Anyone with children at Garfield

[juanitacocina]

Hi there,
We just moved to the area from the U.S., and my children, age 7 and 9, have been allocated spaces at Garfield. I'm wondering if anyone else has children there, and/or insight into the school? I'd also love to meet up somewhere with others who might have children the same age -- my kids are dying to meet some new friends, and it's a bit difficult with school out of session.

Hi Juanitacocina

Welcome to Merton and the UK! Hope you and your family enjoy your time here.

One comment we've cut and pasted directly from the Mumsnet Merton FB page here (you may need to scroll down to find it):

"I don't have my mnet password to hand, but feel free to pass on my comment. School building good and by a park which is a bonus. Mixed school, results indicate good achievement, but I feel aspirations of kids could be higher. Each class seems to have a different personality. Bullying is present, tho not everyone feels it. After school play dates sparse unless u make the effort. No piano which is disappointing. Head teacher obsessed with iPads and money. Pastoral care could be improved. Having said all that my son has been really happy and has made good friends. As have I ! Some good after school clubs, which is nice."

Hopefully there will be some more posts from local Mumsnetters in due course.

Hi, thanks so much! Good to find your Facebook page as well, which looks full of good information. Looking forward to hearing more!

DC1 went to Garfield and thoroughly enjoyed his time there. It has however changed considerably from the cosy, one-form entry school it was when he started. Not necessarily for better or worse - just very different!

It was a brilliant school with a great socio-economic and cultural mix - think there greater polarisation in the former currently which, from what I've been told, means there are more DCs with 'issues'.

It has achieved some very good results in its SATS in recent years but has never acquired the kudos that most of the other Wimbledon primary schools have. It tends to be a good 'second choice' school with a relatively high turn-over - partly because some children are on the waiting lists for the more sought-after local primaries (and move when places for a whole family of siblings become available) and also because there are many overseas families based in SW London for a few years, who come and go.

Not sure if you've managed to get any other local knowledge/insights over the summer hols but you'll soon be able to judge it for yourself.

Hope your DCs settle in well. If the weather is good enough, worth heading for the park after the school day to get to meet some families in a more relaxed setting!

Hi JuanitaCocina, how are your DCs finding it?