London primary schools

[Kinsters]

We don't live in the UK but are planning on moving over in time for DD to start primary school in a couple of years time. I was wondering whether anyone had any thoughts to share on London primary schools.

We don't have a house yet so are really open to anywhere. Obviously I've done some research on Google but tbh it is very overwhelming. Is the good schools guide worth purchasing? Does it actually matter whether a school is good or outstanding? I feel like we've missed the boat with some of the very popular private schools as DD is already 2.5 and I'm reading that you have to put them on the list from when they're born!

Aware this is a very general post but anything anyone can share would be great - I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. It feels like such a huge step and I just want DD to be happy. I love the idea of a more countryside school (I was looking at the dragon in Oxford which looks amazing and DH knows some people who went there and loved it but we really want to live in London).

There are lots of good schools in London...I would work out where is the right area of London in general or even commuter belt if you want some countryside then zone in on schools. London has hundreds of primary schools and there are loads of good ones in all areas.

I thought you can only put them on the list just before they start like 6 months? They don’t do the from birth anymore?

I do know in my area catchment is tiny so you need to live really near the school you want.

Depending on how much time pressure you are under, it may be worth using an agency to help you as it sounds like you don't know London at all, and education is very complex here.

Oo I might look into this. I have zero idea. I've just been going on Rightmove and looking at schools on there near locations we've considered.