Help Choosing Between Deansfield and Gordon Primary Schools (Eltham)

[BrzExpat]

Hi everyone,

We’ve recently moved to Eltham and are trying to choose between Deansfield Primary and Gordon Primary for our 3-year-old, who will start Reception next September. As we’re new to the area, we don’t know any parents locally to ask for advice, so I’m hoping to hear from people with experience at either school.
Some of the things we’re considering:

• How welcoming and supportive is the school community?
• Quality of teaching and range of extracurricular activities (arts, sports, etc.).
• How well does the school support children who are shy or need extra encouragement?
• Any specific pros/cons that stood out to you as a parent?

We’re equally close to both schools, so location isn’t a factor. Would love to hear your thoughts to help us make the best decision!

This is my first time posting here, so apologies in advance if this isn’t the right forum.
Thank you so much in advance!

I think they're both pretty good so neither a bad choice. I'd probably go for Deansfield though. They are due an Ofsted soon as their outstanding was quite a long time ago.

Gordon have on their admissions policy as number 1 priority 'Children with an official diagnosis of an educational, medical or social need'. I have heard that this means they have a disproportionate amount of SEN pupils (and are struggling with this) because no matter how far away they live they can put Gordon down and get priority. So might be worth bearing that in mind or asking the school about it.

Gordon parent here. We've been part of the school for many years and there is a wonderful and supportive school community. I find it an extremely nurturing school, with caring, hardworking teachers and staff, and happy children. The teaching is generally very good and our children are thriving. One DC is quiet and has always got on very well.

Music at Gordon is excellent, led by a very passionate teacher. As well as several music groups there are a large variety of other clubs available, lots of different sports, dance, language clubs, drawing, reading, board games etc.

I had a look at the admission policy as couldn't remember the above - it is actually for nursery admission rather than for reception. (Nursery children have to reapply for reception admission.) Both Deansfield and Gordon have the same first priority of children with an EHCP naming the school. I'll add that I've not noticed a disproportionate number of children with SEN at the school, nor heard of any particular struggles.

OP you are lucky in location - both are known as great schools. I remember when we were in the same position as you and have been so glad that we are at Gordon and can wholeheartedly recommend the school.

I think it's priority number 4 on Gordon's that is the difference between the two schools for reception.

Oh no wait Deansfield have that too but as number 2 priority! Ignore that then.

@Forestmumlondon and @catnipmowse Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply to my post—I really appreciate your insights!

In your opinion, does Deansfield have a slightly more intimate feel compared to Gordon? Gordon seems quite large, and I’m a bit concerned my son might feel overwhelmed or get lost in such a big setting. On the other hand, Deansfield looked quite (too?) small when I visited.

As we’re not originally from the UK (French/German family), I wonder how easy it is to integrate into the parent community at each school. Did you find either school particularly welcoming for families who are new to the area or from different cultural backgrounds?

Between the two, which school do you feel places more emphasis on academic results and progress? I’ve noticed that schools rated as Good by Ofsted often seem to try a bit harder because they want to achieve an Outstanding ranking. Have you seen this reflected in Gordon’s approach?

Thanks again for your help—it’s been such a relief to get some advice as we don’t know anyone locally to ask yet.

I wouldn't worry too much about Gordon's size, it's essentially just set over a few different floors.

Honestly, the school is welcoming to everyone and we're a pretty friendly bunch of parents. The younger children love going up to use the computer suite and music classrooms, and enjoy progressing up to different floors as they advance through the school. As the main school building is tall it leaves a lot of space for playgrounds, astroturf pitch, gardens and onsite forest school. We're really lucky to have a sports hall in addition to the halls in the main building.

I can only comment on Gordon, which has always encouraged children to be the best they can be, including academic success as well as personal achievements. Our DC are doing very well academically and really enjoy school. I hope that helps!