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Secondary education

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Best secondary schools in Surrey

36 replies

Catchmum2017 · 17/07/2016 18:19

Hi Mums,
My son is going to be in year 5 from next academic year. It's a crucial time as by end of next year we need to sort out a good secondary school for him .
My DS is just an above average student .. He is good in maths and reading but when it comes to writing he is one lazy boy . He is very able but because of his lack of concentration and sometimes lack of focus, he doesn't perform according to his ability . So be that music( he started piano last year and did his initial with distinction and on grade 1 for next term ) , cricket ( he plays for local clubs and school ) and studies he doesn't perform to his best ability .. He is just a normal 9 year old boy that's what I am always told in his school . With the madness of grammar schools around me , I get a bit lost and frankly I don't see my child getting into any . He is good but he is not excellent . So instead of joining the madness I thought I will start searching for good / excellent schools around and let him grow on his own pace. I am based in Croydon but I am okay to move out in and around so that we can get him admitted to a good school . Can you suggest me some please ? I also planning to try some independent schools in Croydon for 10+ .. Can you please let me know ?

OP posts:
whitewineandchocolate · 18/07/2016 07:56

Glyn in Epsom is a very good state school, both mine have done well there.

ScienceRocks · 18/07/2016 07:56

In terms of independent schools, lots around croydon are single sex. Royal russell isn't and has excellent facilities and a new head so is considered to be on the up academically and in terms of pastoral care.

Catchments obviously not such an issue for the private schools! But some are still quite competitive - whitgift and trinity, for example.

There are very good catholic secondaries if they are an option?

ScienceRocks · 18/07/2016 07:53

Warlingham is popular but has a small intake.

Not saying that any of these schools are impossible to get into, but if you are thinking of moving house to get in to one, you'll need to be very close by!

ScienceRocks · 18/07/2016 07:52

Riddlesdown has a rapidly shrinking catchment as it has become very popular and also had an outstanding ofsted recently, so despite its 300+ PAN, anything under two miles and you may well not get in. It also is semi selective. Woodcote is the same in terms of catchment.

Croydon and environs have had a lot of building recently so it is very densely populated and this is affecting catchments, plus the year your son is in was a big birth year (a dozen bulge classes put on across the borough that year), which will have a further knock on effect.

JE678 · 18/07/2016 07:37

If you are entertaining moving then Howard of Effingham is one of the best in the country. Glyn over in Epsom is also excellent.

SoupDragon · 18/07/2016 07:30

Warlingham is another popular one for South Croydon parents, although it is in Surrey rather than Croydon.

merlottime · 18/07/2016 07:26

Woodcote has a sports specialism, and a brand new athletics track. It was Croydon school of the year last year. I know quite a few people with kids there, they seem very happy.

Catchmum2017 · 17/07/2016 21:40

Thanks merlottime and iloveredwine .. Yes I am looking for an excellent / outstanding state schools in Surrey . I am looking for an overall development of my son - sports and studies both .
I know about riddlesdown .. I will search woodcote and beacon as well .. Thanks 👍

OP posts:
iloveredwine · 17/07/2016 21:01

Woodcote and the beacon are two my sis looked at.

merlottime · 17/07/2016 21:00

State schools, that is!

merlottime · 17/07/2016 21:00

Riddlesdown and Woodcote are the schools of choice in the south of the borough. Both oversubscribed, but Riddlesdown is huge so may take from a wide area.