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Original poster

Private schools near Epsom

63 replies

Blueskiessunshine · 08/06/2021 14:01

Hi all,
We are starting to think about schools for our 9 year old son. We live in Epsom. We should be in the catchment for Glyn but this isn't guaranteed. There aren't any other local state schools we are keen on. So we are also considering local private schools. Downsend School sounds great. I have read mixed reviews about Freemens. Does anyone have any insight into these, or any other local secondary schools?
Thank you! Smile

OP posts:
Coronateachingagain · 08/06/2021 23:11

Is St John's too far away?

Skatingpark97 · 08/06/2021 20:24

I agree with @Corblimbea that the new team at Ewell Castle are great.

Original poster
Blueskiessunshine · 08/06/2021 20:12

@SoosanCarter @Blankscreen we would love Epsom College but it sounds like it's difficult to get in. But I'll investigate further. @PatriciaHolm The location of Kingswood House would be perfect but we need an academic school to stretch our son.

Does anyone have experience of Downsend?

OP posts:
Corblimbea · 08/06/2021 19:51

I think that’s a very outdated view of Ewell Castle. We have only positive things to say about it and the new Head (two/three years) is really great. It’s far more popular than it was a few years ago and would strongly recommend. Also have friends who are incredibly happy at Kingswood - we loved it there too, but just a bit challenging to get to from ours.

SoosanCarter · 08/06/2021 18:47

Ewell Castle is really considered locally to be for non-achievers.

Blankscreen · 08/06/2021 18:38

I was about to say Epsom College

SoosanCarter · 08/06/2021 18:33

Epsom College?

PatriciaHolm · 08/06/2021 18:30

Depending on where you are, there is also Ewell Castle (Ewell), as well as Kingswood House (central Epsom) both of which are meant to be good, though not super academic.

blahblahblah321 · 08/06/2021 14:52

@Blueskiessunshine

Hi, thank you for your honest feedback! We have always been within the catchment, albeit to the outer edge, but the year my son started primary was a bulge year, and so when he starts secondary I'm anticipating for that year the catchment area to shrink, but I may be wrong!

Is your nephew happy at Glyn? I'm concerned about the sheer size of it, hence why I'm thinking about private school options too.

Yes he does, and he's not brilliant either academically or socially but is doing well there, lots of support
Original poster
Blueskiessunshine · 08/06/2021 14:47

@Maverick197 yes I am considering SGS but I think it will be really tough because of our distance. Almost half of the spaces go to those within the local postcodes, and the rest ranked by scores and distance. So I am assuming our Son would have to get a very high combined pass rate from the 2 tests to get in.

OP posts:
Original poster
Blueskiessunshine · 08/06/2021 14:44

Hi, thank you for your honest feedback! We have always been within the catchment, albeit to the outer edge, but the year my son started primary was a bulge year, and so when he starts secondary I'm anticipating for that year the catchment area to shrink, but I may be wrong!

Is your nephew happy at Glyn? I'm concerned about the sheer size of it, hence why I'm thinking about private school options too.

OP posts:
Maverick197 · 08/06/2021 14:25

Just a thought, but if your child is very academic you could apply for the grammar schools in Sutton. I know two boys who travel from Epsom to Sutton Grammar School. I think Wilson's and Wally boys will be a bit harder travel wise.

blahblahblah321 · 08/06/2021 14:08

My nephew attends glyn and Nieces are at Blenheim - my sister in law would definitely not recommend Blenheim. Why do you think you won't get into Glyn?

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