Primary schools in Dulwich ?

[Montywaite]

Hi there

My husband is relocating to Kings Hospital for work and so we will be moving to Herne Hill, from Oxford, next summer.

Our son is very settled at our local state primary here in Oxford and so we worry about moving him at year 2 entry point. We have him registered for DPS, Ducks and Alleyns (my husband is a DPS and DC old boy) and looking at local states over next few months to maximize possibilities, given that there may be limited spaces at this entry point. We plan to move to Ruskin Walk area.

Is anyone willing to share their current experience of DCP or DC (other than my Husband's positive experience some years ago, we know very little of both schools!). Hoping all positive still, as we've not much choice in terms of where to apply (really want him to go to a local school)!

I think we would love our son to go to DPS if we're lucky enough to get a space. Anywhere else (i.e Ducks and infant state...) and, unless I'm mistaken, he'd have to apply/move to a new school after a year (year 3/7+) which in my eyes isn't ideal for us, given that he would have just moved the year before from Oxford (Ducks does sound so lovely though!) ?

Thanks for the advice!

I don't have a DS that age so my info is more generic...

• the school is now called DPL or Dulwich Prep London (not DCP) and is not affiliated with Dulwich College
• boys at DPL leave at the end of Y8, sitting exams for various independents, and a large number go to DC

• Alleyn's goes through to 18

• Rosemead and Oakfield preps go to 11 or 13y, I'm not sure which but the websites will have the details.
• they are both very close to DPL and DC geographically

• DUCKS only goes to end of Y2 and the children sit the 7+ for entry to other independents
• there is no advantage gained wrt entry to DC by going to DUCKS

My tuppence worth, avoid 7+ exams - the kids are too young and it's tough for them. He'll spend the whole of Y2 doing practice tests and won't enjoy much of the time he is at DUCKS.

Good luck!

Herne Hill is another pre prep so also ends at Y2.

Thanks so much. That's really helpful.

I totally agree - immediate prepping for 7+ exam, with another school move on the horizon, on top of dealing with a change in environment and friendship groups sounds a little too cruel in my eyes. For that reason alone, we're not keen on DUCKS or HH (otherwise, they look like lovely schools!)

It looks like DP is our only option right now (for independent schools) - though I'm now going to look up Rosemead and Oakfield - thanks for the tip!

In my view, you've dodged a bullet with DUCKS. They spent half a term at the start of Year 1 teaching my son to spell his own surname incorrectly. Then his half term report at the start of Year 2 gushed about his "progress" and how happy they were with him, when in two of the three objective criteria given (including reading age) he had, in fact, regressed from his end of year report in Year 1! Finally, as an appropriate finale, the "yearbook" handed out to leavers at the end of Year 2 with pictures of all the children during their time at DUCKS included a picture on his page and supposedly of him which was actually of a child with the same first name who had left the school two years previously! I learned an awful lot from the place and would never now accept such utter incompetence - just wish my son had learned a bit more!

Funnily enough we are doing the opposite and moving over the summer from near Kings to Oxford. Any tips on state primaries in Oxford very welcome!

I have a friend with son at DPS and I don't get a great impression of the place as being very child-focused but very performance-led. Also being single-sex seems a bit odd at age 6. We have a great primary we will really miss - new academy called the Belham at the end of our road and it's like a private school education with Matisse at breakfast, brand new building, enthusiastic staff and heavily involved parents.

OP, also worth considering some of the state primaries. For example, Dulwich Hamlet Junior School is rated outstanding, attainment is high and there is a strong enrichment offer. Pupils progress to a range of state and independent fee paying schools, including Dulwich College.
www.dulwichhamletjuniorschool.org.uk/ The catchment area is quite tight though.

Hi. Thanks for your thoughts. Maybe I misunderstood, but I think the Hamlet takes kids from 7, am I correct? We're looking to move for year 2 entry (i.e 6 yrs) and don't really like the idea of him having to deal with having to move to yet another school after a year....

Thanks 7AH. That's a shame re Dulwich Prep :-( I'll take a look around. Anyone with More positive experiences?

Good luck with your move. I know Oxford well (and the schools). Let me know if you want any advice. Our son has just started at our local catchment, which is excellent!