Secondary Schools in Balham/Tooting Bec

[muminsouthlondon]

Hi,
My daughter is in year 5 and is not particularly academic, is an August baby and finds maths very challenging (she has mild dyscalculia). I am looking at secondary schools for her (state and private) but struggling to find one that would suit her/might accept her. I think she might struggle to get into a selective school. I live near Ritherdon Road in SW17. Any experiences or thoughts mum appreciated - would there be a chance of Graveney as she has mild dyscalculia? What is Chestnut Grove like? I think Bolingbroke is out of my catchment? I've looked at the Laurels but read some concerning posts on mumsnet about the Opus Dei connection. I've considered Royal Russell and Portland Place but she is too young to travel on her own and there are no school buses and I work so could not collect her from school. I would consider Broomwood Hall but not ideal as it only goes up to 13. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas!? It is really stressing me out....

Any particular reasons that Burntwood and SCHS aren't on your list?

Bolingbroke has a feeder primary system, and there are next to no places available after that, even if you live practically on top of the school.

My daughter is currently at SCHS but it is selective for entry into the senior school so I need another option. I have thought about Burntwood but not been to visit yet. Do you know much about it?

I went to see Bolingbroke and really liked it but
you are correct, my daughter would not get in based on their criteria - though the deputy head said I could try outside of the normal entry (say in year 7 or 8) but it sounded like a long shot

I don't know Burntwood in any useful amount of detail, but what I do hear of it is positive. It's a school people are happy for their DDs to go to.

Is plan A to stay on at SCHS?

BTW, secondary age pupils travel by themselves to school. Yes, in year 5 she'll seem unimaginably young for it. But by year 7 it'll seem quite different. With state schools, you're only likely to get one nearby. With private schools, you could widen your search a bit to any that have a straightforward journey.

Thank you SquirmOfEels - yes plan A is to stay on at SCHS. I guess you are correct in year 7 I might feel more comfortable with her travelling on the tube on her own - she is so tiny and an August baby it is hard to imagine right now!

We liked Burntwood very much when we looked at it, much more than Graveney. If you're not close enough to Graveney to get a place under the distance criterion, then based on what you say I very much doubt your daughter would get one of the selective places, because they are aiming for very academic children.

Is SCHS very selective for girls who have been in the prep? I thought that, for them, transition was more or less automatic.

Yes SCHS is selective for the senior school and 2 or 3 each year from the prep don't get through - I am concerned that could be my daughter this year so I need a plan B.
I will take a look at Burntwood. Thank you!

Chestnut Grove is on the up and their new buildings will be a big improvement
Have you looked at Lambeth Academy or La Retraite?

You'll get told before the end of Y5 if she isn't going to be considered for the senior school - it's not that selective so I wouldn't give up hope!

Otherwise Chestnut Grove or Burntwood would be your best bets