Peckham/ED or Brockley

[SELondonFan]

I currently live in Peckham Rye (catchment for Belham) and have been considering moving to Brockley Conservation Area for more space but am concerned that I would be giving up almost definite entry to great schools (Belham then East/North Dulwich Charter) for a much riskier situation as the area I'm looking at seems to be right on the edge of a lot of primary catchments (Ashmead, Gordonbrock, Prendergast, etc) but not actually in any. Similarly I'm not sure about the secondaries in Lewisham Vs Southwark. We preferred Telegraph Hill but there isn't much coming up and in any case price differential with where we are now isn't big enough to make the move worthwhile. Does anyone have any advice or experience with a similar move?

Hopeful bump

do you have a girl? the state schools in Lewisham are great for girls. for boys not great - we will move out of the area for this reason..

I have one of each. Is it that Prendergast girls is the only good senior school in the area?

And where are you looking to move if you don't mind me asking?

Out of London to either Surrey or Kent - if we knew that independent school was 100% an option in the future financially for us then we would stay as there are a few dotted around Lewisham as well. Prendergast girls has a very good reputation, Prendergast Ladywell School I never hear much about. The other schools do not have good reps. It is worth noting that I do not have a child in these schools, it is just what I have heard from "locals" - my child is much much younger.
I wonder if you can visit the schools 😬 Also check out their "admissions criteria" online to see how important catchments are....

Thank you. All of the primaries I've looked at are oversubscribed so catchments v important. And we really can't look at private school so need decent state provision.

not surprised everywhere is oversubscribed - SE Ldn full of families with young kids! Its a wonderful place. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

We have had children very happy at Sydenham Girls - but Forest Hill Boys also on the up and has just had a Good Ofsted. DD1 is now in the mixed sixth form for the two schools and having a ball - it isn't just the prendergast schools in Lewisham that do well.

I’ve friends who are happy with Deptford Green and have also heard good things about Forest Hill Boys recently.

Thank you, I'll look into the admissions criteria for these. I think my worry is that even if there are good schools they'll be too far away for a definite place whereas I think we'd easily get e.g. East Dulwich Charter from where I am.

People move to get into the catchment for the charter schools, especially boys, so it sounds like you’re in a good position there. But equally, your need for space is important over the many years of family life. As pp said, Hillyfields Prendergast is great for girls but I know many with boys at the other local options and many are improving year on year. So depending how old your children are that will continue. There are also music and sports scholarship options to get into schools you may not officially be in catchment for.