Hi all
My DS is starting year 5 this September, so entry into secondary school in Sep 2020 - a long way off but we have started to visit schools already because we have to move house in the next 9 months, (to get the money to pay for a good independent) but we would like to move to one of the good state schools catchment areas as a back up if he didn’t get into any of the independents.
DS is in top 3 at his current primary but is a bit weak at written spelling and English but has a great imagination and reads well - is starting private tutoring this September. He is great at Maths, loves Science and Engineering, also Drama and Music. He loves sports and is great at running - he loves football but isn’t brilliant at it. He has suffered bullying a lot at his primary but still does well and has friends; he’s quite a sensitive child and I just want a place that deals with bullying well and will push him to focus on his work, which he is good at once he focuses.
What state schools does anyone recommend? I am looking at Graveney, Ashcroft, Thomas Harris, Kingsdale but what others should I think about? We ideally want mixed. We are currently in Wandsworth but like I say, moving to anywhere appropriate (and we have a bit of a budget but not huge).
Or additional independents? We are looking are Alleyns (first choice, school seems exceptional), KCS, Dulwich and possibly Emanuel (but he hates rugby) and Whitgift.
Has anyone else gone to a state school (no problem just know the catchments are so tiny) when not getting into an independent? Did you reapply for age 13 entry or stick with state?
Any help needed with other goood schools to consider - I don’t want to get it all wrong and/or push my son too hard so he struggles later if he did get in. All and any advice desperately grateful for!
TIA