do not so