Finding a London neighborhood with good state schools

[New2London]

Hello,

My partner, our 7-year old daughter, and myself will soon be relocating from the US (early- to mid-June), and we have to find housing in a neighborhood where we can be confident about finding a good state school. The location must be within a reasonable commute of New Cross (SE14), i.e. not more than an hour, preferably less. Ideally, it would be an area with lively street life and accommodations within walking distance (including a park with a playground). We are modestly familiar with London's geography, but really have no idea at all about how things work when searching for a good school in the UK. Any advice about where to target our housing search?

That's not supposed to happen now, as the LEA is supposed to be in charge of in-year admissions. Is this an academy or other school that controls its own admissions?

Instead of moving to London at the end of the school year (July 2nd, in France), I think we're going to take a gamble and stay put until September. We'll call around to the schools like crazy in September and see what, if anything, is available. Does anyone think it's worth it to pay an educational consultant in September, just to tell us what schools have a place? We'll be in London for 2-3 years max - so I really don't care about placement test results. I do care about safety, pastoral care, and an academically engaging environment (same as everyone, I suppose).

Now that LEAs are in charge of in-year admissions, it should be a bit easier to find out where the places are, as you can ring the LEAs rather than each school. If that's what you'd be paying a consultant to do - making a very small number of phone calls - it sounds to me like a waste of money.

Are the LEAs open during the summer months?

Oh yes. They're very busy!

New2London, it's been some years since my children left primary school so maybe I'm out of date, but I think you and your daughter could experience a considerable culture shock going from home ed in the US to a typical English state primary school, which has to teach the National Curriculum and where it is often very tough for teachers to keep the creative stuff going alongside the very prescriptive approach to teaching English and Maths. There is a Rudolf Steiner school in Greenwich which friends of mine are sending their young son to because he is growing up trilingual and they simply couldn't see how that would mesh with going into a state primary school. Steiner schools are a lot cheaper than most private schools - might that be an option?

CITGM - I hadn't realised that. It's changed since my friends got their children into our school (normal state primary - not foundation/VA etc) a couple of years ago. Sorry if I misled you, OP.

There is a very good Anglo-Spanish school in London in Portobello Road. It is private, but free of charge for people with Spanish background.

VICENTE CANADA BLANCH

Spanish Primary & Secondary School

317 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SZ

Tel: 020 8969 2664
Look it up, I am sure you will find the website.
My friends's daughter started there last year and they are very happy. I think their education system is (IB). and is a very good school, very well mixed and inclusive. And I know there are many people from all over london go there.
Hope it all helps.

Thanks CITGM!

Just out of interest, why will you no longer home school?

I grew up in SW11 and the primary schools were excellent (Honeywell, but many others) - but that was in the 1980s. Also fab public transport from Clapham Junction (although, confusingly, this is in Battersea!).

I would only reiterate the need to move very very close to the school you desire. I know four children who did not get any place at any school of their 'choice' this year, despite living less than 10 (and in one case, 5) minutes walk from the gates of their nearest option.

My advice would be to look at the LA websites for Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark and follow links to the primary school admissions section and, ultimately, the primary school websites. Looking at the websites of individual schools will give you an idea of whether or not their ethos and ideals mesh with yours. Reading the newsletters and looking at the online calendars are good ways to find out what goes on at the school (but be mindful of the fact that we have just started half-term so looking at May will be better than looking at June as various events won't have been booked/confirmed yet).

I live, teach and send DD1 to school in SE13 (Lewisham). We live approx. 800m from the school I teach at but she didn't get a Reception place there as that was too far! If your daughter has turned 7 since 1st September 2010 she will be in Y2 at the moment and so you would be looking for a place in Y3 (Key Stage 2/Juniors). If she will be 8 on or before 31st August 2011 she would currently be in Y3 and so would need a Y4 place.

The schools in my neck of the woods that are likely to have space in those year groups include: Brindishe Green, Lee Manor and St Mary's. Hither Green is within easy reach (via train/bus journeys) of SE14. Brockley, which has been suggested by others sounds as though it would be ideal for you too. Edmund Waller and Myatt Garden are two primaries that may fit the bill.

Good luck!

Edmund Waller and Myatt Garden sprung to mind for me too!

My children attend the primary phase of Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College which is in New Cross and I am delighted with it.
They follow the international primary curriculum as opposed to the national curriculum. I know that a child in year 2 (my younger daughter's year) has just moved away so there is potentially a space there maybe?
There are some lovely houses around the Telegraph Hill area of New Cross and the train station is only one stop from London Bridge, so there is easy access to central London.

Waldorf/Steiner Schools in London:

Hello: We are moving from Seattle this summer and currently my 4 yo boy attends a Steiner school. Does anyone have experience with any of the 3 that are closest to downtown, where my spouse will be working. Islington, Clapham or Greenwhich. Thanks!