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Original poster

primary schools in Wimbledon

72 replies

WobblyPig · 14/01/2009 19:31

Does anyone have experience of primary schools in Wimbledon? I live in south Wimbledon and know that Dundonald and Bishop Gilpin have very good reputations and Ofsteds but we don't live in their catchment. Nearest for us is Merton Aabeey ( no way on EARTH) ; Pelham, Holy Trinity and Garfield. Anyone have experience of these schools or offer any advice about the admissions processes?

OP posts:
warthog · 14/01/2009 19:33

holy trinity i think has a waiting list. don't know about the others.

slummymomma · 15/01/2009 13:51

If you are in South Wimbledon I would be very surprised if you could get into either Bishop Gilpin or Dundonald as they have very tight catchment areas. BG is a church school so you may be able to get in if you go for a Foundation place (church).

I have DS1 and DD at Holy Trinity and DS2 in the nursery there. It is an excellent school but there has been some controversy recently as there are plans to take it from a one form entry school to two form.

Holy Trinity had to take a 'bulge' year last year because there was a shortage of primary places in Merton. Some people are concerned about the prospect of building work so you might want to visit the school to see for yourself. It has been quite hard to get children into Holy Trinity when it was one form (open places only going to children on Effra Road) but again you have a the option of a church place if you are a regular church goer.

Garfield has recently also increased its intake and has (and is still going through building work). Holy Trinity has had a number of children transferring to it from Garfield.

I know people with children at Pelham and they are very happy with it. Again it is a one form entry school and you may not get a place if you are as far as, say Hamilton/Hardy or Victory Road.

Hope that helps!

Original poster
WobblyPig · 16/01/2009 19:37

Yes that really helps but is very depressing as it doesn't sound like we can get in anywhere.

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angrypixie · 16/01/2009 19:51

South Wimbledon you won't get into Bishop Gilpin, Holy Trinity, Pelham or Dundonald. I live near South Park Gdns and wanted Pelham as it was the only local non faith school but was told there was no way, and indeed they were right.

Merton Abbey was in special measures wasn't it? But schools do turn around, what about Garfield? No first hand experience of either I'm afraid.

Original poster
WobblyPig · 16/01/2009 19:54

I couldn't face Merton Abeey. As the crow flies, Garfield is farther away than Pelham or Holy Trinity. Where do children go to school if you live in the battles then?

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Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 20:01

I think everyone who applied to Garfield got in - that's what the admissions lady there told me.

Read some good things about it on Ofsted but not sure why it's so easy to get into if you know what I mean?

I'm interested in finding out more about other schools in the area myself in case we don't get our first two choices (Bishop Gilpin and Priory).

Angrypixie, did you manage to get a school near South Park Gardens in the end or have to travel a way somewhere else? We're not far from you.

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 20:06

Yes, but last year a friend of mine who lives ON Effra road didn't get into Holy Trinity reception (despite having been in nursery there)

Schools are massively over subscribed, ring the local Council and talk to someone in Education, they'll give you an idea of your options.

Actually have just found this years admissions booklet;
Pelham had 113 application for 30 places

Garfield 112 applications for 60 places

Dundonald 215 applications for 30 places

Merton Abbey 32 applications for 30 places

EEK! Sorry

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 20:09

Just found the page for church schools

Bishop Gilpin 157 applications for 60 places

Holy Trinity 117 applications 60 places
(first year accepting 60)

The Priory 160 applications for 60 places

Double EEK

Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 20:10

That's just crazy about not getting in if you live on Effra Road! I wonder if they do double intake next year, how far the catchment will expand to.

Re: those number, even though Garfield had 112 applications, everyone who wanted their place in the end did get it (I think).

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 20:11

Takingitslowly, I had no option but to go for an open place at a faith school (never lied about our beliefs either) I have 2 at The Priory and am VERY happy with it. I'm a teacher myself and so fairly picky!

Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 20:12

But surely there's always going to be a lot of applications to places? I mean each family gets to make 3 applications per child even though they only need 1 place, right?

Wheelybug · 16/01/2009 20:12

If wimbledon is anything like over the border in kingston (which sounds like it is) - they may be adding more bulge classes. Kingston added 250 places last year (this current reception year), and have already added 150 extra places to 2009 entry and just announced they still don't have enough places so will be adding more. Eek !

Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 20:13

Glad you like the Priory, always nice to hear good things, esp from a teacher!

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 20:14

The Priory I have found to be a really inclusive community school. Big on finding the skills and talents in every child. Lots of arts & drama (has arts council Gold standard)

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 20:18

Yes, you can make 3 choices but many don't. Those with siblings will probably only make 1 application I did. Some nursery children did not get into the priory reception last year. It is tough, but as wheelybug says 3 schools took bulge classes last year but that is taking it's toll on outside space.

Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 20:20

Ah ok, I see re: app numbers.

Oh no, it must be awful to have sent your child to the nursery and then not get in.

Original poster
WobblyPig · 16/01/2009 20:55

I know this sounds naive but what happens to children to don't get in to the nearest schools? Based on those applciation figures presumably some don't get any of their 3 choices. What then.

Nice to hear from locals by the way.

OP posts:
Original poster
WobblyPig · 16/01/2009 20:57

Angrypixie and Takingit slowly are you both South Parkers?

OP posts:
angrypixie · 16/01/2009 21:29

I'm in Prince's, one back from SP Gdns.

Where are you ?

Original poster
WobblyPig · 16/01/2009 21:31

Hamilton Road. Would love to live where you are though.
When we moved here we didn't have children and didn't prioritise schooling at that time. I could kick myself now. We looked at a house in Effra road as well.

OP posts:
BecauseImWorthIt · 16/01/2009 21:36

Both my boys went to Pelham and it was a fantastic school - would highly recommend it, if you can get in.

Also, while I'm on this thread, come and have a look at the meet ups thread as I'm trying to organise one in either New Malden or Wimbledon!

BecauseImWorthIt · 16/01/2009 21:37

Here!

angrypixie · 16/01/2009 21:42

meet? As in real people? talking?????

Hmmmm what a concept.....

Will go take a look

BecauseImWorthIt · 16/01/2009 21:42

Real people! And very nice people, too - it would be good to meet you as well!

Takingitslowly · 16/01/2009 21:46

Actually no, I live near Leopold Road but still pretty close to S P Gardens.

So there are quite a few of us round here!

Wobbly, think if you don't get into any of your choices, the council offer you a place at an available school somewhere in the borough (could be anywhere).

Thanks for invite to thread Because I'm Worth It, will check it out.

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