Dundonald primary school

[rpms]

Hello everyone, it seems Dundonald is the most popular primary school in Merton in terms of admission/application ratio, even compared to WPPS, but their Ofsted ranking is not so high. Is there a special reason why Dundonald is so popular? Maybe they don't care about the Ofsted ranking at all? I am really new to this area. Thanks

Until relatively recently Dundonald Primary School was only one-form entry. It was certainly much much later to expand to accommodate the upturn in the birthrate than most other Merton primaries. At one point (when it was still one form entry) siblings took up the vast majority of places.

If you look at its location, very dense 3-4 bed housing, very close to town centre, transport links etc... make it an ideal location for young (and possibly still growing) families to live.

It is one of those very 'naice' Wimbledon schools that traditionally has a great reputation, so it retains its popularity. And because it is regarded as such a desirable school, you will always get some who live within catchment for less sought after schools applying just on the off-chance (same as with Bishop Gilpin).

And as many will tell you, Ofsted ratings don't give you the full story. You really do need to go to visit the schools you're interested in (preferably with your DC) to see for yourself. Just because a school sounds perfect on paper doesn't mean it will be for your children.

Dundonald is rated OFSTED outstanding isn't it? And the SATs results /league table positions almost always in the top 2 or 3 in Merton. Which explains its popularity. Also a lovely setting in the park.

extremely hard to get into.

Hey ReelingLush, thanks for your reply. It makes perfect sense!

Tipperarely, you are absolutely right. I asked this question simply because the admission/application ratio is much lower than WPPS which I believe is as good as Dundonald.