Sutton grammar + nearby comp

[user1468444815]

Looking for some advice from Sutton residents/veterans.

We're putting Sutton Grammar School and Wallington County Grammar on eldest DS's secondary school application (he passed the entry exams).

If he gets in we'll look to move closer nearby. But our younger son likely isn't grammar material, so we're trying to figure out where to live that's close enough to both a decent comprehensive and the Sutton grammars.

Wondering if anyone has any advice or has had the same situation?

Threads on here seem to suggest Glenthorne(?) and Greenshaw are both good but what's it like living round those areas? Are there other good options?

Thanks!

Carshalton Boys is a decent school these days, but still has a relatively poor reputation from those who haven't looked at it recently. I know a couple of boys who have actively chosen it ahead of the grammar schools locally.

Glenthorne is good, and I hear good things about Greenshaw too as you say. Harris Sutton is also good - I have friends with children at all these schools, all are happy.

I know a lot of families happy with Cheam High, but Glenthorne was our choice if the grammars hadn't worked out. It's a bit of a tricky one for working out how close you need to live to be sure of a place though, as it has a banding test, so furthest distance of child offered differs between ability bands and that changes each year.

If you can wait until you know which grammar he'll be going to, that will open up the search area. For example, Sutton Grammar is near Sutton train station which is a 10-minute train journey from Epsom. Lots of boys do that journey. And then Glyn School in Epsom has a good reputation.

Thanks v much both. Will have a look at Carshalton Boys. And that's a good point about maybe living down the train line, Bee (although Epsom seems pricey!)

Any opinions on what it's like to live in the catchment areas for Glenthorne and Greenshaw?

for various reasons I have spent a bit of time in glenthorne, it's imo pretty good. I couldn't speak loads to the area round it, but my suspicion is that it's neither hugely nice nor hugely cheap.

@lubbalubba

Thanks v much both. Will have a look at Carshalton Boys. And that's a good point about maybe living down the train line, Bee (although Epsom seems pricey!)

Any opinions on what it's like to live in the catchment areas for Glenthorne and Greenshaw?

I live close enough to Glenthorne to be in catchment for some of the banding abilities but not others - so not immediately around the school. It's a great area for families, with some of the best primary schools in the borough. Very suburban feel - 1930s samey-looking houses, so not everyone's cup of tea, but decent sized gardens and good community feel that is not always there in London outskirts. Not the cheapest area, but also good value compared to others (in part because it's a mile in all directions to various train stations). Happy to pm you.