Graveney, Chestnut Grove or local private schools eg Emanuel

The main challenge for state schools going forward is the falling roll (number of kids in the schools) driven by demographic factors and net migration out of London. What you will see is some primary schools closing, other ones merging, and secondary schools forming multi-academy trusts to support local primary schools. This is already happening and will only grow due to the close ties between schools in the area.

This is true but I think it will make the best state schools even more desirable.

SW London has excellent state schools. There are a whole set of reasons for that both historic and recent e.g. the increasing affluence of the region and (as a result) the large number of kids who go to private school.

The main challenge for state schools going forward is the falling roll (number of kids in the schools) driven by demographic factors and net migration out of London. What you will see is some primary schools closing, other ones merging, and secondary schools forming multi-academy trusts to support local primary schools. This is already happening and will only grow due to the close ties between schools in the area.

If you have the finances and preference to go private then go for it. If not, I wouldn't hesitate sending your kid to a state school in the area. We're very fortunate to have them. Visit them with your DC and go with what you feel is the best fit (albeit some are very difficult to get in with small catchment areas).

Graveney catchment area is basically only the dozen or so streets that immediately surround the school. The test needs either a lot of prep or a lot of smarts, some candidates squeak in with an only modestly impressive dash of both.

Chestnut is a pretty ok school, especially the further you go through the years, but has bullying issues which a number of this year's year 7 parents have been trying to get sorted.

There are lots of threads about Emanuel on here - used to be seen as a really mediocre place for 'nice but dim' types, but driven I suppose by the very rapid growth of jobs in finance and whatnot starting at the back end of the last century became I suppose affordable to a lot more people, mostly from this hugely expanded 'professional' class, so is now way more popular and has way higher standards.

DS is at Chestnut Grove for sixth form and loves it. He has made some lovely friends even though he was new to the school. Highly recommend

I doubt you will get into Graveney from Balham unless you pass the test as the catchment is tiny.

Look at Bolingbroke. I hear good things.

DD went to Ricards Lodge to 5th and Graveney in 6th form. Both are OFSTED outstanding schools though Ricard achieved this just after she left. She preferred Graveney. She went on to get a good degree, Masters and a well paid grad job. I supplemented her state education with tutoring in her two weakest GCSE subjects and one A Level subject.