South Park Gardens

[poppy913]

Hi, I am looking at putting an offer for a property on Faraday Road in the South Park Gardens area. Wimbledon will be a big and new move for us from South East London and naturally I am quite nervous if we are picking the right area to live as a family (keen on HT school as we would like DC to be raised in a christian influenced school).

The property is suppose to be 0.7miles to Wimbledon station (DH commutes to Canary Wharf) - a little far to be honest but we are thinking we should do it if we are serious about the school. Property is also smallish at 1200 sq ft but that is all we can afford.

Anyone with any thoughts and advise about anything about our move or the area, please drop a respond. Eager to hear from people living out there in Wimbledon.

Hi

Don't live in Wimbledon but long-term Merton resident and we spend a lot of time there with the DCs. Also, I cycle to Wimbledon every day to get the District Line and DD at primary school there, so I know the roads you're talking about very well.

I wouldn't say Faraday Gardens is more than a 10-15 minute walk maximum (and probably less if you walk at a brisk pace!) to Wimbledon Station. Probably the same distance/time to get to Haydon's Road Station too. Think that's a pretty acceptable proximity to main transport links.

That whole area is full of families, many of whom have children at HT, the Priory and some even at Garfield. Many houses seem to have loft-conversions going/put up to accommodate growing families, rather than moving.

Just in that 'block' bordered by Quicks Road and Queen's Road, there's the Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Leisure Centre, South Park Gardens, several privately run coffee shops and pre-school Church accommodated playgroups. There's loads going on for families and the bus links are good too, if you want to travel to nearby Kingston, Wandsworth or Putney.

You could move closer to the station but that would probably add at least £200K (and there's a bit of an issue about being 'outwith' current catchment areas for primary schools (check out the Dundonald talk thread) if you're living right in the centre of Wimbledon) onto the house prices. You could get a larger house for your money in Colliers Wood or Morden (although the latter hasn't got such good transport links).

Good luck!

Hi,

I'm in this area and my kids go to HT. I know lots of people who take the train from Wimbledon Station, they walk through South Park Gardens. You would also be near Haydons Road Station as another transport option (but not as reliable) .

It's a lovely area, very friendly. They are about to start a big refurbishment project in SP Gardens, so it's going to improve but as it is, it's a great meeting place for all kids in the area.

What ages are your dc? Depending on ages, it might be tricky getting them into HT school.

Hi both, thanks for your input.

Ozendon: Dc & dd are 20 months old twins. The property we are looking to buy is closer to Birkbeck Road of Faraday Road. We are regular anglican church attenders. Do you reckon we stand a decent chance for HT?

Yes I agree that South Park does seem lovely from our very brief visit

Hi Poppy,

I think going for a church place, you'll have more of a chance. HT church is linked to the school (it's on the Broadway). So if you are regulars there before the dc start school, it will help.
The school have had a few very oversubscribed years, but it's fully 2 form entry now, so I'd say you have quite a good chance.
Good luck!

Hi Ozendon,

Being a first time mum and not having done schooling in the UK, i didn't realise how dire the school situation is in the UK until I started reading recently. It's frightening.

I attend an anglican church in Kensington every sunday. I suppose I could try out HT church as it's close by and if it helps with the school. Do you know what is required for the vicar to sign off regular attenders? Does it require 3 years attendance, baptism, etc like RC schools?

Thanks in advance for your time and input!!

Hi,

The situation really is dire, and you wait til you get to Secondary!!

As for the church, I'm not really sure how many years' attendance is required, but I'm sure it's not 3 years, as the area is so transient. If you start attending once you move to the area, that should be enough.

Sorry I'm not more helpful in this regard, as we went for open places.

There are other good schools around the South park Gardens area, like the Priory (C of E) and a little further away, St Marys (RC).

It's hard!

A little poking around and I found that 2 years is required. Won't be a problem for us as we attend church every sunday anyway. Many thanks for all your help Ozendon. I'll start another thread to ask more about the foundation places.