tell me about Catholic primary schools in SW London (or London generally)

[legalalien]

some friends of mine have just moved back to London from down under, and have a preschool DD and DS (18 month age gap between the two). They're currently renting in SW London and like it there - but don't know much about schools in the area. They will definitely want to go the Catholic primary route.... does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

(they could probably be convinced by another area if the school situation there was compelling, but will need to be easily commutable to central london)

TIA

pleeease?

Why don't they just ask their priest which is the correct school for their parish, then they can take a look at the ofsted report online and make a decision then.

the location is really tbd - i.e. they're renting for three months while they decide where they want to live permanently, a decision likely to be driven by the school situation iyswim. which is why the "asking the priest" thing doesn't work too well. Celia2 - would very much appreciate any insight you can give!

many thanks to all

oh - and thanks bb I will check the ofsted reports!

Our Lady of Victories in Putney has a very good reputation locally.

St Osmond's in Barnes does well in the league tables (Richmond) and seems like a nice school. Other Barnes schools also very good if the children don't get into St Osmond's, which might be a relevant factor.

There is also the fiercely competitive Holy Ghost in Nightingale Square in Clapham - great results and a catchment area the size of a flea.

thanks (scribbles furiously).

there's something terribly gothic about "the Holy Ghost in Nightingale Square", don't you think?

Hi Legal!
DEFINITELY, should be on their shortlist is Holy Ghost School in Nightingale Square - i think that is SW12. That is the church i go to but can't get in the school as our house is not close enough (and we thought by the time we buy new house, paid moving fees, might as well just pay for the bloody school --- anyway, i digress).
That is an excellent school from what i can tell. Always in the top 5 of that borough and something like #30 something in the country.
You know the bit where they score them in terms of what % of kids earned a certain grade above something in english, maths and science. From memory, theirs tend to be 100, 100, 100 or something close to that.
Only way to get in is a) have to practicing Catholic, and b) priority based on walking distance to the school

thanks page62, I have added it to the list. They are genuinely practising catholics, so just a question of proximity!

Our lady of Victories in Putney is very very good. Top of borough. But as a result has huge demand. You have to sign in at mass for 3 years to prove that you are regular mass goers. Obviously, if they are just moving to the area and their kids are less than 3 years away from starting school there must be some flexibility there I presume. I guess they can call the school or church to discuss. But I only flag it as an issue for them to consider... I wouldn't want them moving to Putney and then finding that they don't have a chance of getting in.

There is another school on tibbets corner (A3) between putney and wimbledon called our lady queen of heaven (I think) which is also catholic.

Catholic families round here tend to go to St Anselm's in Tooting Bec - quite strict I hear and only 1 form entry so fairly small catchment area

Holy Cross in Parsons Green, Fulham is superb. Both my DDs went there.

You may also want to look at St Mary's in Clapham. Always gets 'Outstanding' from ofstead and has a very wide catchment area, you don't have to live anywhere near it in fact.

corpus christi in sw2 gets far better results than st marys.

just wondering how your friends are getting on with their choice?