Primary Schools in Putney

[MaBee91]

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a move to Putney in the next year or so and my son is currently 2. We’re thinking ahead about primary schools (Reception entry around Sept 2028) and would really appreciate local parent insight.

Can you recommend any primary schools in Putney or nearby that you’ve had good experiences with?

Specifically:
– Which schools have you found to be particularly strong (academically, socially, or in general vibe)?
– Are there any that are especially difficult to get into?
– How important has being in the right street/close by been in your experience?
– Any other advice for planning now before we move (e.g., catchment tips, open days, siblings priority, etc.)?

Thanks so much!
^^

Putney High?

@deanstreetgreat girls school but I have a boy :)

Merlin is essentially a boys school but it is not good. Wimbledon Common Prep?

The religious schools used to be quite difficult to get into but this has eased off in recent years - though this may change if/when Oasis (another good school) will close.

The following are all good and co-educational:

Church of England: All Saints, St. Mary’s (in West Putney)
Catholic: Our lady of Victory (also in West Putney)
Non-religious: Hotham (West Putney) and Brandlehow (East Putney)

AFAIK all have good pastoral care, though Hotham is bigger than the others. The religious schools are ‘posher’ than the other two. Check their websites for admission policies and catchment.

If you buy a house in East Putney (cheaper than WP) but choose a school in WP you will probably have to walk as traffic in the mornings and end of school is really bad. Having said that, it’s a nice, safe walk - though you would have to cross Putney High Street, which is also quite safe but very busy and has poor air quality.

Spend a day or two in Putney to get a feel for the area, and where you might like to live. West Putney is beautiful due to the proximity of the river and the Common - just a short walk to Barnes Village (where lots of celebrities live). The Putney Leisure Centre (pool!) is also in West Putney. East Putney is also very nice and it has Wandsworth Park by the river. You would also have the benefit of the tube and railway station.

NB: One of the newspapers used to publish a guide to different London boroughs, which included some basic information about schools. I think it may have been Time Out.

If East Putney, can consider those around Battersea such as Newton, Thomas', and LEcole de Battersea

Our Lady of Victories is a little gem if you are ok with a Catholic school. It was first in the Wandsworth league tables for attainment last year. Lovely community.

@MaBee91 independent or state? Can you get a letter from your current vicar/priest if you want to go the church school route? That will be important because from memory All Saints/St Mary's needed two to three years of documented church attendance.

Brandelhow has a nice rep and good vibe.

If you are looking at independents, have a look at Squirrels, now owned by Kings and could take him all the way through. Merlin was a lovely little school when mine were little. Not sure if Hurlingham is still going.

Be aware that there are very few state options at 11 unless you are catholic or could get into Tiffin.

You’ve quoted six private schools and no state schools. OP hasn’t given any indication they’re interested in private.

In recent years, all three religious primaries have, I think, advertised vacancies after the start of the school year. Clearly there has been a drop in need/demand - which explains the closure of Oasis (though I’m not sure whether this has been confirmed).

I cannot comment on independent schools, but I believe Hurlingham is still going. However, @MaBee91 was asking about catchment areas, so I assume they are focusing on state schools.

As for post-11, there’s also what used to be ADT in East Putney and Shene Academy in East Sheen (though it may be called something else these days). However, I have no idea what these are like now. Tiffin requires not only high academic ability but intensive tutoring to pass the exam.

All the state primaries have spaces in all years at the moment according to their advertising banners so I think you’ll be fine for all of them. They are all a lot easier to get into these days, even without church attendance etc.

just about all primary schools have falling roles. There are less children, hence schools having to close. It’s really tough for schools, but it does mean that there’s more choice for parents.