Primary schools in Thames/Long Ditton

[ThatAgilePanda]

Hello,

We're thinking of moving to SW London, in the Thames/Long Ditton area, with our little ones. Can anyone share any thoughts on the local state infant / primary schools, whether they are any good, their reputations etc? Appreciate there are the Ofsted reports but any local knowledge is invaluable!

Would also love to hear any likes and dislikes from living in the area, whether it is working out for anyone else who made the move there in recent years.

Thanks in advance.

@ThatAgilePanda , the schools are good, you should take note of the secondaries, Hinchley wood secondary is desirable and its catchment is small.
Esher High is fine and the primaries feed to it. There is a falling birth rate in Surrey so I don't think there is much over supply of children for places, for examples St Paul's Catholic primary school on Hampton court way isn't full.
Surrey as a county has 25% of pupils in the private sector so there are many pre prep and prep schools in the area too.

@ThatAgilePanda there are a lot of good schools in this area and there are low numbers across the Dittons area so most schools will have spaces. Worth visiting to get a feel for the schools. We chose St Paul’s Catholic Primary in Thames Ditton and it’s been a fantastic school - it has a wide catchment and you don’t need to be Catholic for entry. There is an open morning on 5 November 2024 (if you’re in the area then) but the headteacher is also happy to take parents around on private tours - just call the office. It’s good to visit a few schools to determine which would be the best fit.

I would highly recommend the Long Ditton schools both the Infants and Juniors having had children go through both schools. The Juniors has had an outstanding Ofsted report recently and the schools share the same amazing head teacher. Have a look at the parent view response for the Ofsted report as this gives a clear indication of what parents who currently have children at the school are saying and from experience definitely mirrors how happy parents are with the school. Although, having a tour of the school is definitely the way to ascertain if this is the best school for your children.

Long Ditton infants and juniors are amazing schools. Same headteacher and a fantastic team. The children make outstanding progress. Lovely, supportive parents who really value education.