Secondary schools in and around Southwark

[Anonnimouse]

We are imminently returning to live in South London having lived overseas for some years. We are scrabbling for in-year admission at a suitable school (or schools) for our two daughters (year 8 and year 10). Does anyone have any knowledge of Ark Globe Academy or Harris Academy Peckham? Or any tips on how to navigate the labyrinthine in-year admissions process to find a school we would like, rather than simply having to take whatever school the local council says may have space?

I don’t have knowledge of those particular schools but my DS went to City of London Academy Southwark and would highly recommend. However, as you are doing in-year application, I am afraid you are limited to those schools with places. There is no process whereby you can simply opt for the school you want - the state school system in UK, even at usual entry stages, ie Y7, is a preference system not a choice. And in year applications are more restricted because there needs to be a place.

Where in south london? And do you have boys and/or girls? I would look at Haberdashers Borough Academy, Oasis, and the others round that bit of Southwark. Closer to Harris Peckham academy, look at Harris boys or Harris girls East Dulwich (Peckham rye), both q popular. Also Haberdashers Hatcham College in New Cross (lewisham but on the border with nunhead/peckham).

You don’t need to limit yourself to just Southwark - check out schools in neighbouring boroughs too.
im in Lambeth but looked at secondaries and in Wandsworth, Westminster, and Southwark too.

You can look at locrating or https://schoolopinion.co.uk/secondary/
to get some snapshots of schools and their catchments

When I taught in the area, Harris Academy Peckham had a consistently outstanding reputation. Ark Globe has very high standards of their students, some great opportunities beyond the classroom, and some exceptional teachers.

I would also suggest looking at the two Haberdashers Federation schools in the area (Hatcham and Borough). Hatcham gets good results and they do have very high standards. There is a certain culture passed down by the legacy of the school which is embedded into it's practice.

Depending on how far away it is from you, I would also look at St Thomas the Apostle.

There’s been a drop in the number of children in London, so catchments have expanded for schools the closer to centre of London you go.

I’m in Southwark and really noticed a difference between my first and second child going to secondary. Lots more of DC2’s friends being accepted for schools they wouldn’t have been in catchment for just a few years previously.

I’d also reassure you that all the schools are good in Southwark ( good or above).

Would recommend both city of London and Haberdashers borough

The Charter schools and Kingsdale are in Southwark.

Are you close to Lewisham schools? Sydenham Girls is very popular.

Unfortunately, those three are all oversubscribed and wait listed so aren't likely to have space for an in year transfer (or even someone outside of the year 7 entry).

Published catchments are irrelevant. There needs to be a place first off, and no one living nearer than you who also wants it.