Primary schools in Greenwich

[metropolis]

Hi, I am looking into primary schools in Greenwich and as this is all new to me I wondered how other mums got on in this process? Did you get your chosen choice?

We currently live in W Greenwich and my nearly 2 yr old attends Rachel McMillan nursery. We are v happy with him there and he loves it but with recent government changes he may not get a full time place when he is 3. Obviously it looks like state schools such as Halstow is good but oversubscribed and difficult to get a place unless you live v near?

James Wolfe is possible but adequate Ofsted report. Then private schools like Blackheath prep but we can't afford it - anyone had success with a scholarship there?

Any advice or suggestions gratefully received on schools.

halstow you have to live within a few hundred yards? james wolfe used to have a good reputation... has it gone downhill?

none of the prep schools will offer bursaries/scholarships from age 5 IMO - although it might be worth phoning to check?

James Wolfe is a good school but is large - you should be in catchment. no chance of halstow from w greenwich. Meridian in east greenwich is improving but there are changes afoot re; headteacher. private school options for boys are blackheath high (at primary level), heath house in SE3 (lovely, small school), blackheath prep (selective at 3)and Pointers (christian basis, funny uniform). Fees actually not too bad at nursery/reception stage (for private!) as for most preps the early years funding is deducted until they turn five (check that out though) - if you budget the costs monthly its about £350 max - less in nursery. think a bursary is highly unlikely at this age.

blackheath high is for girls!

agree on costs - when they're 3 or 4 you can pay with salary sacrifice vouchers (so out of your gross salary) and some (though not all )of them will be registered for the government EYFS scheme which will give you £700 off each term.

sorry OP, hatsy right - thought blackheath high accepted boys for primary bit!

Thanks for your replies. I have not heard any first hand experience of James Wolfe school so this is useful. If we still lived here when ds is 4 he would probably attend J Wolfe, however we need to move into a 2 bed property soon and am not sure we can afford to stay in W Greenwich anymore.

Thanks for the tips on budgeting fees and voucher scheme. Still can't afford this at the moment until work picks up. Shame about bursaries - will phone to check as that was my only chance of getting ds a place. We both have degrees and masters but in our field it is a low salary, and ds is very bright and talented so I wondered about scholarships. Thanks.

bursaries/scholarships - same difference really - they don't kick in until age 8 really?

most of the independent schools are selective to an extent, so will be full of other 'very bright and talented' 4 year olds.

yes, just checked bursaries start at year 3.

metropolis, take heart - my niece went to a very poor (state) primary but then entered the 7+ exam for a prep school (not in london) and was offered a place with a full bursary. if your child is bright but you are not in a position to afford full fees/extras, I think it is worth at least taking the entrance exam and seeing what the schools can offer you.

icancancan - thank you for the encouraging note. i suppose i still have a few years to go but this is useful to hear and what decisions i can take - and well done to your niece, i hope she is enjoying her new school!

when you say 'poor' do you mean standard wise rather than financially? and was this why her parents wanted to take the 7+ to leave it sooner than take the 11+?