Primary schools in SE20

[SE20schools]

Hi everyone,

We've just had an offer accepted on a house in Penge, towards Beckenham and on the Anerley side, nearest station is Kent House.
We have a DC4 who is already in reception and will need to do an in year transfer next year.

Looking at primary school options, and obviously this will all depend on who has space, but very keen for up to date and local opinions on the following:
Alexandra Infants and Juniors
Harris Primary Beckenham
Churchfields
Stewart Fleming
Balgowan (probably too far really but good to hear thoughts anyway)

Thanks in advance, any insight is very welcome!

I should have titled this "schools in Penge/Beckenham" really....ah well!

It might be a good idea to join a local mums group on face book and get feedback that way? There is also James Dixon in SE20 but that maybe a bit far for you.

@lonlon7 yes I think I'll do that as well!

@SE20schools I live close to these schools haven’t heard anything negative about any of them, I know Churchfields is very popular with parents appears very community minded & nurturing environment, Balgowan has always been very popular.
Good luck with the move, if I can be of any further help please ask.

I live really close to where you're moving with school age kids. Welcome to Penge. It's a fantastic place to live.

All those schools are good. I've got lots of friends who's kids are at Alex and they all say it's really nice. Only thing to consider there is if you plan anymore and dealing with the double drop.

Churchfields, my only 'issue' is that its next to the dump.

Harris Kent house would be good if you've got boys as a new secondary school is being built there and HKH kids will have priority (apparently)

My children are at St Michaels which is more Sydenham way and likely too far for you.

Thanks @Twizbe and @dontcallmelen

I spoke to Bromley council and a lot of the schools are full (!) which I know can change so I'm visiting all of the above anyway and will just hope for the best when I do the application.

A quick question on the Harris - I know Harris federation is quite devisive, and I've heard quite a few things that would make me steer clear, but interested to know of any personal experience of Harris Kent House if you or anyone else can share?

I know a few families that go there and all good reports.

I didn't go and look round for my son because ... well we picked schools during covid so there weren't any open days lol.

I also have heard good things about hasletine but again that might be too far depending on where you are.

Tbh I think the issue with Harris is that they seem to have taken over a large chunk of the local schools. People who have kids there though seem to like it.

One of my neighbours children go to HKH she seems happy enough with the school, never heard her complaining.
my dgd goes to Park Langley Primary, I think it may have a wider catchment area as it’s a fairly new school, you can get either the 194 or 358 bus could be an option if no spaces in the other schools, my dd is extremely happy with the school & dgd settled really well.

Saw your post about these schools being full. There is also Harris Crystal Palace Primary which is actually in Penge although that may be too far from you.