Good primary state schools - Greenwich/Blackheath/Lewisham/Canary Warf

[AngieBer]

Hi everyone! We will be relocating to London in August 2022 from France (do not have a place yet however actively looking) in Greenwich/Blackheath/Lewisham/Canary Warf. My kid is finishing up his Primary 2 (EN), we are looking aside from independent schools also for a good state schools that have very good curriculum and education system with variety of after school clubs. Can any of you recommend good primary schools in those areas that you were happy with? Thank you 🙏😀

What age is your son - what school year are you looking for?
The private schools starting breaking up for the summer in about 3 weeks so make sure you secure your place asap if you want to pay for 1.

My son is 7 years old and finishing up Y2, so we are applying for Y3. Our schools are also finishing in 3 weeks (8 July is the last day).

State school wise it's a tricky entry point to find a state school place for September. Make sure you have a private back up although you will have to commit to 1 term of fees even if you don't take the place. I would start calling the possible primary schools direct and they will quickly be able to tell you if they have any September year 3 entry spaces.

@AngieBer You are in a relatively lucky position as there are usually lots more school places available in Y3 rather than in Y1/Y2 entry as a lot of children take the 7+ and go to selective independent schools in Y3.

State schools worth considering are Halstow, Meridian (East Greenwich), Millennium (North Greenwich), John Ball (Blackheath), St Margarets, Brindishe Green (Lee), etc.

Independent schools like Pointers, Colfe's and Heath House will also have places. Definitely start calling up schools!

@TypsTrycks thank you for the information regarding the state schools. I’ve inquired to
most of independent schools in those areas, applied and paid fees to two Blackheath Prep and The Pointers (those are the only
once that told me they have 1 spot in Y3), however Blackheath told us we need to pass a 7+ entry exam (waiting for the dates), so not that “lucky”, as we are in the same boat as many of you local Londoners are. Colfe do not have anything in Y3 and we have been offered to he placed on a waiting list (no thanks), waiting for St.Dunstan to respond. Also inquired and sent out application for state school (it is just that there are soo many and in application we need to list 3 preferences that is why I posted the question). And since we got our visas in Mid June, this school process couldn’t start earlier. Well fingers crossed that something will get through!🙏🤞

Yes that's why I didn't mention Blackheath Prep, it does require an exam in Y3. Pointers will definitely have spaces. Colfe's am surprised doesn't have spaces, it may be the first year like that. I would not count on St D, as it's getting very competitive these days. Definitely try and avoid the schools with the 7+ exam, as it can be quite tricky and competitive for children moving from other countries, even if they are very smart.

Also worth looking at Faraday school and River House just across the river as a last resort.

There is also Faraday Prep School in Trinity Wharf if you are thinking of living in Canary Wharf? Not quite a traditional prep school but very well established and gets good results?

St Mary Magdalene on the Greenwich Peninsula is a fab school. Goes right through secondary as well. Excellent leadership, lovely staff.

You may be in luck with regards to state schools in these areas. I know that places are available in some year groups in some schools that it would have been impossible to get into only a couple of years ago.

I think it's a combination of Brexit and COVID fall out. The area has always attracted a high number of overseas families and many families are re-locating back to their home countries. Other families have moved further out as they can now work from home. (Some are thinking in advance of the 11+ and moving out to Kent.)

I can only speak for Greenwich and Blackheath but there are some really good state primaries. Many people choose to send their children to them when they could stretch to private. But of course it's an individual choice.

I take it you know you can't apply for state primary places until you have a UK address?

Hi

I have some not so good experience with Millenium Primary school in North Greenwich...Halstow or Wi brush is a better choice in case you are co sidering state schools.

Thanks
Susmita