Merton Secondary Schools - Calling all SW Londoners

[GameGirly]

DD1 will be all grown up and starting high school next September. Is Rickards Lodge as good as they say or should I be looking to part with some cash and go private?? I've paid my money for the exams for Wimbledon and Putney Highs but I'm not sure we're really in that league - don't think we're posh enough! Any and all opinions gratefully received!

I haven't heard anyone say that Rickards Lodge is good. Merton has some great primary schools, but none of the secondary schools is particularly good. That is why people go out of borough if they can - we know children living in Merton who go to school in Sutton, Kingston, Putney, Wandsworth.

Wimbledon High is in another league (I know less about Putney High). If you can afford it, DD would get a better education there.

DS was lucky enough to get into a grammar school in a neighbouring borough, and we hope that DD can do that too (in a few years time). Rickards Lodge will be our 6th choice - a fallback if every other option comes to nothing.

Celia2 - not any Merton schools. Tiffin Girls, Nonsuch, Graveney, Saint Ceclia's, ADT.

schoolsfinder is a convenient way to search for schools in an area.

DD is not aware yet of school uniforms. St Cecelia's is certainly very distinctive.

Nonsuch is a very long shot - we are outside the circle, so DD would have to be in the top 50 to get in.

Thanks, everyone! Yes, I've already sent off the application forms. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens in March ... deep joy!

Ofsted thought Rickard's was a 'very good school' in 2001 with 'outstanding' management. I bet the next report will be as good. My neice went there and loved it, and there were several girls with all As at GCSE. They have a fantastic music department with a great choir. The results are good compared with similar non-selective state schools which aren't faith schools - you won't find much better if you compare like for like.

We live near rickards lodge and the girls walk past our house everyday. I've witness fighting, disgusting language and I've been pushed out the way at the bus stop by RL girls on a number of occasions. I would rather move house than have to send my daughter there.

My daughter is currently in year 5, just wanted to resurrect this thread as I am in the same situation and same location I think! We live just off Wimbledon Parkside and can apply to Wandsworth / Merton / Kingston Tiffins maybe but i doubt it ... currently about to start DD on her 11plus tuition ...

We visited Ashcroft Academy a week ago and was pleasantly surprised by the facilities and behaviour of the students, does anybody know anything about St Cecilia's and living just off the A3 roundabout towards Fulham will we get a chance with LMS Lady margaret?