Diversity and Wimbledon/Dulwich

[poppy913]

Hi, I am a young mum and currently thinking of moving to either Dulwich or Wimbledon in the coming months in preparation for my dc's education. I am an Asian of Chinese descent who have lived in central London for the past 10 years and have appreciated how multicultural and diverse this great city is.

As I started making day trips and spending more time in our targeted future home areas, I couldn't help but noticed that both Dulwich and Wimbledon are predominantly white communities. I do not have a problem being around caucasians having worked with people of all races and culture around the world but I as I get older and perhaps a little more cautious, I am concern if we would fit in and be welcome in these areas we are hoping to set up our future home.

Having read 2 threads on mumsnet about children suffering racial bullying in Merton schools where their children stood out as being different (I appreciate bullying happens everywhere), with all due respect, I am hoping that non caucasian parents could share their experiences having moved to these areas.

Hipoppy913

Have you looked at different parts of Merton? Think Wimbledon may be more caucasian than other parts of the borough but still there's lots of diversity too. It may be though that day trips don't give you the full picture. Where have you been hanging out? If you've been up in Wimbledon Village you may find that you may see lots of people of caucasian heritage but not that many Brits amongst them (it's a bit Euro-Set up there!).

If you were around and about when the secondary school children come out of school in Wimbledon in the afternoon, you may have a totally different view! Accepted that not all the DCs live in Wimbledon, but the vast majority will be Merton/Wandsworth residents.

Shocked to hear of children suffering racial bullying in Merton schools - is this in state or private ones?

Despite being leafy suburbia, Merton has an extremely diverse population and the number of languages spoken at many of the state primaries is well over 40! May be worth checking out with the local Council if you want to see the figures in black and white

At DC1's (now at secondary school) Wimbledon state primary year (very mixed culturally and socially), there were many children of non-caucasian heritage and many with one caucasian and one non-caucasian parent. In his class of 30 children there were only 6 who were British-caucasian! And sure his school was/isn't the only one.

Tensions, should they exist, seemed to be more along socio-economic lines than cultural heritage ones, from what I've seen....

Not sure if that's helpful... I would say that London is the most amazingly diverse city and that extends to the 'burbs' too .

Hi Willemdefoeismine,

Thank you for taking time to share your views. I'm certainly tempted to make the move to lovely Wimbledon. Just wanted to make sure that it's the right thing for the family. Your observation certainly allays our main concerns.

House hunting is going to be fun. Looks like decent 3 bedroom houses close to the popular schools are around the GBP800k mark. Will be a stretch for our little family. Will be looking out :)