Epsom and Ewell for bright boy..? Vs Coombe Boys

[Starship808]

Hi all, my son got his 4th choice school Epsom and Ewell high. We don’t know anyone else that goes there but know it’s undersubscribed, academics are pretty low and haven’t heard great things about the kids there. Does anyone have any insider knowledge on what it’s really like, is there bullying? Can it suit a bright child?
We’re on the waiting list for Coombe boys but unsure if it’s much better… any advice appreciated!

My son starts at Coombe in September and we have lots of friends already there. It is well regarded, certainly in this area, for its pastoral care, huge range of opportunities, great communication and being a solid school that knows its children. They encourage the children to be the best they can.
The catchment area reaches to under 2.5km typically. No knowledge of Epsom/Ewell I'm afraid but wishing you luck in getting the school you would like.

Coombe Boys over Epsom + Ewell hands down. A significant cohort of bright boys who missed/didn’t want to do Grammar, very close links with the very sought after Coombe Girls, excellent leadership. And All the benefits of a wealthy/invested catchment of parents. Coombe is massively on the up.

New Malden’s house prices have risen dramatically - those professionals who moved their a decade or so ago as it was more affordable than Balham/Wandsworth etc now have secondary age children and are choosing to stay put and are sending their boys to Coombe Boys.

Thanks both! So helpful. @GloryBees out of interest do you have boys there or just general perception?

@Starship808 did you get your son into a different school or will he start EEHS in September?

@SuperSue77 EEHS!

@Starship808 my son too! It was our 4th choice too and originally upset about it and applied to private schools and appealed our first choice but nothing worked out. However, having spoken to loads of parents and been on the parent induction last week I am feeling really positive about the school and actually think it may be the best option for him. The journey is not the greatest for us, but I think the school will suit him and he enjoyed his transition day there. He’s the only one going from his primary!