Private schools nr Sutton/Croydon/Surrey borders

[RueDeWakening]

Hi,

DH really surprised me earlier, saying that he is potentially considering private secondaries for our children (currently 1 girl, 1 boy). Given that the eldest started Reception this week, there's a while before we need to consider thing in much detail, but I'd never even thought about going private before.

Can anyone tell me what private day schools there are anywhere near Sutton or Croydon borough, or on the London/Surrey borders? Any feedback on any of them? What timescales would we be looking at for a year 7 entry - waiting lists, exams, I have no idea how this would work

Thanks.

I just looked at a few schools for my DS and DD. Sutton High is very nice, but actually Nonsuch (which is comp) is just as nice and gets similar results. Both require an exam, which I believe is taken the September before entry. My DH went to Whitgift and found it a bit "military". Trinity has a good reputation. (Both boys schools in Croydon.) My sister went to Royal Russell (co-ed in Croydon) but I wouldn't recommend it. Too many bored kids with too much money IMO = problems with drugs, sex etc. My brother went to Caterham Boys. He didn't get on well with the discipline there, but that could have just been his personality. I went to Croydon High - it is a good school academically.

Nonsuch is a grammar school not a comp. Sutton doesn't have any private senior schools other than Sutton High afaik.

Croydon has numerous private schools which are all quite different. It really depends on what you are looking for. Is it co-ed or single sex, sports, musical etc, etc.

All of the private schools in Croydon set their own entrance tests and interviews are required. All have am entry point at 11 but Trinity and Whitgift also have entry points at 10 and 13.

Best thing to do is get a list from the ISC website, have a look at the websites of ones nearby and then visit them!

Thanks - Dh really threw me for a loop, it's not something I'd ever considered so am a bit at sea. I'll look up the isc website and go from there.

I'm another ex-Croydon High girl (wonders if she knows somanymiles). I had friends at Caterham, Whitgift, Trinity and Croham Hurst (now merged with Old Palace); as well as Wallington Girls Grammar.

The schools are all very different and suit different people. I got on really well at CHS and loved my time there - I did look round Old Palace and knew it wasn't for me.

I guess you need to have a look round some of the schools, and wait until you see if your DC are sporty, arty, dramatic, academic or a combination of all 4 to see which school(s) will suit them best.

Somanymiles, nonsuch is not a comprehensive, it is a "superselective" grammar, and very hard indeed to get into - see the elevenplus forum, surrey section for more info.

Yes, we're hoping she'll pass the 11+ for Wallington Girls as we don't live far from the school, or Nonsuch as a back up. But it's getting ever more selective and local rumours are that the small percentage of places reserved for girls within catchment are going/have gone/will have gone soon - so almostly certainly won't exist in 6 or 7 years time. Hence looking at other options...

I doubt you'll be able to use Nonsuch as a "back-up" for Wallington, because it's harder to get into than Wallington - and Wallington is hard enough!

These schools are both "Superselective" and only about 10% of the girls who sit the exams are offered a place.

Also these schools are better, academically, than private schools. At private schools you're paying for smaller classes, better facilities and more attention for your DC - it's not a better education than a "Superselective".

Thanks, didn't realise that Nonsuch was tougher to get into (I know nothing about secondary schools yet!). The Sutton grammars will remain our preferred options, assuming that the children seem to stand a chance of getting a place there, but it's wise to consider alternatives - especially if only 10% of applicants are offered places there.

Do you know what the situation is for the boys grammars? Similar to the girls, easier, harder?

My DS is in Wilson's and has a reputation for being the most academically superior of all three boys grammar school. Presumably the only reason they would be easier to get into is because there are more grammar school places for boys in Sutton than there are girls. Nevertheless, they are still competitive!

Check out the school websites which would give you a low down on the numbers sitting the test and the available places. You may also want to check out school league tables. Whilst they are not the end all and be all, they give you an idea of the schools' standing, nationally.

Hope this helps.

OP you may be interested to know that neither of the Catholic school alternatives Coloma (for girls) and John Fisher (for boys) no longer test, interview and ask for school reports, they are completely non-selective today a side from the religious requirements. PM me for more info.

Why waste your money on private schools when the state schools in Sutton are amongst the best in the country? I should know my son was educated here & is currently doing his A'levels at Overton Grange a school i would highly recommend

Remember that although Nonsuch and Wallington are free they also have class sizes of 30 and your child is part of a general soup. Places like Croydon and other Gdst schools have Junior depts. essentially, if in year 5 they are doing oK then they get automatic entry into the senior school. Best thing to do is to go for tours round and get the indefinable 'vibe'. Croydon is very diverse and not 'private' in feel. Woldingham has an established history with clientelle of old girls' daughters - more of a trad private school. Surbiton, I think, is a bit less diverse than CHS but similar.

Hi ladies,
Wish you all a happy new year. I have recently moved to London from Dubai. My daughter is going to sit for her 11 plus exams this September. As I am totally new to this exam thing , I am totally confused. I stay near Sutton so, she will sit for the grammar schools in this area but I don’t mind making her sit in other schools as well. Need ur insights ladies...TIA

This is a very old thread, started in 2011. Too much out of date information,: some relates to 20 or more years ago.

Best to start a new thread.