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Original poster

Secondary schools west Dulwich

33 replies

Rasnos · 29/08/2025 20:46

We’ve recently moved to West Dulwich, near Thurlow Park Road, and this is our first time living in London. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed, as I work long hours in the NHS and I’m trying to get my head around schools and the area in general.

I’m particularly concerned about secondary schools. Elmgreen is only a 4-minute walk from us and seems to have fairly good reviews overall, though I’ve also read about the tragic incident there a while back, which has made me anxious.

If anyone has children currently at Elmgreen (or other nearby secondaries under Lambeth), I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences — especially around safety, the learning environment, and general atmosphere. I’d also love to know how people find the community within the school — we’re keen on a diverse and balanced environment for our children.

Any reassurance, insights, or recommendations would be hugely valued!

OP posts:
FollowSpot · 30/08/2025 22:47

P.S good area to live, fantastic nearby parks, Dulwich and Brockwell. Cinema at W Norwood. Bus to Brixton, East Dulwich is lovely, with another cinema.

FollowSpot · 30/08/2025 22:45

I lived in that area for years and still have friends with kids at Elmgreen.

It’s a good school.

Actually there are many good schools in the general area. Elmgreen, Dunraven, Kingsdale, Charter if you are lucky enough to get a place.

Thurlow Park Rd is a safe pleasant area. All of London, really, is a mixture of high density / LA housing mixed in with very expensive housing.

There are stab incidents in London but the horrible truth for those involved is that it is generally people involved in gang activity. Your Dc is not going to get involved in gang activity. And will quickly learn to be street smart. Don’t stare at any trouble, walk away from trouble, don’t have a stupidly expensive up to date phone and wave it about.

School students have free travel on buses with their Zip cards, so Harris, Charter (apply via Southwark), Dunraven, Kingsdale, Norwood, all within reach.

Don’t bring him down from Scotland for a place at City Heights.

Original poster
Rasnos · 30/08/2025 22:30

My son started school earlier in Scotland on 18/08, so I waited to secure him a place before he joined me here for Year 8. In the meantime, he stayed with my mum.

I found on the Council admissions website that most in-year school applications need to be made directly to the school. He’s currently on the waiting list for Harris Boys East Dulwich – it’s a bit further away, but the school is outstanding and has great reviews. I’ve also applied to Elmgreen and am waiting for a response from Kingsdale.

Since Elmgreen is only a 4-minute walk from us, I’d really appreciate any encouraging feedback or reassuring reviews about it for Year 8.

OP posts:
LadyLapsang · 30/08/2025 16:10

Schools are about to return after the summer break. Have you applied for places for your children?

Radiatorvalves · 30/08/2025 11:05

I live relatively near by and that’s a “nice” area. I know kids who’ve been at Elm Green and done well. But it wasn’t on my list. Dunraven and Kingsdale would be preferable. But I’m a bit out of date.

Needmorelego · 30/08/2025 10:49

Rasnos · 30/08/2025 10:44

really appreciated your reply.
I came across a report about a 15-year-old student who was stabbed and died just outside the school gates. I understand this may have been an isolated incident, but it has naturally raised some concerns for me as a parent. That said, I am otherwise very keen on the school—particularly because of its proximity and convenience for my son.

can I ask you if you do not mind about the safety generally in Thurlow park road area? I am confused if this road neighbourhood considered Dulwich or Tusle hill

Depressing as this sounds but there are a lot of teen stabbings in London.
It's usually gang/territory related rather than having anything to do with specific schools.
Generally West Dulwich/West Norwood is considered slightly nicer than Tulse Hill.
Thurlow Park Road is a long road so it's in both areas.

Original poster
Rasnos · 30/08/2025 10:44

really appreciated your reply.
I came across a report about a 15-year-old student who was stabbed and died just outside the school gates. I understand this may have been an isolated incident, but it has naturally raised some concerns for me as a parent. That said, I am otherwise very keen on the school—particularly because of its proximity and convenience for my son.

can I ask you if you do not mind about the safety generally in Thurlow park road area? I am confused if this road neighbourhood considered Dulwich or Tusle hill

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 30/08/2025 00:58

I live near there and I have never heard about any "tragic incident" that happened there.
When/what was that?
As far as I know it's a good school. Others in the area that are popular are Norwood and Dunraven.