Herne Hill School or Merlin School?

[niluferturhan]

Hi all, we just secured a place in Herne Hill and Merlin School and in the process of making the decision between those two. We target 7+ assessments for my DS but not sure which one will be a better option as we loved both schools. I really appreciate the experience of mums here, so would be great if we can get some feedbacks before we finalize our decision, many thanks all!

My daughter attended Herne Hill school as did many of my friends' children. Its a lovely school and we had a great experience.

I don't know Merlin school but it looks like they have leaver's destinations more focused on West London while Herne Hill is more south-west and south London focused.

Do you have a sense of which schools you might want to apply to at 7+

Many thanks for the feedback, means a lot as you directly experienced it. It is too early too say as I dont know how my son will develop over the next 3 years but our wish list is Alleyns or Dulwich college if he manages to get in 7+

If that's your aspiration then Herne Hill is a great option.

The schools are miles apart so presumably you will move or already leave near to one of them?
Far fewer children from Merlin will go to the Dulwich schools as it’s a trek from Putney so if those are the ones you’re aiming for I’d go to Herne Hill.

No we have not made the move yet, as we currently live in North London. Depending on the decision we will progress...

Then I’d go for the area you’d prefer to live in! Parents I know who had children at Merlin seemed to love it. Don’t know anything about Herne Hill! Are you totally sure you want a school that stops at 7?

@niluferturhan we are currently at HH and my son loves it. We are in Reception and comparing to what my eldest was doing (who didn't go), HH are definitely focused.

As someone already said on this post, focus on the area you wish to live in.

@justtryingouthere many thanks, it's great to hear that feedback from you as your son is already there. In terms of the area herne hill is a stronger option for us, we have never lived there but our experience so far being there few times is quite positive as it looks quite family friendly.

@niluferturhan - we don't live in the local area but have many friends that do. It's extremely family friendly. Best of luck.

If you want Alleyns long term I'd probably live in Dulwich. Its walkable to Herne Hill but more convenient for where the majority of his schooling would take place.

Great thanks