DULWICH SCHOOLS - YOUR EXPERIENCES GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!

[MrsJackJohnson]

Hi everyone,

We 've just recently moved to Herne Hill.

I have registered my dd to Ducks and Herne Hill School.

Japs and Alleyns webistes say that registration should be made the year before she's due to start.

Heard very nice things from lots of mums form the state school in the village.

Please any advice, comments on your experiences greatly appreciated.

if you could get dd into the state school I have heard it is just as good as any of the fee paying schools in the area. But of course the catchment area is massively expensive and I don't think includes Herne Hill.

The village school is excellent, but the catchment area is small and I doubt you'd get in if you're in HH. Herne Hill School is good, but only covers key stage 1, so she'd have to find another school at 7. I think that JAPS and Alleyns run through to 11, but they are hard to get into and do test the children. Herne Hill has a kindergarden and if your child has been there then they will get into the school.

Another great private school is Rosemead - a short drive from HH and a lot of children attending will live in HH and Dulwich. I know a few people with children there and they love it, it's not as pushy and therefore pressurised for the children as JAPS/Alleyns, but still very good.

The Village school is hugely popular and has a tiny catchment area. Its also C of E so unless you are already a church-goer, you may have to get busy with the Sunday morning trips to St Barnabas, along with the many other non-believers who want a place at that school.

If you are planning to stay in Herne Hill there are no good secondary schools nearby. If you don't have a problem with private education, why not get started now while DD is still young?

There is also DCPS nursery on Gallery Road which is part of Dulwich College Prep School (to be distinguished from Ducks). My son goes there atm and is very happy.

Thanks ever so much for your comments.

The competitive vibe is in the air in this part of London!