Good primary schools West London

[Hallyu]

I am writing to seek recommendations for primary schools in the UK as I prepare to relocate for a job at St. Paul's Boys School. Currently residing overseas, I am planning to move back with my 10-year-old daughter who will be entering Year 6.
My daughter is a bright and enthusiastic learner, and I am keen on finding a school that will nurture her academic potential. Additionally, I have aspirations for her to eventually attend St. Paul's Girls' School (SPG), as my employment package includes fee remission if she secures admission.
As a single parent, I understand the financial considerations involved. While I may not qualify for a bursary, I am hopeful about the possibility of a scholarship.
Given our circumstances, we are flexible regarding our future residence and are open to suggestions for both independent and state primary schools.
Any insights or recommendations you could provide would be immensely helpful as we embark on this transitional phase. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Have a look at Ealing? Many of the state primary schools are quite well regarded, though many are also oversubscribed so will be a bit of luck to get a place. Would expect there is some movement, though, so y6 may be less challenging than earlier years. Several friends rave about Notting Hill and Ealing as a private option.

generally my understanding is that scholarships/ bursaries are rare/non-existent in primary, though happy to be told I am wrong about that!

@Hallyu , have you noted the dates for the admissions tests to SPSG? They start in the autumn term so the school your dd enrolls in in Sept 24 is of little consequence to exam ability by November / December. I would ask the Admissions dept of St Paul's boys if there is someone you can speak to in the admissions dept at SPSG to give you some guidance re the entrance process and then hire an online tutor to start preparing her. You can then look for a home in a suitable area for Barnes/ Hammersmith and find out from the council which state primary schools have space etc.

Belmont School and Grove Park Primary in Chiswick are both outstanding state primary schools and in good proximity to SPSG and St Paul’s Boys

Have a look at

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/

As PP said the school you get for yr6 won’t matter as all preparation for secondary entrance exam is done in yr5.

As money maybe an issue I’d look to move to a guaranteed catchment area of a great secondary school (usually less than 0.5 miles). Just as a back up in case a place/scholarship doesn’t appear. Maybe look in Twickenham/Richmond as catchment can be difficult to guarantee in Hammersmith/Chiswick area (read each schools admissions carefully as some have a ballot system or are faith schools with extra requirements).

Waldegrave in Twickenham might be a good option if you want a girls school. Maybe start another thread in secondary section to ask about State options in West London.

As said I wouldn’t worry about yr6 other than to put DC in a school where they may go onto state secondary school with some of their classmates.

Belmont isn’t OFSTED outstanding anymore (just like John Betts in W6)… both of are now rated Good. 😳

There are no academic scholarships for Y7 at SPGS, though there are music scholarships for which the standard is extremely high and the financial consideration lowish as it equates to lessons in two instruments (or voice). However, you are very likely to qualify for at least some bursary funds should your daughter pass the exam as the cut off is household income of £140K. The school is actively seeking to increase the numbers of bursary students so this is a good time to apply for one.

The most important thing to do to prepare your daughter is to make sure she is able to work quickly and accurately, doesn't get phased by questions on unfamiliar material and to give her a good idea of sensible exam technique. The school she attends will not make much difference to this IMO. Most schools in the surrounding area are pretty good. Like others, I suggest Richmond, Kew or Twickenham may be a good idea as the schools at both primary and secondary level are all pretty good - even the less popular ones tend to be pretty decent.

Getting into SPGS at this point it honestly won't matter where she goes for year 6.

You probably should send her anywhere decent and prepare to hire a decent tutor and do some serious work first term. You don't have a lot time to catch up as most local girls will have started prepping in year 5 at a minimum.

State schools don't really prep as well for the 11+ entrances anyway.

SPGS is probably the hardest girls school to get into in the UK got secondary. It's a lofty goal so don't underestimate how prepared she needs to be.

Given the slim chance of her getting a place at SPGS (no offence meant, just based on numbers) you also need to consider alternative secondary provision. Could you afford private elsewhere? If not, you should really focus on catchment for state secondary rather than Y6 place. As pp have said, private coaching will be far more relevant for SPGS entry.

What's your budget and what do you want for it?

Southfield primary in Chiswick got an outstanding rating by Ofsted recently so that’s worth a look, but depends where
you want to live