Plese help with schools

[Onthephone]

Hi, I had also posted in education. I need an urgent help with schools in Clapham. We are moving into 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.

What a dilemma...

Have a look at our schools listings under childcare and education.

First thought that came to my mind for your eldest was Emanuel School. It's reputation is not as academic as some of the other private schools but they really value things like music, art, sport and have scholarships and bursaries that can bring the fees right down.

In terms of 'grammars' the nearest equivalent we have around here are Graveney in Tooting and Dunraven in Streatham. They both test for entry in Yr 7 but I don't think either of them test for in-year entry (I think it is just proximity). Might be worth giving them a call to see if they have space and, if so, moving as close to them as possible.

Otherwise, there are some very good primary schools around here so you could put DS2 in one of those, spend your cash on DS 2 until 18 and then move DS1 private after that (if you feel the need). Lots of kids at Belleville, Honeywell, Holy Ghost and others do sit 11+ and go private after that. You'd have to move very (i.e. 250m) close to get into the really popular primaries though, which of course means house prices are higher but not such an issue if you are renting.

Sorry bit of a ramble there really but may give you some ideas.

Thank you so much LocalEditor, your post had really helped me to get my head around it!