State secondaries Crystal Palace/Gipsy Hill

[wowsaidtheowl]

We’re in the process of compiling our list for September 22 entry and it’s tough! We’ve only been able to visit one school and it’s almost impossible to get a feel from the videos posted on websites.

We’re having a go at Wallington girls and Newstead but know there’s a chance our DD won’t be able to include them on her application. So we’re left with Kingsdale (long shot), Sydenham (feel very positive about it but never been inside), Norwood (not keen) and Harris (would rather avoid a big academy group).
Am I missing any others? Ideas, experience, advice all gratefully received. Thank you!

Hi - mine are at Sydenham - (two girls years 7 and 9). It's a good school and both are happy and doing well - lots to get involved in, nice library, most of the teachers very good - no regrets at all at the moment. Friends very happy with Kingsdale and Harris Bromley and East Dulwich (though I think if you want extra-curricular music etc Harris Bromley might not be great from what one of them was saying). Don't know much about Norwood, sorry....Happy to help more directly if you have queries about Sydenham - it must be so hard when you can't get into the schools

Thank you- it’s good to know that you agree with my gut feeling re Sydenham. I’m hearing so many people talk positively about it and the head girl was really great in her website video - I just get a good feeling! I’m trying to figure out how to ask this without sounding wanky but is there a good level of differentiation in lessons? I don’t have a genius child but she’s used to getting pushed quite hard at her current school - I’m a bit worried about her coasting in a big school where she might not be as well known. Also worry about pastoral support - is it good at Sydenham?

I'll send you a DM - but yes, my girls are pushed and stretched at Sydenham. They are both reasonably academic (not geniuses) and are nowhere near top of the class in most subjects. Pastoral has been fine when needed.