Primary schools in SE London

[rafiroars]

Hi there, I am currently researching houses and schools in West Norwood Gipsy Hill area and wondered if anyone was still there to give me any advice.

We are looking at a house in Gipsy Road which is 580metres from Kingswood School upper site (a lot closer to the lower site but that doesn't appear to matter). So it would seem we are in catchment. However since one of the primary reason we are moving is because of schools I am concerned that we are not close enough.

I know there are no guarantees but at 580m away, when the catchment is 650m, we would be towards the edge and i'd be interested to hear any feedback on the likelihood of getting in on that basis?

The worry is that otherwise the house isn't in catchment for any other schools really...St Luke's but not sure on that one. And we would be out of catchment for Elm Wood as well. The same for Julian's I think. So if we missed out on Kingswood I'm not sure where we would turn?

On that does anyone know if Elmwood's catchment will be extended once the extension is finished?

Apologies but I'm driving myself crazy studying catchment areas and maps and sometimes it's best just to ask people who live there.

Thanks in advance

Sorry, I wrote a long reply then broadband died and I lost in. So v briefly:

No, I wouldn't take a risk on a house that far from Kingswood if I was moving to get a school place. It has a big 'catchment' (for around here) so I'd wait till a closer house came up, assuming you have time on your side.

No, I don't think the Elmwood extn will make a big difference. It's catchment is tiny and it's not going to get significantly bigger.

No firsthand experience of St Luke's but from what I've heard it's okay but not a school you'd move house to get into so if that's your default then again I'd wait for another house.

Again depends on when you'll be applying, but last year some people got into Fenstanton from further away than Gipsy Rd. That mightn't be the case in couple of years though.

Hope this doesn't sound too negative with all the no's. I've been in your position and it's really scary risking not buying close enough. I wouldn't take any chances and waited till a house came up that was a dead cert (as much as it can ever be), but you may be made of sterner stuff. Good luck!

PS: There's a new school meant to be opening very soon which may be a back-up for you? Dunno much about it but just found this www.crystalpalaceprimary.org.uk/