Anyone in SE London? Could I have an idiot's guide to the Prendergast schools, please?

[EssentialHummus]

I'm not normally this dim (promise!), but after hours on the web, I'm struggling.

DP and I are looking for a flat/house in SE4/SE13, and schools are my our biggest priority. First prize is something all-through, both genders, so we don't have to go through this twice or more.

I have been researching the local schools, and genuinely can't make head or tail of which of the following schools are for which genders, which are feeder schools for the other/s, what entry/catchment criteria apply, and so on. I helpfully also can't find admissions criteria on any of their six bloody websites.

So - does anyone know anything about any of these - admissions, age range, and so on?

Prendergast School (Same As Prendergast Hilly Fields?)
Prendergast Ladywell School
Prendergast Vale School
Prendergast Sixth Form College
Prendergast Primary (Ladywell)
Prendergast Vale Primary

There is also "the" girls Prendergast Hilly Fields College, which I think is known as Prendergast School and goes through to the 6th form there - presumably the one named above (?).

More general feedback is welcome too, if you know or know of any of these schools.

Many, many thanks in advance

Hello there,We recently moved to Surrey Quays/Deptford areas and my DD was offered a place at Deptford Green School. We also got an offer for her to go to Bacon's College, which recently changed its administration and became an Academy after going into special measures. I know Deptford Green used to have a bad reputation and has been improving but still on the lower standards range. Bacon's used to be very good by Ofstead and now is going to the same path of improvement. My DD wants to go to Deptford because she was very well received there in the interview day. Any advice? Thank you beforehand.

Hi Fabiotelles

Didn't want to leave your question unanswered. I've name changed for this one - as obviously quite identifying, but I use these boards relatively regularly.

My DD was given a place at Deptford this year, but now won't be going there as we won an appeal for a school far nearer home. DG wasn't on our original list, but what we were given (allocated, not chosen) was one of the Prendergast schools above (not the original one) and when we went round we were unhappy with the Arts and Languages offer for our child.

We picked Deptford from a short list of other options... and were surprised how much we loved it when we went round. The school's new head seems very good, and we spent some time in the school during the day (he spent an hour with us and DD on our own, to give some idea how much time he is willing to give to new parents).

The classes were calm, the children seemed happy and I know many happy parents there. For those who are interested in such things the school has a great enrichment programme - debating, reading groups (including one taken by the head for able children), and lots of great music and drama (with the Albany, Old Vic and LSO), as well as a strong feminist society.

My dd was very, very taken with the school. We would have been happy to send her. There are obviously issues with past cohorts, the finances (caused by a PFI contract), and some odd decisions taken in the past. I think the school is doing a good job now though - and lots of things like a PTA are now being set up - a good sign.

It also has really small classes (but more funding per pupil than most schools due to its current deal with Lewisham), a strong governing body, and some good links with the local private schools (for example students can study Latin at Colfes).

High-achieving children are well supported I think, with ability streaming from day 1 in English, Maths and Science, which is necessary for this school. There is an increasing cohort of high prior attainers - far above the national average last year.

I don't know Bacon's, sorry, but wanted to say that I had no doubt that my dd would have received a good education at DG - the reason she will now not be going there is that it really is a very long way from home and she now has a place at the local girls' comprehensive that we would have expected to send her to in the first place, with most of the other girls from her school (we missed out because it has suddenly become very, very popular). DD is still pining a little about not going to DG.

I think the school is very open to visitors - it may be worth you going round again if you have concerns. I've not heard a parent say a bad word about it, but because of where we live we don't know all that many.

good luck with your decision. It is all so tough!