Private or State schools SE3/SE10 & surrounding

[mumtojandk]

Hi....

We are moving to London in July and we need a school for our eldest girl. So far we have drawn a blank!

Can anyone recommend independent schools in Blackheath/Greenwich and surrounding areas for our DD aged 6 neding a place going into year 2 this Sept2013. Or do you know anyone currently with a child in year 1 who is leaving the school and so a place would be available in the coming year 2?

There are no places available in Blackheath Prep, Blackheath High or Heath House.

All recommendations considered....because legally she has to go to school in Sept we just need to find her a place!!

Thank you.

St Olaves in New Eltham (so a bit further out but I know parents who have their children there who live in Blackheath) is a really lovely little prep school.

The Pointer School is on Charlton Village side of the heath and will almost definitely have places there if you 'pass' the interview with the rather eccentric headmaster.

There's also Colfe's that is in Lee (so not far from Blackheath at all) but that goes all the way to 18. Not impressive results but very nice school facilities.

I would recommend Colfes school. It's very popular and not far from Blackheath and easy to get to. Very friendly, excellent facilities and lots of space outside. It's an excellent all round school that is strong at sports, music and art. Academic results are good too.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Colfe's doesn't have a year 2 place. I am a little dubious about Pointer's and St Olave's is too far time wise for getting my 3 year old to nursery.

Looks like we may have to stay in Jersey whilst hubby continues to commute 3 days a week This is the 3rd year now

Can you move a little bit further out? Bexley Chislehurst or Sidcup gives you St Olaves or Merton Court, West Lodge and Benedict House in Sidcup.
It's less than a 10 min drive from Blackheath, except at rush hour!

Look really carefully at schools. Don't just grab at whatever places are available. We panicked about a school for DS, and chose one of the schools which was mentioned up thread, tbf, on the recommendation of a friend. We ended up moving him at 7+. Luckily that wasn't too disruptive for him, as quite a few move at that age.

Is there any reason you have to live in Blackheath/Greenwich? What about Bromley/Bickley/Chislehurst?

Bromley High has an intake at 7+, although there are only 8 places and competition is quite fierce (worse than at 4+). There are other good schools in the area; Babington House and Bishop Challoner have good local reputations.

Also, lots of Blackheath girls commute to Dulwich (JAGS or Alleyns) for senior school. Maybe you should look to live there?