Suggestions for non selective secondaries, and anyone heard of London Park School Clapham?

[Annu21]

Hi everyone, I have a bright DC in Year 6, whose primary has gone from being lovely to rubbish recently. We didn't go for any 11+ grammar tests as the schools are 1.5 hour distance each way from where we live. Sadly, he didn't get through two brutally selective privates that we applied for (should have applied for more, but I didn't grow up here and genuinely didn't realise competitive they are and how young the DCs need to be to get preparing). We may have left it too late and are now at a loss. We are just on the edge of the catchment of one good state secondary, and don't know quite what to do. So, wondering if:

a) Anyone has suggestions for any non selective privates that might still be open to admission in year 7 or an occasional place in year 8, in SE, S and SW London? We know we will have to move home, but if the school is the right fit, we will.

b) I was wondering if anyone has heard of London Park School Clapham and if anyone's DCs go there currently?

Thanks a lot.

Perhaps Ewell Castle, Kew House, Halliford, Hampton Court House? Or a prep for years 7-8 and try again for 13plus at different schools? I know some only use pre test, but some don’t. Perhaps one of the Thomas’s preps to gain access to the new Thomas’s secondary in Richmond?

Just seen your other post - looks like you are more SE than SW so the above may be of no use :(

London Park looks intriguing. Certainly the school will be motivated to make a great effort over the next few years, being new and needing to make its reputation.

Nappyvalleynet site has a bit more discussion of this school (I think the most detailed post gets the name wrong though, calls it Park Lane).

Fulham Prep’s new-ish senior school might be another option.

I’d be cautious about the route of prep for 2 years and then 13+ - not many 13+ places these days unless you want boarding and even then quite a few have y6 pre tests.

In addition to the suggestions above, you might want to look into The Hall in Wimbledon.

It would probably help if we knew roughly where you live and which schools you applied to previously. You could look at Bickley Park Prep which some boys leave at 11 for grammars but I think most stay until 13. Also, Bishop Challoner all-through in Shortlands May be worth exploring. I think they are non-selective or lightly selective.

I looked at London Park on GIAS, it opened in August 2023, is 11-16 only and has capacity listed for 80 pupils which is very low. No Ofsted inspection or results as it is so new.

To which state schools have you applied for September?

Have a look at Thames Christian or you could do a thomass prep for 2 yrs and then transfer to college?

Thanks @@LadyLapsang we are currently in SE London (within the proximity of crofton park, Brockley, Forest Hill, Nunhead) but would be happy to move closer to the right school, as we need to move to a slightly bigger place in any case.

It’s getting easier to get places at secondary as the population is falling so don’t give up hope - worked for us last year. A half decent state school is likely to be a better and more stretching option than mediocre small private. My eldest has been at very ‘mixed’ secondary and has had a group of the most amazing hardworking peers (not all the kids at the school, obvs, but enough!)

This is so reassuring thank you @coatonthewashingline ! My partner and I are both fans of good state education, just that last couple of years at the current primary have been bit rubbish. But then in secondary there will be different, more specialist teachers, I keep reminding myself. And knowing that you have had a positive experience, is great. Sounds like you had to move schools, or you got into the state school of your preference?

Hi @Annu21 my daughter joined LPS in Sept, Year 7 and we couldn’t be happier. After a tumultuous 11+ season similar to what you’ve described (also from state school), we found out about LPS and it was such a relief to be away from the rat race of private schools! The staff are brilliant, I cannot praise them enough. They genuinely care about each child and with class sizes being so small, the education given is of a high level. Extra curricular activities are good and overall I’d say it’s a well rounded school in terms of sport, academia & performing arts. Our daughter is thriving :)

Great to hear, thanks so much @SWmum3 ! Please can I ask, how small is the class size? Eg less than 15 or less than 25? Also curious about how far you are from the school, do you have a fairly easy commute? Thanks again.

Class size is less then 15 for current cohort; I’m not sure what the intake this year will be but I imagine they’ll stay around the same size. We are based in Putney and commuting works well. Happy to chat directly if you have any other questions :)

i have several kids so various experiences and different schools. Some did not get their choice on offer day but did by late April for one and June for other.

go and visit and see what local parents are saying!