Southwest London state and independent secondary schools

[Time4Gin]

Hi all

My DS is starting year 5 this September, so entry into secondary school in Sep 2020 - a long way off but we have started to visit schools already because we have to move house in the next 9 months, (to get the money to pay for a good independent) but we would like to move to one of the good state schools catchment areas as a back up if he didn’t get into any of the independents.

DS is in top 3 at his current primary but is a bit weak at written spelling and English but has a great imagination and reads well - is starting private tutoring this September. He is great at Maths, loves Science and Engineering, also Drama and Music. He loves sports and is great at running - he loves football but isn’t brilliant at it. He has suffered bullying a lot at his primary but still does well and has friends; he’s quite a sensitive child and I just want a place that deals with bullying well and will push him to focus on his work, which he is good at once he focuses.

What state schools does anyone recommend? I am looking at Graveney, Ashcroft, Thomas Harris, Kingsdale but what others should I think about? We ideally want mixed. We are currently in Wandsworth but like I say, moving to anywhere appropriate (and we have a bit of a budget but not huge).

Or additional independents? We are looking are Alleyns (first choice, school seems exceptional), KCS, Dulwich and possibly Emanuel (but he hates rugby) and Whitgift.

Has anyone else gone to a state school (no problem just know the catchments are so tiny) when not getting into an independent? Did you reapply for age 13 entry or stick with state?

Any help needed with other goood schools to consider - I don’t want to get it all wrong and/or push my son too hard so he struggles later if he did get in. All and any advice desperately grateful for!

TIA

Did you visit Ashcroft last night OP?

How does anyone rate Burntwood? Heard mixed reports.

Know quite a few girls (all studious and from good backgrounds) there but it seems to be a bit of a 'Marmite' school, among parents and prospective pupils. Very culturally representative of very local 'SW17' population but not necessarily wider 'SW London' one. Boys in the sixth form (which threw me a bit when we visited). A 'Xanax' incident last year which made local paper headlines. It has a bit more of a uni type feel (even in the layout of the buildings) than most local schools (which is a big plus as with the swimming pool on site) - doesn't seem to be short on funding that's for sure (cupcakes and goodies a plenty at the open day we attended).

Thanks again all!

I did see Ashcroft on Tuesday and it didn't seem as bad as the rep although Head did directly say the rep IS to be believed. I think if DS ended up there (which is unlikely unless we moved close) it wouldn't be the worst school or situation, but I will be unlikely to put it on the list, I don't think at this stage.

UNLIKE Kingsdale, which DS and I both LOVED - such great results, such great people, vibe, teachers, ethos etc. I have read about rumours about the lottery thingy, and the only true bias I can see is the sibling ruling. It's now more transparent about the neutral third party that sorts the lottery out. I am DEFINITELY going for this one on the list - There's a 1 in 7 chance, so why not (depending on how hugely oversubscribed it is next October of course). DS is v smitten with the place so now I have to manage his expectations about getting in there in Sep 2020

Emanuel again on Sat, then KCS.

@marytuda - I have no idea about the demographical intake about those schools you mention and I don't care either at this stage, I'm just looking for a good state comp. If we get that then, phew, we don't have to pay for private. We have as much a chance as any others without siblings for Kingsdale, but the rest of the good state secondaries we will have to move to catchment, so just checking out all ones in the area.

Thanks again everyone for all the chatter, it's been really helpful.

Sweetnhappy - Yes, did you see Ashcroft too? What did you think, if you did?

Stircrazyschoolmum - Bolingbroke isn't an option as they have priority from feeder schools (we live behind a feeder but it is rubbish) and so the amount of offers to non-feeders/non-sibs etc last year was 0 but yes good point about the stations. The reason I am trying to move to a catchment of a good school is indeed because there are no guarantees for a private place! Agh!

Time for gin.. my point was that you could move your child into year 6 of Honeywell (or Belleville) and then feed into B.B. Lots of All Farthings children do this as there is generally lots of spaces in year 6 at both schools. I’m glad you liked Kingsdale, my friend also loves it.

My daughter has just started in year 7 of Chestnut Grove and she loves it so far. She says all the teachers are really nice and it’s much better than primary school. She says all the children she has met there are quite eccentric which suits her as she’s quite odd! I think what she really means is that people are free to be who they are without having to fit into any boxes, which is a good thing. She is bright but can struggle socially so I’ve been really impressed by how well she has got on. I would recommend going to have a look round.