Schools in Clapham

[StressedWithKids]

Hello, I need an urgent help with schools in Clapham. We are moving to the area this summer and got 2 boys, DS1 is 12 and DS2 is 4, so we need places in reception and year 8. We can afford up to 14k in fees, so at least one of the boys has to attend a state school.

The oldest is at a grammar school right now, but to be honest I am not sure if he is a grammar school material. He is doing ok with his maths (level 7b), but I am not sure if he can pass an exam and get into a more competitive private school. He is also grade 3 in music and both his tutor and his music teacher at school think he is gifted in that area (he is very musical and had achieved grade 3 in violin in just one year without much practicing, he also sings in choir) .
DS2 is at a prep school right now and had settled in very well. DH and I are feeling very guilty about moving the kids, so looking for some nice schools to make the move easier for them.

Thanks!

Y8 is a difficult year to get into a new school, virtually impossible for a decent state sec. Try Bollingbroke Academy, Graveney and Chestnut Grove for state options but all are very popular and I'd be surprised if had any places in Y8. Private sec options around Clapham are limited - there are lots of prep schools but fewer secs. Emanuel is closest, Dulwich College is very easy to get to from Clapham, as is Alleyns (also in Dulwich).
There are some excellent state primaries in Clapham (Honeywell, Belleville, Macauley to name three) but all depend on living very near by so where you live will be a determining factor there.
Good luck!

An you clarify if you mean Clapham specifically, and if so which bit? Or are you looking generally in the SW4/SW11/SW12 areas?

Sadly 14k is not going to get you very far - that won't cover the fees for one child at secondary round here unless he gets a scholarship which won't be on offer to y8 entrants

Thank you for your replies! What about the Thames Christian College? The fees are around 14k.

We don't have to live in Clapham, but DH is going to travel to Bank, so we thought it would be a nice area to settle in. What about Ealing? Is it any better for schools?

If he is going to bank then trains to waterloo and waterloo & city line gives you far more options and your money will go further re housing. Would that be an option or are there other reasons why you need to be more central?

Many thanks for your message springrain. The main reason for wanting a central location is DH's new job, although I intend to work too so it would make both our commutes easier. Clapham is currently our first choice due to positive reviews and its reputation, but we are very much open to ideas, especially if it means our schools dilemma is eased. My DH says he doesn't mind a commute of up to 30mins each way. This would also allow us to pick up the children at a reasonable time.

30 minutes would get you as far as Surbiton on the overground for example, as a fast train takes 20 mins to Waterloo and you need to allow 10 minutes for the tube to bank. Might be worth looking at what that or something similar gets you in terms of schools as I would think you will be really challenged to get both boys places you are happy with nearer to London given you are applying late and there is such a shortage of reception places there. An extra 10 or 20 minutes on the journey would then make a huge difference to your choices, plus make the journey more pleasant for hubby as he is more likely to be able to get a seat in the mornings.

If were you I'd have a ring round all the independent secondary schools and see if they just happen to have a last minute place, people are transient and might just happen to be moving out of the area. Then look at places to live combined with state primaries that also have places. I'm guessing, but I think may need a little more than 14k for private secondary, but not masses more.

Thank you springrain and yotty. Will make a list of secondaries and look into other areas of London.