Primaries in Denmark Hill

[Pacita]

Hi, I posted it under general threads, but I've just realised that i can obviously change my postcode and post under local:

I was wondering if any mumsnetters around Camberwell/Denmark hill/East Dulwich could give me some tips.

DP and I live in a flat in north london, but when DS came along, we decided we needed to move somewhere bigger, and with some outside space. We have been looking for ages at various areas, and we have finally put an offer on a house in Denmark Hill, which has been accepted.

Everything has moved really quickly, and we could well be moving in the next two months. My DS is 20 months, so I need to be thinking about putting him down for primary.

What are schools like in the area, and are they very oversuscribed? We would be based in Champion Hill.

Many thanks for any thoughts!

Hi, I live in the area but to be honest, isn't 20 months a bit young? (I presume you're talking about the state sector.) My son is the same age and I hadn't even thought about this yet (neither have any of my friends!)

My understanding of the state system is that you wouldn't be able to express a preference of school until the year before entry.

www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200172/school_admissions/1209/nursery_and_primary_school_admissions

To answer your question, Dog Kennel Hill and Lyndhurst both have very good reputations.

Welcome to the area- it's a great place to be if you ahev children.

Apologies if you meant the pirvate sector.

Hi,

I posted a very similar question on www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk and got a lot of responses. You might want to try there too.

It all depends on if you want them to go to nursery attached to a primary school in which case it seems to be something like the term before they turn 3 that you need to apply. The schools handle their own admissions for nursery I think which means that they can prioritise people who apply early. When it comes to starting reception though you have to apply again and there is no guarrantee that having got into the nursery you'll get a place. The local authority deals with admissions for reception onwards and applies pretty strict criteria so I don't think applying early makes any difference.

The advice I've had from everyone is go and look at schools in person and make your own mind up about what's right for your child. For example, I've heard good things about Dog Kennell Hill from some people and others thought it was too big and impersonal. All very concerned and caring parents, just with different kids with different needs.

Bessemer Grange. Didn't have a great ofstead a few years ago however a change of head has made it move leaps and bounds. follow 93pjb's advice and look at www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk and search for bessemer and you'll see how happy all the parents are.