primary schools in Chiswick area

[dangirl]

This topic has probably been up many times before so please bare with me for bringing it up again.
I have never joined in the whole "what school is my going to"-debate as I always counted on leaving the city well before that time.
It now turns out that my husband wants another couple of years here working and we will be staying put for a while.
Problem is that my daughter is due to start school next September and is not registered any where.
With all due respect then I really do not want her to go the cathment state school which is known for being rather poor and with a large number of problem children (don't mean to sound that awful...)
I know that most private schools have got list longer than imaginable. What do I do? Is it even worth approaching these schools? Do they only take the lists in to account or do they also interview the children as this might give us a chance?
What do people do if they move in to an area at this time and their children aren't registered any where?
Sorry for all the questions. Hope for some response!
Dangirl
xx

oops. I really should check for spelling before posting.

Don't know anything about private ed but you aren't too late for the state schools - our deadline for applications in Hammersmith & Fulham is mid-Jan, I imagine Hounslow will be similar. This year the applications process is co-ordinated centrally at the boro level - so you apply on one form naming your 3 (I think) preferred choices. Have no idea what the schools in Hounslow are like and whether you can find even one you like of course!

Borough website will have all the details. Good luck!

I just noticed your message and I live in Chiswick. My dd has just started reception at a state primary in Chiswick. I couldn't work out which school you were referring to when talking about your catchment area school, as it is a matter of perception and it could be several.

However having looked at all the state schools in Chiswick, there is only one that I definitely woudn't have sent her to. I would urge you to look at them, as having compared what goes on in reception with friends with children at other schools (even one in a private school), it is really not that much different. It is clear to me that the 'richer' state schools in Chiswick get a great deal of financial support from parents and can offer more interesting trips etc, but do not differ a great deal from my dd's school in terms of what is actually taught. In fact (if you want to go by SATs results), my dd's school which has many 'economically deprived' pupils scored better in one of the tests than the school that everyone seems to want their child to go to! You do not need to have registered yet - but phone Hounslow and Ealing Councils to find out their deadlines. I was offered a place at 3 different schools (2 of which were outside my catchment area) and felt that I had a choice.

If you really feel that private schooling is the only option, don't be taken in by their emphasis on early registration. A friend of mine was offered places at two in Chiswick this July and August. One of them had previously assured me that I would have needed to have put my dd's name down at birth to be considered!

if you are keen on private, the best bet is to phone now (they will tell you their lists are all full) and then regularly phone the school secretary in july, august and even the first week or two of term in september. guaran teed a place will come up. the lists are all full of people who are top of the list at 5 schools, and only take up one place (obviously). also being london lots of people move house in the summer, but don't tell the school they are now living in oxfordshire or wherever until the very last minute.

it all shakes out in the end...

thank you so much for your replies. Have been on holday so haven't seen till now.
Am seeing headmaster at International school tomorrow which will be interesting.
Have spoken to a few other schools in the area state, voluntary and private. Very mixed responses.
We live in the catchment area of the William Hogarth School. As previously mentioned I haven't heard the best re this. Please let me know if you know any different.
Any way maybe I am a bit more optimistic tomorrow after meeting.
Cheers,
Dangirl

We have just moved out of Chiswick, but DS was at Strand-on-the-Green for 3 years and we were very pleased with it. Also, they do take some children who are out of the catchment area. Belmont has an even better reputation but I should think is very hard to get into. If you are catholic, I believe St. Mary's is one of the best primary schools in the country. As for private sector, friends have been very happy with Falcons, but I think it's single sex so i would not want that at primary age.

International school visit went well. Really likes it, so that is a definite option.
I think I will still apply for a few of the better state schools and if we get in at one of those the good if not the international one it is - I think.
Have also heard good things of St, Mary's, but we are not catholic so near impossible to get in there.
Oh, all the hassle...
Thank you for the replies.
Dangirl