MOVING TO CROYDON

[Svemoh]

Hello Friends. We are an Indian family moving to Croydon in coming June. My son has secured admission at Whitgift School . My 4 year old daughter is due to start her Reception in September 2018. Please advise about areas to reside with very good Primary schools . We are also considering Old Palace of Whitgift for her . Which other schools should we look out for her .Our ideal home would be 4BHK ,situated close to train station since my husband 's office is in Central London . Are there any Croydon Moms groups etc . Please advise . Thanks in advance,

Hi there

I'm afraid I don't know Croydon, but just wanted to say that if your daughter starts reception this year, your choice of school will be limited - you have missed the regular window for applications, with allocations due in mid April. When you move, you will need to inform the local authority of your address and they will allocate you a space, but it will be at whatever school has spaces at that point which may not be a school of your choice. You can of course go on waiting lists for other schools, but you do need to be aware that moving at this point means you are unlikely to have a choice in getting the school you want.

Other Croydon experts will be along soon I expect!

I'm not sure what 4BHK means?

Yes - the good schools will probably be full already for September reception entry. Old Palace may be more flexible as it is private.
Boys at Whitgift travel some distances, so as long as you and your DS have good transport links you are not necessarily ties to living too close to the school.

Hi Svemoh,
Watching with interest as I am in the same situation as you. I have two younger ds, though they are older than reception age. I am aware of the fact that they will have to take whatever school is offered at this point. My major worry right now is when they move to senior and cannot get W or T, do the Harris Academies have a good reputation as they are rated 'Outstanding'.

Also, Seeline, I was just wondering from how far the dc travel as we have an option to move to central London, and someone did point out that we would be moving against traffic, but I do wonder where they come from, so far I only know a few coming from as far as Putney, but wondered about more central London. I know there are a few central London preps that have sent dc to whitgift in the past eg. westminster cathedral etc, but I assumed those boys live near the Croydon area to begin with?

Before I saw your thread, I posted on Secondary Whitfgift thread already.

Hi there! Our son is at the Cedars (yr7) and our daughter started Reception at St David’s Prep in West Wickham. We love it there for her and she is thriving. It is very small and like one big family. The teachers are brilliant so we are very happy with our choice. We did go to see Old Palace and Croydon High too. Old Palace I wasn’t very taken with tbh, staff lovely but I didn’t get the ‘feel’ if you know what I mean! Croydon High was very impressive with fab facilities but ended up being too far for us in the wrong direction for the school run so we ruled it out.

There is Oakwood Prep (sister school to The Cedars) and a few in Purley too, the names aren’t coming to me unfortunately but if West Wickham is doable for you then do consider St Davids 😊

royal russell
caterham prep
cumnor house for girls
croydon high
st davids prep
old palace

those are all the schools i can think of ...

Thank you so much for the most valuable insights PatriciaHolm,Seeline,Stourton,MissMillsie and Buzzing Mama. I would look for the schools and areas you mentioned . I am aware that the Reception registration window has passed . A 4BHK means -4 Bedrooms ,Kitchen with Hall ( Reception ) . My son is fine with bus/train travel as well but let us weigh the various options suggested .

South Croydon might work well. It has a station with direct trains to london- also trams from Lloyd park to East Croydon. Your son could walk to whitgift. It is worth being close. There is swimming before school but boys have to arrive at 7.14 - just an example of the opportunities, and being close make it easier to get involved.

I’ve heard good things about Croydon High junior and senior from someone with a child there.

Thank you so much . Have started enquiries at the schools recommended . Looking forward to a pleasant stay at Croydon .