NappyValleyNet SCHOOLS GUIDE 2015/16
INSI Ope D E n Da y pullout
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO EDUCATING YOUR CHILD IN SOUTH WEST LONDON
✓ How to choose the perfect school ✓ Every date you need to know ✓ To tutor or not to tutor? ✓ Easing the pain of paying nappyvalleynet.com /schools
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Lancing College
CHARTERHOUSE
CANFORD
SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL
The
Falcons
Meet the big names of British education As the UK’s largest school open day, the Independent Schools Show annually welcomes 200 of the leading schools to Battersea Park. Join us at this informative and dynamic event to meet key admissions teams; speak with heads; enquire about entry requirements at all stages; explore scholarships and bursaries. Saturday 14 November 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 15 November 11:00 - 16:30 Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
In association with
FOR COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS VISIT WWW.SCHOOLSSHOW.COM US letter iss ad v5.indd 1
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WELCOME
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CONTENTS 24
Last year over 330,000 SW London parents visited NappyValleyNet and one topic came up time and time again, education. Questions were posed by newcomers to SW London struggling to understand the differences between state and independent schools. Debates were started by long- time London residents, wondering whether they should pay for their children’s schooling or, luckily, if they might fall into particular school catchment areas. We watched as over 6,000 of these conversations unfolded and decided to launch the very first NappyValleyNet print and digital Schools Guide in a bid to supply the answers. And here it is! On the following pages you will find informed opinion, topical interviews, expert advice, views from heads, helpful hints from registrars and information listings to help you make the right choice of school for your child. There are also digital links to follow to sign-up for email reminders of school Open Days, application deadlines and entrance exams throughout the academic year.
The Falcons School for Girls
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8 Find your local primary schools
We hope The Schools Guide to the 120+ schools in your local area will ease your family’s entire education journey and, as always, we would love your feedback on what we can do better next year.
9 Find your local secondary schools 10 Applying for a school 14 How to choose a school
Yours
18 To pay or not to pay? 21 Facing the fees
Dulwich College
Founder - NappyValleyNet
NappyValleyNet’s Schools Guide is produced annually and is available digitally on NappyValleyNet.com/schools Editor Gillian Upton Sub editors Charlotte Peterson, Georgina Blaskey, Antonia Swinson, Fiona Walsh Listings Louise George Design & Artwork eighthouse.co.uk Sales & Marketing Clare Sheta Publisher Susan Hanage While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, NappyValleyNet cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Printed by Elanders Polska Sp Published by Nextville Limited: annabel@nappyvalleynet.com
4 Local school overview
24 SCHOOL PROFILE: The Falcons School for Girls 25 Open Day pull-out 29 SCHOOL PROFILE: The White House 30 Supply v demand 32 How to choose a tutor 34 School listings 50 Resources
Broomwood Hall
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Cover photograph courtesy of The White House
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LOCAL SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Spoilt for choice What’s the difference between a public and private’ school? Which schools follow the national curriculum? The variety of schools across SW London is bewildering, so we begin our Schools Guide with a jargon-busting A-Z directory of the different schools and new-fangled terms you will need to know Academy school
Boarding school
Common Entrance
A state-funded independent school where the governors are responsible for the admissions policy and they don’t have to follow the national curriculum. They are operated by independent charities. The Bolingbroke Academy, for example, draws on only four primary schools for admissions. There are around 3,000 academies in England.
A school where pupils study and live with their fellow students during the academic year. There are single-sex schools and co-ed boarding schools with mixed classes. The majority are private schools, in that one has to pay to attend (see definition on page 7), but there are some state boarding schools which provide free education but charge fees for boarding.
This is the name for the exams taken by boys and girls in English, Maths and Science in Year 6 (plus humanities, language and classical subjects in Year 8), to gain entrance to senior independent schools, at 11+ and 13+ respectively. The exams are set by ISEB, the Independent Schools Examination Board and are marked by the senior school for which the candidate has applied. Rather confusingly, these tend not to be the exams that one sits to gain entrance to London independent day schools. Common Entrance is more usually the preferred approach for more traditional boarding schools, often called public schools (see definition on page 7).
Community school A state-funded school/college where the local council is responsible for the admissions policy.
Day school A school where children are educated during the day, after which they return home.
Faith school
The Falcons School for Girls
These can be voluntary aided, free schools, academies and so on, but associated with a particular religion, Catholic or Jewish, for example. They follow the national curriculum and priority is given to those children attending a place of religion or worship. Faith schools require parents to complete a supplementary information form.
B
B RO O M WO O D H A L L
AN I N DE PE N DE N T DAY PRE- PREP A N D PREP SCHO OL FOR B OYS AG E D 4 - 8 Y E ARS A N D G IRL S AG ED 4 - 1 3 Y EA RS
LOWER SCHOOLS: 192 RAMSDEN ROAD & 50 NIGHTINGALE LANE SW12 & 3 GARRAD’S ROAD SW16 THE UPPER SCHOOL: 68-74 NIGHTINGALE LANE, LONDON SW12
admissions@northwoodschools.com
Tel: 020 8682 8830
www.broomwood.co.uk
NORTHCOTE LODGE AN I N DE PE NDENT DAY PREP S C HO OL FOR B OYS AGE D 8-13 YE A RS
26 BOLINGBROKE GROVE, LONDON SW11
admissions@northwoodschools.com
Tel: 020 8682 8830
www.northcotelodge.co.uk
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Jargon Buster exeat: weekend leave from a boarding school tuck box: robust, lockable box essential for boarding school life beak: teacher new bug: new boy or girl Dormy raid: attack by one dormitory upon another. Usually performed under cover of darkness and when the stakes are high, e.g. after a pizza delivery or visit to the tuck shop Free school These schools are funded by the government but not run by the local council. They can be set up on a notfor-profit basis by teachers, parents, charities or community/faith groups and they have more control over the length of school terms, the school day and the national curriculum.
Foundation school A state-funded school in which the governing body has greater freedom in the running of the school than a community school. They own their own assets, employ their own staff and are their own admission authorities.
Grammar school An academically-oriented secondary school in the state system. They thrived in the Sixties and Seventies, and of the 164 left in England, 19 are in Greater London, including Tiffin Girls’ School and Tiffin School (for boys) in Kingston, Sutton Grammar School for Boys, Wallington County Grammar School (boys), Wallington High School for Girls and Wilson’s School (boys).
IB International Baccalaureate, an international educational foundation headquartered in Switzerland. Originally designed for the children of globetrotting diplomats, IB offers four programmes, the most popular in the
Whitgift. One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18
‘Some might say it’s just bricks and mortar. Others may say it’s just a school. But Whitgift is so much more than that’ Old Whitgiftian (2006–2014)
OPEN MORNING | SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2015 OPEN EVENING | TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2015 SIXTH FORM AND BOARDING | BY APPOINTMENT admissions@whitgift.co.uk +44 (0)20 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays
Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom
UK being an alternative to A levels in the shape of a broader-based two-year diploma. Academics argue that it’s more global in reach.
International school Schools promoting an international education (often the IB programme, as defined above), and catering for students who are not nationals of the host country. The Council of International Schools (CIS) lists 13 member schools in London.
Ofsted The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Ofsted inspection reports can be viewed online at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk and these are often used as the basis of school selection criteria.
Oxbridge A collective term referring to the 800-year-old universities of Oxford and Cambridge and sometimes modified to Loxbridge to include London universities.
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Pre-Prep Schools for children aged 3-7/8. The majority are co-educational and independent.
Prep school Schools for children aged 7/8 to 11, or 13, depending on the departure age to a senior school. The majority are co-educational and independent. They are either stand-alone or attached to a senior school and can be day prep or boarding prep schools.
Primary school Schools for children aged 4-11, usually in the state sector.
Private school Also known as independent schools, they charge fees to attend instead of being
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funded by the government. Pupils don’t have to follow the national curriculum and the schools are inspected regularly, either by Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate or The Bridge Schools Inspectorate.
Russell Group
Public School
Specialist and mainstream schools which provide specialist units or bases for children with special educational needs (SEN). See our list on page 49.
One of the most confusing terms in the UK education system. These schools are not open to the public as one has to pay to attend. Many have a long and rich history and are the type of schools foreign visitors imagine most of our politicians and royal family attended. Originally established to educate children of civil servants and soldiers working in far-flung corners of the empire, they tend to mirror establishment values.
A term referring to the self-selected association of 24 leading UK universities with arguably the best research and teaching facilities.
SEN schools
Secondary school Schools for children aged 11-16 or 11-18, usually within the state sector.
Voluntary Aided School A state-funded school/college where the governors are responsible for the admissions policy.
For open day reminders, school application deadlines and entrance exam dates all sent straight to your inbox, simply email schools@nappyvalleynet.com and we’ll sign you up right away! Your data will not be shared, sold or made available to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this list at any time.
#whywelovehornsby To have a look around our school call 020 8673 7573 or visit hornsbyhouse.org.uk
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Find your local primary school State and private primary schools in Nappy Valley
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No. Primary School
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KEY: State Primary School Private Primary School. Turn to the school listings on page 34 to find the detail of each school by the number reference.
No. Primary School
1 2 3 4 5 6a 6b 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Albemarle Alderbrook All Saints (CE) Allfarthing Beatrix Potter Belleville (Webbs Road site) Belleville (Meteor Street site) Brandlehow Broadwater Chesterton Christchurch (CE) Eardley Earlsfield Falconbrook Fircroft Floreat Wandsworth Franciscan Furzedown Gatton (Muslim)
Map Ref
R,15 N,34 I,10 M,23 Q,25 L,30 J,33 K,16 U,28 F,33 H,29 X,38 R,24 H,27 S,30 P,23 W,32 Y,35 V,29
19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41
S,33 W,31 K,22 D,37 L,19 E,35 I,12 O,18 ,30 H,32 ,18 V,26 Q,15 N,23 N,2 W,32 Q,33 M,20 E,27 I,34
PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS
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STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS
St Anselm’s (Catholic) St Boniface (Catholic) St Faith’s (CE) St George’s (CE) St Joseph’s (Catholic) St Mary’s Battersea (Catholic) St Mary’s Putney (CE) St Michael’s (CE) Sellincourt Shaftesbury Park Sheringdale Smallwood Southmead Swaffield The Alton Tooting Trinity St Mary’s (CE) West Hill Westbridge Wix
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Granard Griffin Heathmere High View Holy Ghost (Catholic) Honeywell Infant Honeywell Junior Hotham John Burns Mosaic (Jewish) Oasis Putney Academy Our Lady of Victories (Catholic) Our Lady Queen of Heaven (Catholic) Penwortham Ravenstone Riversdale Roehampton Church (CE) Ronald Ross Rutherford House Sacred Heart Battersea (Catholic) Sacred Heart Roehampton (Catholic) St Anne’s (CE)
M,9 E,37 Q,6 J,26 P,32 M,30 M,31 J,12 G,33 O,5 H,9 K,12 P,13 X,36 Q,34 P,19 O,8 O,14 R,34 G,28 M,6 L,23
Map Ref
65 Al-Risalah Nursery U,31 66 Bertrum House School S,32 67 Broomwood Hall School N,32 68 Dolphin School (Incorporating Noahs Ark Nursery Schools) L,29 69 Eaton House The Manor School J,34 70 Ecole Du Parc I, 34 71 Eveline Day School S,32 73 Finton House School R,30 74 Hall School Wimbledon S,7 75 Hornsby House School P,33 76 Hurlingham School J,17 77 Ibstock Place School N,2 78 L’Ecole de Battersea F,27 79 Lion House School K,13 80 Steiner Waldorf School O,36 81 Merlin School L,14 82 Newton Preparatory School E,35 83 Northcote Lodge School N,30 84 Oliver House Preparatory School N,34 85 Parkgate House School J,33 86 Parsons Green Prep School G,17 87 Prospect House School O,13 88 Putney High School M,14 89 Rainbow School for Children with Autism S, 23 90 Streatham & Clapham High School S,38 91 The Dominie F,31 92 The Falcon School for Girls K,9 93 The Roche School K,20 94 The St Michael Steiner School M,20 95 The White House P,38 96 Thomas’s Battersea F,26 97 Thomas’s Clapham M,31 98 Wandsworth Preparatory School M,24
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Find your local secondary school State and private secondary schools in Nappy Valley
© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licensed to Wandsworth Council. LA 1000019270 (2015)
KEY: State Secondary School Private Secondary School. Turn to the school listings on page 34 to find the detail of each school by the number reference.
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STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS No. Secondary School
99 Ark Putney Academy 100 Ashcroft Technology Academy 101 Bolingbroke Academy 102 Burntwood School 103 Chestnut Grove Academy 104 Ernest Bevin College 105 Graveney School 106 Harris Academy Battersea 107 Saint Cecelia’s Cof E School 108 St John Bosco College 109 Southfields Academy 110 Dunraven Secondary School 111 Lambeth Academy 112 South Thames College 113 Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
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PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS No. Secondary School
114 Al-Risalah 115 Emanuel 116 Hall School Wimbledon 117 Ibstock Place School 118 Putney High School 119 Rainbow School for Children with Autism 120 Streatham & Clapham High School 121 The Laurels 122 Thomas’s Clapham 123 Thames Christian College 124 Centre Academy
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APPLYING FOR A SCHOOL
Crunch time Are stories of placing an unborn child’s name down for a school apocryphal? Either way, it underlines the importance of knowing and adhering to the right dates, says Gillian Upton “There’s no need to put your child’s name down at birth; you can make that decision later,” asserts Dan Cummings, head of The White House Preparatory School. However, there are also heads who believe that registering for a private school before parents reach the maternity ward is a sensible practice. “That’s the harsh reality,” says Edward Rees, head of Hornsby House.
The state sector Demand also exceeds supply in the state sector. By 2020, some 35,000 London children will not get a secondary
ESSENTIAL TIMELINES
4 - 11 State primary school, mixed. Your child will start in the academic year he/she is 4 years old
school place. Long waiting lists for secondary schools places in Wandsworth are not uncommon today, eg there are 700 pupils waiting for one of 250 secondary places at Graveney School. Adam Wells, Head of Pupil Services at Wandsworth Council, paints a more positive picture, as 77.5% resident applicants get their first preference primary school, 91.5% one of their first three preferences and 95.2% one of their six preferred schools. Secondary transfer statistics are less impressive though as only 57.8% of resident applicants were offered their first preference secondary school,
0-1 Some pre-prep and prep schools will require registration the day your child is born or shortly after
4 - 7/8, 11 or 13 Independent prep school, single sex or mixed. Your child will go for an assessment for selective schools aged 4
85.1% received one of their first three preferences and 93.3% one of their six preferred schools. Appeals are rarely successful at primary level but there are better chances at secondary level. Arguably, Wandsworth schools are plentiful - including three bi-lingual schools, 11 secondary schools - and have a high standard. Ofsted rates some 96% of Wandsworth primary schools outstanding or good. “We’ve got very strong schools, performing above the national average and we attract a lot of applicants from other boroughs, which speaks volumes,” says Wells.
1 - 2½ Start to consider catchment areas for state schools and almost all prep-prep and prep school applications will need to be submitted within this period
7/8 or 13 Independent day schools or boarding schools, single sex or mixed. The 11+ exam will be taken in January of Year 6. The 13 + Common Entrance exam is taken in Year 8. There is a Year 6 entry at some independent secondary schools (eg. Trinity and Emanuel) and that exam will be taken in Year 5. Increasingly, children have to sit pre-tests for boarding schools, in Year 7
2½ Pre school/kindergarten starts
11 - 18 State secondary school, mixed. Apply by October 31 of Year 6. Grammar schools set their own exams, also taken in Year 6
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as Beatrix Potter, Belleville, Earlsfield and Honeywell. These have the smallest borough catchment areas. Honeywell is under 200 metres. “Parents look at this distance in disbelief,” says Wells. It hasn’t helped that Wandsworth has recently changed its sibling policy for its community primary schools (see panel), which could mean parents having to be at different school gates simultaneously. For secondary, admissions will also depend on the results of the Wandsworth Year 6 test, a general ability test taken by all children attending state primary schools. The results go to the
State school admissions criteria varies according to the type of school. Community, foundation, voluntary aided and academies have different admissions policies, while supplementary information forms are needed for faith and bi-lingual state schools. Check each school’s admissions criteria carefully. Each borough produces guides for admissions to their primary and secondary schools. For the borough of Wandsworth, go to www.wandsworth. gov.uk/admissions. Proximity to school is crucial, particularly for over-subscribed Wandsworth state primary schools such
3 State primary school application deadlines. For children who have their 4th birthday in the forthcoming academic year (September 1st -August 31st), the primary school application deadline is the January before the September term starts
13 - 18 Independent boarding or day schools, single sex or mixed. The 13+ Common Entrance exam taken in Year 8
Waiting game Moving up the waiting list is based on a vacancy opening up and the admissions criteria prevails. However, schools operating a strict distance from school will widen the net as more places are freed up. For example, Belleville initially offered places to those living up to 238 metres from school, but later offers were up to 331 metres from school
4 ½ - 7/8 Pre prep school starts
16 - 18 GCSE exams taken, the results of which will dictate entry into Sixth Form or a Sixth Form College. Check admissions dates at individual colleges as some request earlier applications
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From first flat, to large family home, & all the doors in between. Because it’s important to you.
Northcote Lodge
secondary schools for which you have applied. Independent schools do not use results of the Wandsworth Year 6 test and your child will have to sit additional tests for entry. The crucial dates to remember for state schools are: • January 15th 2016 for primary. Apply online at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/ admissions. Offers are sent by April 16th 2016. • October 31st 2015 for secondary. Apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk. Offers are sent by March 1st 2016. You can apply for up to six schools, including out-of-borough schools. The norm is to list three in order of preference and to include at least one near where you live. If you live in another borough, you need to apply through your own council.
The private sector
To discuss your moving plans please call on 020 7458 4253.
Being able to fund your child’s education is a less anxious journey. Priority for admission is given to siblings for reception, yet the “small, cosy” Broomwood Hall, for example, has to manage three applications for every place. The private sector offers 30 prep/ primary schools and a dozen secondary schools in the borough of Wandsworth. Private or state, the starting point is to collect recommendations, follow NappyValleyNet posts, read a school’s prospectus and attend Open Days. On page 25 we list all those arranged for the autumn term. They are your chance to
see the school working, quiz teachers, hear the head talk, see the sort of children the school is developing and decide whether the school is right for your child. “Don’t just trust a school’s reputation. Visit it, have a look around and get a feel for the school,” advises Wells. Joan McGillewie, head of The Falcons School for Girls, says to “disregard those schools operating ‘stiff, starchy and wellrehearsed Open Days’. Parents can see through that, ” she says. Overlay what you’ve seen and heard by reading reports on each state school by Ofsted, available at www.reports.ofsted. gov.uk and checking school performance tables, at www.education.gov.uk. Check out private schools on www.isc.co.uk. NB. Read our feature on how various heads deal with supply versus demand on page 30. Our listing of schools in Nappy Valley starts on page 34 and includes a sprinkling of popular schools outside this area.
Wandsworth’s new sibling policy From September 2016 entry, the sibling priority for community primary schools without priority areas has changed to the following: “Children with brothers and sisters on the roll of the school on the date of admission living up to 800 metres from the school. Children with a brother or sister at the school on the date of admission living over 800 metres from the school will also receive priority under this criterion where the family have not moved since the last sibling was offered a place or the last sibling was admitted prior to September 2016.”
inity_OM_107.9x139.7_AD.indd 1
Warm friendly nursery schools with a Christian foundation for 2½ – 5 year olds
Dolphin School Dolphin School has expanded its premises. Additional places are available in different age groups.
Open mornings – Thursday at 09.15–10.30
by appointment with the Registrar 020 7924 3472 ext 2
Ofsted Report 2011: ‘Outstanding behaviour and outstanding progress made academically and personally by pupils of all ages and abilities…’ ‘High quality of teaching… ‘ ‘Teachers have high expectations…’ ‘The quality of the curriculum is outstanding…’
SW12
Endlesham Church Hall Endlesham Road
SW11
St. Michael’s Church Hall Cobham Close
SW18
West Side Church Hall Melody Road
‘Excellent relationships between teachers and their pupils…’
‘Partnership with parents is outstanding’ Ofsted
Dolphin School (incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools)
020 7924 3472 | admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk
Co-ed ages 2½ – 11 years
106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW 020 7924 3472 | admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk www.dolphinschool.org.uk
13/07/2015 17:03
www.noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk
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HOW TO CHOOSE A SCHOOL
Broomwood Hall School
Finding the perfect fit Nicola Woolcock, Education Correspondent of The Times, highlights the criteria for finding the right school for your child Choosing a school can be one of the most exciting but stressful times in a parent’s life. Whether primary or secondary, state or private, the array of schools on offer - and the hoops you may need to jump through to apply - can seem bewildering to the uninitiated. But help is at hand: there is a vast amount of comparable information available on schools these days, meaning families can get a sense of whether they are suitable, even before visiting. The likelihood of getting a place at each establishment has also become much more transparent in recent years. Many local authorities, including
Wandsworth and Lambeth, publish annual data showing the catchment areas for most state schools, that is, how far from the school successful applicants live. League tables are an instant way of comparing schools and these are published by several newspapers in the weeks after A level and GCSE results, for both state and independent schools. While stellar results are impressive, with almost all pupils at some schools achieving A and A* grades, it is important to consider your individual child’s likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses. Would they thrive in a highly academic and competitive environment or become
“Choosing a school can be one of the most exciting but stressful times in a parent’s life” overwhelmed and switch off? Ditto for whether a school is mixed or single sex. There is a mine of information on the Department for Education website, for both state and independent schools www.education.gov.uk/schools/ performance. You can search by school name, postcode, or local authority. For
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Open Morning for Year 7 entry Saturday 10 October 9.30 – 12 noon Tour the College with boys, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College. No appointment is necessary. Mid-week visits are also available by appointment. Please call the Registrar’s Office on 020 8299 9263.
TUTORING - 107.9MM X 139.7MM
www.fintonhouse.org.uk Open Evening Thursday 8th October 6-8 pm or contact the registrar to arrange a visit. Come and see us!
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example, Emanuel is the top performing private senior school and Graveney the highest achieving state secondary in Wandsworth, by GCSE results. Ofsted is a key port of call for many parents looking at state schools, and its equivalent - the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) - performs the same service for those considering a private education. The education regulator rates state schools in four categories: outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate. The outstanding rating recently became harder to achieve, so a school awarded this category in the last year really has impressed inspectors. The ISI inspects larger independent schools (some smaller ones are inspected by Ofsted). It does not give an overall rating, but makes judgments on different aspects of the school, deeming them excellent (or exceptional), good, sound or unsatisfactory.
Did you know... …that Wandsworth had the second highest proportion nationally of good and outstanding schools (95%), according to Ofsted Ratings 2013-14? It’s worth reading the full report rather than focusing just on headline rankings as this will give a lot of context. For example, a school could be rated ‘good’ even if its exam results aren’t that impressive, if it is in a less affluent area and pupils make good progress. The government recently vowed to crack down on “coasting” schools - those that get good results because they are in affluent areas with plenty of middle-class parents pushing their children to do well, rather than because of their excellent teaching. So some schools that are currently highly-regarded could get less glowing reports in future. Another good source of information is the school’s own website. Is it chatty and friendly? Does the school seem like a nurturing community with plenty of activities, class trips and projects? Are the children mentioned much and does their voice come across on the
website? On the other hand, particularly with independent schools, be cautious about the overly-slick website or brochure that has been given a public relations makeover. While the beaming and immaculate children and stunning facilities look impressive, they are no substitute for a visit in person. Going to see the school is arguably the most important part of the process. Most schools show groups of parents around on Open Days in the months before the application deadline. For state schools, this is usually in the middle of January for primary and the end of October for secondary, for the child to start school the following September. For independent schools the application dates vary, so it’s worth checking with the school when it’s best to visit. See our list of Open Days on page 25. At the school, first impressions and intuition are important - keep your antennae on full alert. Who is taking the tour? It should be a senior member of staff and preferably the headteacher. Is he or she happy to take questions? What is going on around you as you walk around the school? Look out for lots of classroom displays, celebrations of children’s work and achievements. How do pupils behave? Do they walk quietly or is there horseplay in the corridors? Can you see and hear them being taught or is the tour keeping you away from the classrooms? Ask about the school’s behaviour and bullying policies. Don’t be scared to ask direct questions and gauge the head’s response. Also, don’t focus just on the age your children are now. Try to imagine how they will develop and see how the school caters for them as they get older. For example, what secondary schools do leavers go to from primaries? Are
Thames Christian College
Did you know... …that Wandsworth schools beat the national average on 2014 GCSE results? Some 66.8% of pupils at Wandsworth schools achieved five or more A* to C grades, with 59.1% achieving five or more A*to C grades including English and Maths. This compares to the national average of 63.8% and 53.4% respectively these schools selective and if so, does the school help children prepare for the 11+? At secondary schools, check the university destinations of last year’s leavers. If it is a prep school, does it feed into the senior school or boarding school you would like your child to attend? How does it help children prepare for entrance exams and what is its success rate for good senior schools? Once you’ve identified your preferred school, consider its admissions policy and your realistic chances of getting a place for your child. Some independent schools expect you to register several years in advance, and some of the best state schools are faith schools that require proof of several years of regular worship. People pay a premium to live close to the best schools and their catchment areas shrink year on year, meaning many parents are set for disappointment. Honeywell Infant School, a highly popular school in Wandsworth, had a catchment area of just 182 metres last year. So be practical. Make sure you apply to several schools - some parents mistakenly think that focusing only on one proves their dedication to the establishment, but instead it leaves them at risk of being allocated a really poor state school if they miss out on their first and only choice. If your preferred independent school is highly selective, then it makes sense to have back-ups that make fewer demands at admission. The most important thing is not to lose your enthusiasm: the system isn’t impossible to navigate and the array of choice means there’s bound to be something to suit your child. Good luck!
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STATE V INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
To pay or not to pay? Sian Griffiths, Education Editor of The Sunday Times, explores the pros and cons of state versus independent education I pulled out my laptop and tried to look unobtrusive. Seated at the back of the class, I made notes as a young graduate took a GCSE class through a comparison of two poems on the English literature syllabus. She was sharp and funny, focusing on likely exam questions and how the teenagers could gain marks. The school is in one of the poorest parts of England but most years it sends one or two pupils to Oxford or Cambridge. A week later I was at the back of a class at a leading private school
watching another brilliant young graduate teaching Spanish grammar. The difference? In the first class there were clearly pupils who were disaffected and reluctant to learn. The dĂŠcor was shabby and no pupil had their own laptop. In the private school the classes were half the size, all students had a laptop and all were attentive. The teaching was excellent in both classes. The other difference? The private school charges over ÂŁ10,000 a year, while the state school is free.
I am often asked by anxious parents whether they should pay for their child to be privately educated. The answer, of course, is that it depends. It depends on whether you can afford six-figure fees. It depends on whether you live in the catchment area of a good state school or whether your child is likely to pass the 11plus exam and gain a place at one of the 164 oversubscribed and highly academic grammar schools in England. A good starting point is the comparative data for both private and state sectors,
Broomwood Hall School
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such as the latest inspection reports from Ofsted and exam league tables such as the Parent Power tables produced by The Sunday Times, which rank the best 1,000 schools in the UK according to their A level and GCSE results (www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/ parentpower. It is a subscription service, from £2 per week).
“The state sector is getting stronger but independent schools may have a clearer vision of what they are trying to achieve with each pupil. The jury’s out in all honesty” At the top of the tables are wellknown private schools such as King’s College School, Alleyn’s, JAGS and North London Collegiate School. These schools – most single sex – regularly feature among the top 50 UK schools, measured by exam success. But state schools also reach the upper echelons of these tables. Two north London grammar schools, Henrietta Barnett and Queen Elizabeth Boys, came 11th and 12th out of all schools in England on the basis of last summer’s exam results. The highest performing non-selective state school in the league tables is the Roman Catholic Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. Admission to the best state schools in London often depends on living close by; faith schools like Cardinal Vaughan also require regular church attendance. Draw up a shortlist of state and private schools. Check their admissions criteria – which can be complex – then book a visit. Meet the headteacher. If you like their
Did you know... …that 10,205 (23.8%) of the 42,871 pupils in Wandsworth schools attend independent schools (including private nursery schools)? Source: DFE January 2015 school census values and personality, the chances are you will like the way they run the school. Watch how children and staff react to them. Do they have authority? Do they know children’s names? Ask questions such as what percentage of the sixth form goes to Oxbridge, often a key difference between a good state and a good private school. Ask whether the school has a debating society. Private schools still excel at building social skills and fostering the ability to speak in public. While academic learning is important, check the extracurricular activities offered. Increasingly, schools are worrying about the mental health of pupils placed under intense pressure to achieve straight A grades. Headteachers are warning that some pupils, spoonfed to pass exams, are finding the independent learning and isolation of university difficult. State and private schools are responding by stressing the importance of art, music, drama and sport – areas where children can fulfil their passions and step away from academic pressure. Ask the head tough questions about mental health. Are eating disorders, depression and self-harming a problem and how does the school deal with them? Private schools in particular are opening up about such difficulties and the pastoral support they have in place to deal with them. Good headteachers will also talk about “building character”, by which they mean resilience and determination. Cadet forces, linked to the army, are popular at
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many private schools as is competitive sport. Quiz the headteacher about how the school views mistakes. A good school encourages children to learn from them and doesn’t try to turn out “perfect” children. There should be an emphasis on good academic results, but in the context of living a balanced life. The best schools treat children as individuals and try to nurture their passions. If your child is not academic, don’t push them into a hot-house environment. If your child is musical or sporty, find a school that excels in these areas. Remember that there might be state schools with fantastic orchestras and a weekend programme of interschool sporting fixtures. However, many believe that it is in attention to individual learning that the best private schools come out on top. The state sector is getting stronger but independent schools may have a clearer vision of what they are trying to achieve with each pupil.
Trinity
The jury’s out in all honesty. Universities now discriminate positively towards state school pupils, and employers too. If, however, you think that small class sizes and so on are more important than a broad church then an independent school is for you. And if finances are stopping you, check whether the school offers financial assistance towards fees. Under pressure from government, private schools are increasing the number of bursaries and scholarships offered. See our feature on financing overleaf.
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FINANCE & PRICING
Facing the fees Making a decision to send your child to private school is one thing, affording it is another. Here, Gillian Upton advises on the schemes available from schools and third-party providers to help ease the financial pain
Funding your child’s education is a serious matter, particularly if it involves pre-prep, prep and boarding school. It’s estimated that the fees for a child attending private school from the age of five to 18 will set you back £270,000 for a day school or a staggering £435,000 for a boarding school. And that’s without looking at further education; add another £45,000, conservatively, for a three-year university degree course. With school fees rising year on year – the London average is £15,000 – it’s estimated by Lloyds Bank that some 57% of parents privately educating their children will struggle to meet future fees. The fact that there are private debt-
collection firms operating in private education speaks volumes. Where to start? Asking grandparents to help can soften the blow as it has the benefit of reducing inheritance tax liability. There are also third-party school fee finance companies, such as School Fee Plan (SFP), which help parents spread the cost. Outside that avenue, the only other option is to turn to your school of choice and ask for help. Some offer a discount in return for paying school fees annually in advance, for example. There are often discounts for siblings, too. Schools do take affordability seriously as they’re after the brightest children,
“Fees rose by 3.5% this year, the lowest annual fee rise since 1994. The overall average termly fee is £5,099, according to the Independent Schools Council”
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Did you know... …that Independent Schools Council member schools provide some £780 million worth of fee deduction to around 166,000 pupils. About 5,000 of these pupils receive a 100% fee reduction
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not just the richest. It’s encouraging that over 33% of pupils receive some sort of financial assistance, according to the Independent Schools Council (ISC). For those otherwise priced out of private education, schools offer help in one of two main ways: scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are competitive awards, usually for music, drama, sport or academic ability, and the winners receive a discount on school fees. Historically, scholarships offered discounts of up to 75%. Today, however, it’s more likely to be 10-15%, “or indeed nothing, just the kudos of getting a place at the school,” explains Mike Lower, General Secretary of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA). The second option is to apply for a bursary, with eligibility based on means testing. Be prepared to submit company accounts, pay slips and home valuation(s), as schools require evidence of income, assets and net disposable income. Bursaries are expressed as a percentage discount off fees and can be as much as 100%, so are worth the pain of revealing all. But, warns ISBA’s Lower, “Each school makes it own judgement call on this.” It’s also worth noting that if your financial circumstances change (the main breadwinner is made redundant, for example), bursaries can be sought part way through school. Also, there are school
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fees insurance plans which will kick in on redundancy. These insure a percentage of the cost of school fees but there are strings attached, so check the smallprint. Bursaries can be funded by alumni, sponsorship deals or from a proportion of income from fees. Emanuel School, for example, has a scholarship and bursary fund of £900,000pa and offers scholarships with discounts of between 10-75% which can be topped up to 100% with a bursary. “A larger, wealthier school can put more money into bursaries but a small prep school may only discount by 10%, although that may make the difference for a family,” says Lower. There are also over a dozen charitable trusts that exist to help, available through the Education Trusts Forum, an umbrella organisation representing certain professions, such as acting, the military and the clergy. More recently, The Springboard Foundation has been launched to support disadvantaged children and eligibility is based on means testing. The key is to plan early, try all avenues and be tenacious!
Did you know... …that private school costs have risen by around 40% since 2007, according to the Independent Schools Council. That’s not helped by the fact that discounts from scholarships have shrunk from 75% to more like 10-15% today, or indeed nothing, just the kudos of getting a place at the school
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SCHOOL PROFILE
Tartan army A Putney-based prep school is doing all it can to ready girls not only for the 11+ but also for life after school, explains Gillian Upton Falcons girls succeed in getting into an impressive array of schools, including Cheltenham Ladies’ College, St Paul’s Girls, Godolphin & Latimer and Putney High. Gillewie, a native South African, stresses that Falcons is not a statussymbol school, and winning parents over is her biggest challenge.
“It’s not just an academic journey they’re on,” she says. “We also teach them to think laterally”
Four imposing Edwardian houses on a meandering, tree-lined road in Putney are home to The Falcons School for Girls. The pre-prep and prep school is slowly building its intake of 85 in a one-form entry to 350, eventually filling all four sites. Staff criss-cross between the four houses – numbers 7, 11, 22 and 24 – on Woodborough Road, a quiet residential street. Formerly Putney Park School, The Falcons moved here from Ealing 12 months ago, and the staff and pupils are still settling in after a year-long refurbishment. The navy-green tartanclad girls fill bright classrooms bursting with primary colours and contemporary furniture. They each have a laptop or
iPad, but they have plenty of scope to let their hair down in the expansive outdoor play area and gardens. Preparing for Common Entrance is the school’s ultimate goal, but head Joan McGillewie embraces a much broader perspective for her pupils. “It’s not just an academic journey they’re on,” she says. “We also teach them to think laterally; to see multiple answers not just one. We want them to have the ability to argue. It’s why we start them on philosophy in Year 3 – it also helps put the 11+ in perspective.” Gillewie bases the success of each leaver on their ability to learn, and not which school they go on to. Nonetheless,
“We have a skewed value system if we judge a child’s success by what school they get into,” she says. Her pitch to parents highlights the optimum learning environment – a mixture of professional staff and a peaceful atmosphere. “We don’t force homework on our pupils. They need to be inspired to take learning to the next level themselves – it has to be self-desire. My job is to ensure that they’re stimulated by their environment, and to encourage them not to give up. “A school should set a platform for drive and motivation, then the rest should happen at home. We still expect academic excellence, but not at the cost of life-long learning.” Gillewie believes that if girls are to succeed in a career, they have to leave school with much more than academic achievements. “Yes, they have to have the basics, but they need to be outgoing and to have a good personality too,” she says. “The people who can think for themselves are the ones who will get the job.”
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OPEN DAYS
First impressions
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OPEN DAY PULL-OUT
A school Open Day is an invaluable part of the process of choosing a school. Who shows you round, where they take you – and don’t take you – and how they respond to questions speaks volumes. Read on for the most important dates for your diary
STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS Below are state primary schools which have set dates for their autumn term Open Days. The bulk have yet to decide so check websites in September as dates will be set during that month.
1 Albermarle
42 St Anselms Catholic Primary School November. The final date will be decided in September
46 St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Every Friday at 11am
PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS
71 Eveline Day School
No open day but tours are offered to prospective parents at each location by appointment. Phone the school that you’re interested in making an appointment for, tel 020 8673 3188
73 Finton House
October 8th 6-8pm, plus invitationonly open mornings for parents who are registered during the autumn and spring terms. Contact the Registrar, Lucy Wheeler, to make an appointment, tel 020 8682 0921
September 30th, November 11th & December 9th 9.30am; November 25th 4.30pm
66 Bertrum House School
5 Beatrix Potter
Tours every Thursday; tel 020 8767 4051 or email office@bertrumhouseschool.org.uk
Choosing a Prep School
67 Broomwood Hall School
Aside from the fundamentals (co-ed/single sex, day/boarding, 11+/13+ and location) consider:
Each Tuesday at 2pm
31 Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School September 8th, October 6th & November 10th 9.30am
34 Ravenstone September 16th, 23rd & 30th 10am. By appointment, tel 020 8673 0594
36 Roehampton (CE) Primary School November. The final date will be decided in September
39 Sacred Heart (Battersea) Catholic Primary School October. The final date will be decided in September
41 St Anne’s C of E Primary School Parent tours every Thursday at 10.30am. By appointment, tel 020 8874 1863
Open days twice a year during the week to see the school in action. Lower School October 13th 9-10.30am; Upper School October 13th 9-11am; Lower School (Garrad’s Lane) October 15th 9-10.30am
68 Dolphin School No open days but tours during the week are offered. They include a chat with the Principal and a tour of the school on a normal working morning, tel 020 7924 3472
69 Eaton House The Manor Schools This year the school has dispensed with its October open day but is inviting parents who have definite places to meet the Headteacher during term time and have a tour of the school while it’s in action. These appointments are set up after the parents have registered their son/daughter. This is different for entry into the boys’ prep school at 8+; see details on the school website http:// eatonhouseschools.com/admissions/
• If there is a natural warmth and caring atmosphere and whether staff and children are polite, engaging and happy. School will be a huge part of your family life for a number of years, so you need to feel comfortable • Does the head share your vision for your child’s education? You must feel confident that this is someone who you can approach if you have a problem • Results cannot be underestimated. Think about what your end game is and work backwards. Ask yourself if the school has regularly achieved the outcomes at 11+ or 13+ that you aspire to for your child, even though it is still early days! Source: Hornsby House
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Preparing Your Child For School • First days at school are exciting, bewildering, terrifying, and remember that your feelings will transfer to your child, so try to put all your worries to the back of your mind • Send them off with a hug and a smile as the school will do the rest; they’re good at this as they do it all the time • Do not organise too much for them after school, as it is vital that
children have downtime so their brains can assimilate what they have learned • Organise play dates with other children • A child who can get dressed, eat lunch and go to the loo independently will have more time for the fun stuff. Source: Finton House
74 Hall School
83 Northcote Lodge
Reception Open Mornings on Wednesdays during the three terms at 9.30-11am including a tour of the school and Q&A session with Head or Deputy Head. 7+ Open Mornings held twice a year during Christmas and Easter terms, also on Wednesdays at 9.30-11am, and including talk by the Head, introduction to the school, tour and Q&A. To make an appointment for the 7+ Open Mornings, tel 020 8394 6144. Individual and small groups are offered during the school year
Open days are held twice a year and the next one is October 17th 10am-12pm. No need to register
75 Hornsby House Three open mornings, one each term; the next one is October 15th 9am. Tours of the school can be arranged through the registrar, Mrs Alex Salandin, on 020 8673 7573
76 Hurlingham Prospective parents are shown round in small groups throughout the school year. Contact the school office to arrange. Open Mornings are held in the summer term or early in the autumn term for parents of children who are registered
77 Ibstock Place School tours when parents can meet the teaching staff are held as follows: Prep School at 9.30am on September 23rd, November 11th, February 3rd 2016, April 27th and June 15th
78 L’Ecole de Battersea Friday mornings from October to May 2016
82 Newton Prep October 10th 9.30am-12.30pm. There are regular tours of the school held on Fridays at 9-10.30am by appointment. Contact the Headmistress’s PA, Emma Faulkner, on 020 7720 4091 ext 203
87 Prospect House There are regular tours throughout the year. Call 020 8246 4897 or email registrar@prospecths.org.uk
88 Putney High School Open week is October 10th-16th, giving the chance to look around the school, chat to staff and girls and hear a presentation from the Headmistress
89 (& 119) Rainbow School There are termly open days; check the website for dates. Tours for prospective parents can be made by appointment; tel 020 8879 7700 for primary; 020 3031 9700 for secondary
90 Streatham & Clapham High School Junior School open day October 3rd 10am-12pm or contact the Head’s PA on 020 8677 8400 to arrange a visit
84 Oliver House
91 The Dominie
October 10th 10am-1pm. Visit any time by arrangement; contact enquiries@ oliverhouse.org.uk
Contact the school to arrange a meeting with the Principal. Prospective pupils are invited to spend up to three days at the school
85 Parkgate House School October 10th 9.30am-12pm. To arrange a tour during the school day call admissions on 020 7350 2461
86 Parsons Green Prep October 3rd. There are also a number of tours each week for small groups which can be booked up to 18 months before entry. Contact admissions on 020 7371 9009
Hornsby House
Girls joining a Boys’ School in Sixth Form What should girls look for in a co-educational Sixth Form to ensure the reality lives up to their expectations? • Find out if there is a decent induction programme with both mixed and girl-only activities; this means you can establish friendships with girls and boys before your first day • Look out for girl-only tutor groups; they offer valuable time and space to relax with other girls and deepen friendships • Is there evidence of girls in leadership positions? It’s
an indication of what real opportunities will be open to you • Do other girls seem happy to be at school and at ease with their male counterparts? A positive and friendly atmosphere is one in which you are more likely to do well • Don’t be put off by a sea of boys… you will eventually find their jokes funny! Source: Trinity School
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92 The Falcons School for Girls Taster morning for Year 1 and 2 for 7+ entry is on October 9th 9am-12pm. Open Days are on September 25th 10-11.30am and November 7th 10.30am-12.30pm. To register a place for either, contact the Registrar, Chrys Heath, on 020 8992 5189, or email admin@falconsgirls.co.uk
93 The Roche School
Visit by appointment or on Open Mornings on September 19th 10.30am-12.30pm, October 8th 9.30-11am, November 13th 9.30-11am. Talks by the Principal and Headteacher, a tour round the school
The pros and cons of weekly & flexi boarding • Weekly boarding enables your child to participate fully in extracurricular activities throughout the week. It encourages them to feel part of the school community and provides valuable time for relationship building, with peers and staff. Come the weekend, your child can return to the nest, allowing family life to be maintained • Flexi boarding offers similar advantages, although it is predominantly focused on a day school approach. Pupils will be listed as day students, but are
Woodentops Nursery, Clapham, November 7th, 9.30-11.30am; Woodentops Nursery, Balham, November 28th 9.30-11.30am
96 Thomas’s Battersea
There are 5 or 6 tours each term, generally held on Wednesday mornings. The tour lasts includes a talk from the Head and Head of the Lower School . Contact Davina Blair on 020 7978 0616 or email dblair@thomas-s.co.uk
97 Thomas’s Clapham
September 22nd 11am-1pm; September 25th, October 13th & October 14th 8.4510.30am; October 7th 4-5.30pm
101 Bolingbroke Academy October 8th 5.15-7.15pm, October 10th 9.30am-12pm
102 Burntwood School September 30th 6-8pm, October 6th & 8th 8.45-11am
103 Chestnut Grove Academy September 15th, September 24th, October 13th and October 22nd 9-10.45am; October 1st 5-8pm
98 Wandsworth Prep
October 14th & 15th 9.30am-12.30pm; October 15th 5.30-8.30pm
99 Ark Putney Academy
September 19th 9.30am-12pm, September 21st 9.15-10.45am & 5.308pm, September 22nd 9.15-10.45am, September 23rd 9.15-10.45am, September 24th 9.15am-10.45am
Source: Bonas MacFarlane
109 Southfields Academy
104 Ernest Bevin College
STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS
• Weekly and flexi boarding can be unsettling for pupils. Children thrive on stability and continuity. By switching between environments, children do perhaps become more adaptable. However, this interchanging can be a distraction from academic and extracurricular priorities
September 14th & 15th 6-8pm, September 17th & 18th 9-11am by appointment
Tours are held in term time, giving a chance to meet the PTA and hear talks from the Head and Head of Lower School. Contact Lucy Pearson on 020 7326 9300 or email lpearson@thomas-s.co.uk
There is a tour every Tuesday as well as one-to-one tours by appointment. Contact Fiona Heath, School Registrar, tel 020 8870 4133
able to spend one or two nights sleeping at the school. This can be a gentle and effective introduction to boarding
100 Ashcroft Technology Academy The White House
95 The White House
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September 24th 5.30-8pm; September 28th, September 30th & October 9th 9-10.30am
105 Graveney School
106 Harris Academy Battersea October 6th, 7th & 8th, 9-11.30am; October 7th 5.30-7.30pm
107 Saint Cecilia’s C of E School September 14th 9am-12pm, September 17th 6.30-8.30pm
108 St John Bosco College September 17th & 19th 9-11am; September 17th 5-7pm. To be held in the school’s new Battersea premises
111 Lambeth Academy September 29th & October 1st 9.15-10.30am; September 30th 4.30-7.30pm; sixth form open evening October 6th 5-7pm
PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 115 Emanuel There are school tours on Wednesdays. Book with reception on 020 8870 4171 or email enquiries@emanuel.org.uk . Open Days including school tour and a talk by the Head on September 12th 9.30am12.30pm, 26th April 2016 2.30-4.30pm. No booking needed
116 Hall School Wimbledon Tours on a number of Tuesdays during the year, 9.15-10.30am, which include a welcome talk, presentation, tour and an opportunity to speak to the Deputy Head. Individual and small group tours are offered during the school year. Tel 020 8394 6144 to arrange a visit
117 Ibstock Place School Senior School September 16th 5-7pm, September 19th 9am-12pm, November 4th 9.30-11.30am (this date is only for those who’ve registered), May 11th 2016 5-7pm. Sixth form September 24th 6-8pm
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118 Putney High School Open Week, October 10th-16th or Saturday Open House event. Booking form on website, www.putneyhigh.gdst.net
120 Streatham & Clapham High School Senior School Open Day September 26th 10am-1pm, October 14th 9.15-11.30am and November 6th 9.15-11.30am. Visits during the school week can also be arranged. Sixth form open day October 8th 6.30-8.30pm; contact Phyllis Warner to arrange a visit on 020 8677 8400
121 The Laurels Open Days on September 15th 10am12pm, September 26th 10am-12pm and 6-8pm, and September 29th 10am-12pm. Book a visit by contacting the school
123 Thames Christian College Open days September 22nd 11am-1pm, October 3rd 10am-1pm, October 7th 11am1pm. Also by appointment on 020 7228 3933
124 Centre Academy Visits by appointment, tel 020 7738 2344
Whitfgift
OTHER PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAPPY VALLEY
Open Morning September 19th 9am-1pm. No booking necessary. Open Evening September 29th 4pm-8pm. No booking necessary. Open Afternoons September 30th, November 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 24th & 25th (including Sixth Form). Tel 020 8633 9935 to make an appointment
Alleyn’s September 16th 2-4pm, October 3rd 9.30am-12.30pm, November 4th 2-4pm; for sixth form October 3rd 9.30am12.30pm, November 3rd 2.30-4.30pm
NB. For full details of schools, including phone numbers and website addresses, see the school listings starting on page 34.
Dulwich College October 10th 9.30am -12pm
JAGS September 23rd, November 12th for 11+ only, talks by the head at 10.30am. October 10th, 10am-1pm for 11+ and 16+. Talks by the Head at 10.30am and 11.30am
Trinity For entry at 10+, 11+ and 13+ October 3rd. A Level choices and sixth form Open Evening on October 12th by appointment only, tel Sandra Reducan on 020 8656 9541 or email sixthformadmissions@ trinity.croydon.sch.uk
JAGS
The questions to ask at Open Days GENERAL 1 How many pupils in your school?
11 What are pupils tested on in the Entrance Exams?
2 How big are the class sizes?
12 Are all pupils who apply interviewed?
3 How would you regard your school’s pastoral care?
13 What scholarships are awarded?
4 Do you have a copy of your last inspection report? 5 What is your co-curricular provision? 6 How many sports do you do? 7 Can pupils learn a musical instrument in school? What is your music and drama provision like, both in and out of the classroom? 8 Where do most of your pupils come from, i.e. areas and schools? 9 What proportion of your pupils come from the maintained primary school sector? 10 What is the main of point of entry, i.e. 10+, 11+, 13+?
14 What is the bursary criteria? 15 What are the advantages of a single sex education v co-ed? 16 What is the staff/pupil ratio? 17 How long has your Head been at the school?
SECONDARY
to A Levels? What is the difference between the two, i.e. benefits etc? 5 What languages can pupils study and from what year groups? Do pupils have to do French or any language at GCSE? 6 Do you do separate Sciences at GCSE, and from what year are separate sciences studied? 7 How many GCSEs do pupils take? 8 What are your Oxbridge numbers each year?
1 What subjects are offered at GCSE, A Level and IB?
9 Which universities do your leavers go to?
2 What are the exam results for each?
10 How many pupils leave after GCSE and how big is your Sixth Form and their class sizes?
3 Do you do IGSEs in some/all subjects and what is the difference between GCSE and IGCSE? 4 How many pupils do IB compared
Source: Whitgift School
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SCHOOL PROFILE
Celebrating the child With longevity on its side, The White House Prep School does what it does best, preparing children for big school
Dan Cummings
Grafton and Telford Park tennis clubs were the unlikely beginnings of what is now the well-established White House Prep School in Clapham, rated outstanding in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Thirty years on, The White House Prep School no longer waves the little ones goodbye aged five. Today, it operates a day nursery, kindergarten and prep school, mostly from a large white house on Thornton Avenue. But the one constant is principal Mary McCahery, founder of the kindergarten all those years ago. Today, she teaches history to Years 3-6. While two of her daughters run the Woodentops nurseries, Dan Cummings was brought in two years ago as head of The White House. He also teaches ICT to Years 2-6: “It keeps my finger on the pulse,” he says. Children leave here for the top independent schools, often with scholarships. The main destinations are Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, JAGS, Putney High School, Streatham & Clapham High, Royal Russell, The Hall, Trinity and Whitgift. They also go into
top sets in Dunraven, Graveney and Wilson’s grammar. Cummings knows exactly why the school is so popular with parents. “Our pastoral care is wonderful – we value each and every one of our children. A happy, safe and secure child is ready to learn,” he believes. “We’re unique in our size,” adds McCahery. “With 16 to a class and one form entry, we have a nurturing environment and are very inclusive. It means that everyone’s in the choir! Warming to the topic, McCahery says, “We have time for every pupil, and greet them with a handshake in the morning and another when we say goodbye at the end of the day. The secondary schools they go to say we bring up nice children that are not arrogant.” When it comes to private education, Cummings recommends starting the journey early, “so we can plan the trajectory of the child. We have an early conversation,
in Year 4, so we know what we’re delivering in Years 5 and 6,” he explains. Even before that, much preparation is done to ready pupils for prep school. McCahery holds an afternoon tea and Christmas drinks for feeder nurseries “to find out what the children are like”, Class lists are given out to encourage play dates and children meet the Head of Foundation Year as a group. “The best practice is sharing information,” she says. “It’s no good it sitting in silos.”
“Our pastoral care is wonderful – we value each and every one of our children. A happy, safe and secure child is ready to learn”
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SUPPLY V DEMAND
Head lines The most challenging time for schools – and parents – is admissions as demand outstrips supply. Here, four heads discuss the size of the problem and how best to manage it This summer, the big news headline was that, by 2020, London will be short of up to 35,000 secondary school places – this is according to findings from the education departments in the city’s borough councils. But that pressure is reflected across all age groups. “Demand has shot up,” says Carole Jenkinson, head of Broomwood Hall, a pre-prep and prep school in Wandsworth. “At reception, we receive three applications for each place, so this is the most difficult age for school admissions. However, it’s a much more seamless process the older your child is, as pupils leave to go to day schools.”
1
“At reception, we receive three applications for each place, so this is the most difficult age for school admissions” Hornsby House in Balham receives 350 applications for just 60 places, and head Edward Rees adds, “I’m afraid that the supply versus demand problem in the independent sector in the capital city is considerable, and in Wandsworth, together with pockets of north and west London, it’s about as bad as it gets.” Linda Sanders, of The Laurels, another south-west London school, agrees with her fellow heads, and calls it “a collective madness. It’s such a source of stress.”
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THE HEADS 1 Carole Jenkinson, Broomwood Hall 3 Alison Fleming, Newton Prep
3
2 Linda Sanders, The Laurels 4 Edward Rees, Hornsby House
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Sanders is still in a honeymoon period, as the school only opened two years ago and currently has just 15 girls on the register. However, she acknowledges that, “next year will be a problem, as we’re already way over one-form entry numbers”. Broomwood typifies the criteria used for admissions. “We make up a jigsaw puzzle of siblings first, followed by proximity to school and then a range of girls to boys and spread of age groups,” explains Jenkinson. “We like late developers with an August birthday – potentially they’re bright little things. “The system sort of works out. Yes, there are a few disappointments, but our registrar handles it well,” continues Jenkinson. All heads agree that transparency is key to the process, and Hornsby’s Rees emphasises that, if a child is unsuccessful at reception, their name can be entered on the waiting list for admittance at a later date. “At these ‘unnatural’ entry points, schools like Hornsby House can often afford to be selective, but the competition may not be as fierce as you would imagine,” he says. Alison Fleming, head of Newton Prep in SW8, offers a plan of action for parents preparing for secondary schools. “Look at the range of destination schools at 11+, and at 13+, if applicable, and not just at the number of places won at the ‘top’ schools,” she says. “When choosing a prep school, ask about the process of senior school transfer, as this is the raison d’etre of preparatory schools. “Ultimately, be prepared to have five or six viable senior school options that you will be happy to pursue,” adds Fleming. She also suggests going beyond your direct locale and to add boarding
How to treat the registrar Five Top Tips 1. Work with us – respond to our responses. We need those calls and replies quickly 2. Share our passion. Be as enthusiastic as we are about the school. If you believe in the ethos and community, let us know today. It will be noted 3. Do touch base if you are really keen, but also understand that there is an admissions process to follow 4. When you write, do it neatly, then we can respond 5. Remember, we are here to help you, and we share your dream in finding the right school to fulfil your child’s potential. Source: Dolphin School
schools to your list in order to instantly widen your options. Parents in Nappy Valley are already canvassing a much wider “basket” of schools. Whitgift in Croydon and Sydenham High in SE26 would not have been core schools for Wandsworth parents a few years ago, but they’re now giving the more traditional choices a run for their money. Some 25% of Whitgift’s Years 6/7 intake are from the Wandsworth/Balham area.
Broomwood’s Jenkinson is hoping to take away some of the pressure by seeing less potential applicants so as not to raise expectations. Of course, expanding a school is the long-term solution, but in a city like London, that option is more challenging. Besides, it’s not a route some schools want to take. Jenkinson says, “We’re on multiple sites and keep each of them at a human level as that keeps our pastoral care at the right level.” At the time of going to press, Broomwood was waiting for the green light on its plans to increase the size of the school with the purchase of a residential building that backs on to its current site, thus enabling the prep school to take children up to the age of 16. The Laurels is attempting to take the pressure off parents by staging first assessments in November, two months before most other schools, and then offering places in December, in the hope that if parents are really interested they will accept. “It means that once children have accepted a place at The Laurels, they won’t have to cram for other Common Entrance exams,” explains Sanders. “It’s brilliant for parents who know categorically which school they want their child to go to – and it’s great for us because we get committed parents.” Newton Prep’s Fleming has the last word. “At the end of the day, don’t be wrong-footed by the hubris of senior school heads or by the bewildering whirl of chatter about school places,” she says. “Yes, places are in high demand and, yes, the competition is intense. But try to remember that the vast majority of children leave their prep schools to go on to fabulous senior schools… so hold your nerve!”
Top 12 Most Popular Boarding Schools* BOYS Boarding Schools 1 2 3 4 5 6
Winchester College St Paul’s School, London Eton College Westminster School Tonbridge School Abingdon School
GIRLS Boarding Schools 7 Charterhouse School 8 Radley College 9 Dulwich College 10 Warwick School 11 Whigift School 12 Shrewsbury School
1 2 3 4 5 6
Wycombe Abbey School St Mary’s School, Ascot St Swithun’s School, Winchester Cheltenham Ladies’ College Downe House School, Berks Queen Margaret’s School, York
* based on % of A* and A grades scored at A levels in 2014 and compiled by Best-Schools.co.uk
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7 St Mary’s School, Calne 8 Badminton School, Bristol 9 St Catherine’s School, Guildford 10 Headington School, Oxford 11 Benenden School 12 Mayfield School
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TUTORING
How to choose a tutor The pressure to get children into the right schools often leads parents to tutoring to give them a better chance of Entrance Exam success. Javier Espinoza, Education Editor of The Daily Telegraph, examines the pros and cons The British education system can be a mind-blowing experience for international parents trying to figure out how it works for the first time, and many argue that a tutor provides them with the extra help they need. Moreover, another reason is that, “higher grades will lead to a better university and ultimately better employment opportunities,” says Cyrus Afkhami of MyTutorClub. But hiring a tutor is also a minefield in terms of finding the right one, getting good value for money, whether it’s right for your child and incurring the wrath of the school, that might disapprove of tutoring. “Schools always say that they don’t want children to be tutored, but if they are serious about it they must find another way to assess a child’s real potential,” says Janie Richardson of Yellowbird Education. Schools argue that parents are making children act like “performing animals” by putting them through extensive private tutoring. Some school heads have gone as far as calling the practice “abhorrent”, reinforcing the message that parents should be choosing a school where their child will be valued for the sort of child
they are, not crippled by the idea that they have not lived up to their parents’ ambitions. On the other side of the coin, former teacher Tash Rosin of Teatime Tutors says, “It is really important that schools see tutors as a support and that by working together we can help children understand and develop their knowledge.” There are some simple steps to consider when choosing a tutor for the first time:
“Don’t let the tutoring drag on if your child is unhappy or not progressing. There are always alternatives” Step one Shop around and elicit recommendations, says Susan Hamlyn of the Good Schools Guide advice service, which helps foreign families pick top private schools for their children. “The vast majority of tutoring is
done by independent individuals - often retired or part-time teachers, wellknown in their localities. Their names are closely guarded by parents - until their children no longer need them and then they are freely passed around. They are experienced, reliable, often with long waiting lists and don’t, usually, overcharge.” As a new parent in this country, however, you will need to go to an agency or look online. “There are hundreds of online companies - often based abroad - and tuition via Skype or the equivalent is becoming ever more sophisticated and tailor-made,” says Hamlyn. “Parents [should] book only a couple of lessons to start with to see how it goes.” She also warns not to trust an agency that demands a large upfront fee. Parents also need to make sure that the tutor is who they say they are. “Trust your instincts, follow up references and sit in on at least the first lesson to see how it goes,” says Hamlyn. Wesley Sanders of Atena Tuition says that once you’ve found the tutor, check whether they have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, formerly known as CRB check, and get to see
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The London property experts. a copy. “Your child’s safety is always paramount,” he says. Parents need to consider prices, too. “Someone with a PhD tutoring for university entrance will cost more than someone tutoring for 7+,” says Charlotte Cavendish, Senior Mentoring Consultant with Bonas MacFarlane.
Step two Make sure you know what your child needs and what the tutor’s style is. “If you don’t know [your child’s needs] then how can the tutor be expected to?” says Ian Hunt, Managing Director of Gabbitas Education, which provides an independent consultancy service. “Each tutor has different styles. Ensure that you understand the type of approach that fits best with your child’s learning style.”
Step three Track your child’s progress. “Some tutors, and certainly tutoring agencies, measure progress effectively, and tailor their course carefully to their educational destination,” says Sanders. Hamlyn concurs. “Check that they are doing what they are meant to do: for example, fill gaps in learning or understanding, explain things hitherto inexplicable, boost confidence. If appropriate, encourage the tutor and school to confer and collaborate [as] this can speed up progress.” And one final piece of advice. “Don’t let the tutoring drag on if your child is unhappy or not progressing. There are always alternatives,” says Hamlyn.
How to handle holidays before school exams
At Douglas & Gordon we pride ourselves on finding the right buyer or tenant for your property and making sure you get the best price possible. douglasandgordon.com
Knowing how to balance study time and relaxation will become increasingly important as GCSEs become more examination focused. For some pupils, a short holiday pre-exam time can be a welcome break, particularly as technology allows pupils to access their work from anywhere. Extracurricular activities and other social endeavours can also be beneficial in building pupils overall confidence and wellbeing, which in turn helps them to achieve their best academically. Working in a focused way for set periods is definitely more effective than working without proper breaks. Good communication between the school and home will provide specific advice suited to each child, ensuring the best possible success. Source: Thames Christian College
Residential Sales Lettings & Developments Property Management I Corporate Services Professional Valuations I Asset Management
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State Primary Schools KEY FOR STATE SCHOOLS
4 Allfarthing Primary School
C
7 Brandlehow Primary School
C
A Academy school
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in November 2013
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2011
C Community school
St Ann’s Crescent, SW18 2LR
T: 020 8874 5429 E: info@brandlehow.wandsworth.sch.uk brandlehow.ik.org
F Foundation school
T: 020 8874 1301 E: info@allfarthing.wandsworth.sch.uk allfarthing.wandsworth.sch.uk
V Voluntary aided school
(C of E, Catholic, Muslim) Class size: maximum 30 Gender: mixed
1 Albemarle Primary School
Brandlehow Road, Putney SW15 2ED
F
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2009 Princes Way, SW19 6JP T: 020 8788 3170 E: info@albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs T Moses Pupils: 209 Ages: Nursery to Year 6 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus holiday clubs Leavers’ destinations: St Cecilia’s, Ashcroft Technology College, Southfields Academy
Head: Ms E Loughnan MA Pupils: 330 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Ms A Silke Pupils: 377 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Technology College, Wallington Grammar, Burntwood, London Oratory, Ernest Bevin, Graveney, Lady Margaret’s, Ricards Lodge, Fulham Boys, St Cecilia’s, Southfields Academy plus a range of private schools
5 Beatrix Potter Primary School
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2014 Magdalen Road, Earlsfield SW18 3ER
2 Alderbrook Primary Schoo
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in April 2014. Oldridge Road, Balham SW12 8PP T: 020 8673 4913 E: info@alderbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk alderbrookprimaryschool.co.uk Head: Ms S Henry Pupils: 233 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care and a range of school clubs
T: 020 8874 1482 E: info@beatrixpotter.wandsworth.sch.uk beatrixpotterschool.com Head: Ms S Neale Pupils: 339 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Ernest Bevin, St Cecilia’s and Emanuel
3 All Saints’ C of E Primary School, Putney V
6 Belleville Primary School
Nurtures individuality, provides challenge, develops self-esteem and promotes respect and care for each other
Belleville Road, SW11 6PR
Putney Common, SW15 1HL T: 020 8788 5196 E: admin@allsaints.wandsworth allsaints.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms C Wood Pupils: 260 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Christ’s School, St James School for boys, Emanuel, Ibstock Place, St Cecilia’s
A
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2007 T: 020 7228 6727 E: enquiries@bellevilleschool.org belleville-school.org.uk Head: Mr J Grove Pupils: 766 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Bolingbroke Academy, Graveney, Burntwood, Ashcroft Technology College
8 Broadwater Primary School
C
Pupil care, guidance and support praised by Ofsted in its last report Broadwater Road, Tooting SW17 0DZ T: 020 8672 3062 E: admin@broadwater.wandsworth.sch.uk broadwaterschool.org.uk Head: Mrs S Adams Pupils: 378 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs
9 Chesterton Primary School
C
Shares a vision of individuals who exceed expectation and enjoy education Dagnall Street, SW11 5DT T: 020 7622 1619 E: office@chesterton.wandsworth.sch.uk chesterton.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mr M Siswick Pupils: 394 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Harris Academy, Wallington Grammar
10 Christchurch C of E Primary School V Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2012 Batten Street, SW11 2TH T: 020 7228 2812 E: info@christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk christchurchbattersea.co.uk Head: Mrs C Morris Pupils: 179 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: St Cecilia’s, St John Bosco, Harris Academy Battersea, Ashcroft Technology College, Burntwood
NappyValleyNet.com
11 Eardley School
18 Gatton Primary School
F
Cunliffe Street, Streatham SW16 6DS T: 020 8769 6486 E: info@eardley.wandsworth.sch.uk eardley.wandsworth.sch.uk
10 Gatton Road, Wandsworth SW17 0EU T: 020 8682 5570 E: info@gatton.wandsworth.sch.uk gatton.wandsworth.sch.uk
Head: Mr A Marks Pupils: 450 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mrs Rifat Batool Pupils: 420 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs,
Leavers’ destinations: Chestnut Grove, Southfields Academy, Graveney, Dunraven, Ernest Bevin
Leavers’ destinations: Al-Risalah secondary school, Burntwood, Ernest Bevin
C
19 Granard Primary School
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2012
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2012
Tranmere Road, Earlsfield SW18 3QQ
Cortis Road, Putney SW15 6XA
T: 020 8946 5452 E: admin@earlsfield.wandsworth.sch.uk earlsfield.wandsworth.sch.uk
15 Floreat Wandsworth
Head: Mr S Trow Pupils: 440 Ages: Nursery to 11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
305 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield SW18 4EQ
13 Falconbrook Primary School
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2011 Wye Street, Battersea SW11 2LX T: 020 7228 7706 E: admin@falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs S Smith Pupils: 269 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2012
A
Opening September 2015 T: 020 3488 1175 E: info@floreat.org.uk floreat.org.uk/wandsworth
Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Ashcroft Technology Academy,Southfields Academy, Ark Putney Academy, Graveney
14 Fircroft Primary School
V F
First Muslim voluntary-aided primary school in UK to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in February 2014.
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2013
12 Earlsfield Primary School
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Head: Mr M Custance Pupils: 420 ultimately Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
16 Franciscan Primary School
C
T: 020 8788 3606 E: info@granard.wandsworth.sch.uk granardprimary.co.uk Head: Ms C Grigg Pupils: 351 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Academy, Ark Putney Academy, Richmond Park Academy, Ricards Lodge
20 Griffin Primary
A
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2012
Condell Road, SW8 4JB
221 Franciscan Road, Tooting SW17 8HQ
T: 020 7622 5087 E: info@griffinprimary.org.uk griffinprimary.org.uk
T: 020 8672 3048 E: admin@franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk franciscan.ismyschool.net Head: Mrs P Andre-Watson Pupils: 412 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Ms G Peyton Pupils: 314 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Harris Academy Battersea, Burntwood, Southfields Academy, Platanos College, Ashcroft Academy, Graveney, Chestnut Grove
Fircroft Road, Tooting SW17 7PP
17 Furzedown Primary School
T: 020 8672 6258 E: sbm@fircroft.wandsworth.sch.uk fircroftprimaryschool.sch.uk
Mission is to make every child feel valued and to experience thrill of learning
21 Heathmere Primary School
Beclands Road, Tooting SW17 9TJ
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2014
T: 020 8672 3480 E: admin@furzedown.wandsworth.sch.uk webfronter.com/wandsworth/ Furzedownprimary
Alton Road, Roehampton SW15 4LJ
Head: Mrs M Kitchlew-Wilson Pupils: 410 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mrs E Lewis Pupils: 285 Ages: 3-11
Head: Mrs A Wilson Pupils: 415 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Chestnut Grove, Dunraven, Ernest Bevin and various Harris Academies
C
C
T: 020 8788 9057 E: sbm@heathmere.wandsworth.sch.uk heathmereprimary.org
Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
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NappyValleyNet.com
22 High View Primary School
C
Motto: ‘Together as one’, providing the best all-round education Plough Terrace, Battersea SW11 2AA T: 020 7228 1710 E: admin@highview.wandsworth.sch.uk highview.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mr M Roughley (interim) Pupils: 290 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
23 Hillbrook School
F
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014 Hillbrook Road, Tooting SW17 8SG T: 020 8672 3957 E: admin@hillbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk hillbrookschool.org.uk Head: Mrs L Lamb Pupils: 414 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care at nearby venue, plus a range of school clubs
24 Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School V Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2013 Nightingale Square, Balham SW12 8QJ T: 020 8673 3080 E: olivia@holyghost.wandsworth.sch.uk holyghost.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Miss S Lawless Pupils: 206 Ages: 5-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
25 Honeywell Infant School
C
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2010 Honeywell Road, Wandsworth SW11 6EF T: 020 7228 6811 E: office@honeywell.wandsworth.sch.uk honeywellinfantjunior.fluencycms.co.uk Head: Mrs J Neal Pupils: 270 Ages: 3-7 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destination: Honeywell Junior School
26 Honeywell Junior School
29 Mosaic Jewish Primary School
F
A
Through-school that encourages children to enjoy learning and to be successful
Judged as outstanding by Ofsted 2015. Moving to new premises, as below
Honeywell Road, Wandsworth SW11 6EF
170 Roehampton Lane, Roehampton SW15 4EU
T: 020 7223 5185 E: office@honeywell.wandsworth.sch.uk honeywellinfantjunior.fluencycms.co.uk
T: 020 8944 8731 E: info@mjps.org.uk or admin@mjps.org.uk mjps.org.uk
Head: Mr D Roberts Pupils: 355 Ages: 7-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mrs K Baum Pupils: 22 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Leavers’ destinations: Bolingbroke Academy, Burntwood, Graveney plus private schools
Leavers’ destinations: The first batch of Year 6 children leave in 2020
30 Oasis Academy Putney 27 Hotham Primary School
C
Develops independence, confidence and celebrates achievements and diversity Charlwood Road, Putney SW15 1PN T: 020 8788 6468 E: info@hotham.wandsworth.sch.uk hothamprimaryschool.org.uk
Developing full academic, personal and social potential 1 Clarendon Drive, Putney SW15 1AW T: 020 8788 7957 E: info@ourladyofvictories.wandsworth.sch.uk ourladyofvictories.wandsworth.sch.uk
Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Techology Academy, Richmond Park Academy, Ark Putney Academy, St Cecilia’s and Whitgift * 30 bi-lingual French/English places and 30 English-only places offered.
C
Rated ‘good with outstanding features’ by Ofsted in 2013 Wycliffe Road, Wandsworth SW11 5QR T: 020 7228 3857 E: office@johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms J Davies Pupils: 180 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of a school clubs
Putney Common, Lower Richmond Road SW15
31 Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School V
Head: Miss P Young Pupils: 377 * Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
28 John Burns Primary School
Opening September 2016 with 60 reception pupils
Head: Ms D McDonald Pupils: 195 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: London Oratory, Sacred Heart, Cardinal Vaughan, Ursuline High School, Lady Margaret’s, Tiffin
32 Our Lady Queen of Heaven RC SchooL V Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2012 Victoria Drive, Wimbledon SW19 6AD T: 020 8788 7420 E: info@ourladyqueenofheaven. wandsworth.sch.uk ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms A Pitcher Pupils: 212
For open day reminders, school application deadlines and entrance exam dates all sent straight to your inbox, simply email schools@nappyvalleynet.com and we’ll sign you up right away! Your data will not be shared, sold or made available to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this list at any time.
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35 Riversdale Primary School
core academic subjects
C
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in January 2010
Este Road, SW11 2TD
302a Merton Road, Southfields SW18 5JP
T: 020 7223 5611 E: admin@sacredheart-battersea. wandsworth.sch.uk sacredheartschoolbattersea.co.uk
T: 020 8874 6904 E: info@riversdale.wandsworth.sch.uk riversdaleprimaryschool.co.uk
Head: Mr J Brading Pupils: 409 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Ms A Roberts (Acting) Pupils: 257 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
40 Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Roehampton V
36 Roehampton C of E Primary School V
Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, Wimbledon College
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in March 2013
Recently commended by Ofsted for ‘exceptional progress across Key Stage 2’
245 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4AA
Roehampton Lane, Roehampton SW15 5NX
T: 020 8788 8650 E: info@roehampton.wandsworth.sch.uk roehamptonchurchschool.com
T: 020 8876 7074 E: info@sacredheart-roe.wandsworth.sch.uk sacredheart-roe.wandsworth.sch.uk
Head: Mr R Woodfin Pupils: 200 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mr A Gibbons Pupils: 362 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
37 Ronald Ross Primary School
33 Penwortham Primary School
C
C
Commended by Ofsted for ‘very effective help with learning in Early Years Foundation Stage’
Rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted in July 2013
Castlecombe Drive, SW19 6RW
Penwortham Road, SW16 6RJ
T: 020 8788 5233 E: info@ronaldross.wandsworth.sch.uk ronaldross.org.uk
T: 020 8769 3949 E: admin@penwortham.wandsworth.sch.uk penwortham.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mr K Hogston (executive) Pupils: 491 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mrs D Hart Pupils: 204 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: No pre- & post-school care, but a range of school clubs
38 Rutherford House School 34 Ravenstone Primary School
C
Rated ‘requiring improvement’ by Ofsted in 2013; under new executive leadership to reach that goal Ravenstone Street, Balham SW12 9SS T: 020 8673 0594 E: info@ravenstone.wandsworth.sch.uk ravenstoneschool.co.uk Head: Ms A M Grant (executive) Pupils: 394 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Chestnut Grove, Graveney, Burntwood, Ricards Lodge plus private schools such as Streatham & Clapham High, Whitgift
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Focus on literacy and numeracy Balham High Street, Balham SW17 7BS T: 020 8672 5901 E: info@rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk Head: Ms G Thomson Pupils: 180 at present, with full capacity by 2020 Ages: 4-7 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Leavers’ destinations: St John Bosco College, Richmond Park Academy, Wimbledon College, Ashcroft Technology Academy, St Cecilia’s, Ursuline High School, Holy Cross School, Gumley House RC Convent School, Christ’s C of E School Richmond
41 St Anne’s C of E Primary School
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Main focus on excellent academic progress and achievement 208 St Ann’s Hill, SW18 2RU T: 020 8874 1863 E: admin@st-annes.wandsworth.sch.uk st-annes-wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs L Steward Pupils: 148 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
42 St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School V Teaching and learning firmly centred on Christian values within a culture of love and respect for others 19 Tooting Bec Road, Tooting SW17 8BS
Leavers’ destinations: The first batch of Year 6 children will leave in 2019
T: 020 8672 9227 E: admin@stanselms.wandsworth.sch.uk stanselms.wandsworth.sch.uk
39 Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Battersea V
Head: Mrs C Macauley Pupils: 201 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre-school care only, plus a range of school clubs
Giving firmest-possible grounding in the
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Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, Coloma Convent Girls School, London Oratory, Wimbledon College
43 St Boniface RC Primary School
Did you know... V
Strong Catholic ethos that values good manners, respect for others and hard work Undine Street, Tooting SW17 8PP T: 020 8672 5874 E: admin@stboniface.wandsworth.sch.uk stboniface.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs S Kerins Pupils: 314 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Post school care plus a range of school clubs
Source: DFE January 2015 school census.
Head: Mrs A M Grant Pupils: 410 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Technology College, St Cecilia’s, Lady Margaret’s plus private schools such as Wimbledon High, Whitgift
50 Sellincourt Primary School
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Vision is to ‘Aim high and achieve your full potential’
Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, St Philomena’s High School for Girls, Wimbledon College, Graveney plus a selection of the Sutton grammar schools
44 St Faith’s C of E Primary School
…that 32,574 pupils are registered at state maintained schools or nurseries in Wandsworth, of which 14,557 (44.7%) have English as an additional language?
stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk
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Belief in success coming from a safe, nurturing and purposeful learning environment
webfronter.com/wandsworth/stjoseph
Sellincourt Road, Wandsworth, SW17 9SA
Head: Mrs Y Wozniak Pupils: 228 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care only plus a range of school clubs
T: 020 8672 6796 E: info@sellincourt.wandsworth.sch.uk webfronter.com/wandsworth/sellincourt
47 St Mary’s RC Primary School (Battersea) V Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in October 2012
Head: Miss R Marlin Pupils: 406 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Chestnut Grove
Alma Road, SW18 1AE
Lockington Road, SW8 4BE
T: 020 8874 2653 E: admin@stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk
T: 020 7622 5460 E: admin@st-marys-pri.wandsworth.sch.uk stmarysschoolbattersea.co.uk
51 Shaftesbury Park Primary School C
Head: Mr S Cook Pupils: 163 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Head: Mr J Brading (executive) Pupils: 168 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
‘Local school with global perspective’ Ashbury Road, Battersea SW11 5UW
45 St George’s C of E Primary School V
48 St Mary’s C of E Primary School (Putney) V
Attainments well above national expectations in a calm, learning-focused environment
Belief that all children are capable of achievement within inclusive and nurturing Christian environment.
Corunna Road, Battersea SW8 4JS
Felsham Road, Putney SW15 1BA
T: 020 7622 1870 E: admin@st-georges.wandsworth.sch.uk www.st-georges.wandsworth.sch.uk
T: 020 8788 9591 E: admin@st-marys-putney.wandsworth.sch.uk stmarysschoolputney.co.uk
Head: Mrs J Hilary Pupils: 195 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs
Head: Ms C Payne Pupils: 208 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Leavers’ destinations: St Cecilia’s, St John Bosco College, Lady Margaret’s C of E Academy
T: 020 7228 3652 E: info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs O Richards Pupils: 225 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: (for English-only stream) Lambeth Academy, Graveney, Southfields Academy, Burntwood, Harris Academy, Chestnut Grove. First batch of Year 6 bi-lingual children will leave in 2019. * Number of places split into 30 bi-lingual French/English and 30 English only
52 Sheringdale Primary School
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Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2012 Standen Road, Southfields SW18 5TR
49 St Michael’s C of E Primary School V
T: 020 8874 7340 E: info@sheringdale.wandsworth.sch.uk sheringdale.org
Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in March 2010
Christian values that include humility, endurance, thankfulness, reverence and wisdom
90 Oakhill Road, Putney SW15 2QD
Granville Road, Southfields SW18 5SQ
T: 020 8874 1888 E: info@stjosephsrc.wandsworth.sch.uk
T: 020 8874 7786 E: info@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk
Head: Mr K Hogston Pupils: 236 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
46 St Joseph’s RC Primary School
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Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft
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Technology Academy, St Cecilia’s, Burntwood, Ricards Lodge, Graveney plus a few private schools such as Emanuel & Putney High
53 Smallwood Primary School
Lodge, Southfields Academy, St Cecilia’s, Wimbledon College
56 The Alton School
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Celebrating all achievement, developing confidence, self-belief and sense of worth. Smallwood Road, SW17 OTW T: 020 8672 6024 E: admin@smallwood.wandsworth.sch.uk smallwood.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mr M Roughley Pupils: 302 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs
54 Southmead Primary School
Danebury Avenue, Roehampton SW15 4PD T: 020 8876 8482 E: admin@thealton.wandsworth.sch.uk thealtonprimaryschool.co.uk Head: Ms R Hudson Pupils: 208 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care and a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations:: Ark Putney Academy, Ashcroft Academy, Richmond Park Academy
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Rated ‘making good progress, with children growing in confidence and happiness’ by Ofsted Princes Way, Wimbledon SW19 6QT T: 020 8788 8901 E: office@southmead.wandsworth.sch.uk southmeadschool.co.uk Head: Miss A Watts Pupils: 372 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs
55 Swaffield Primary School
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Works hard to develop children’s selfesteem
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Creative and inclusive environment for children to develop both academically and socially St Ann’s Hill, SW18 2SA T: 020 8874 2825 E: swaffield@swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs C Lilley Pupils: 450 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ark Putney Academy, Ashcroft Technology Academy, Blenheim High School, Bolingbroke Academy, Burntwood, Chestnut Grove, Ernest Bevin, Fulham Cross Girls School, Harris Academy Battersea, Ricards
Did you know... …that 91% of pupils attending a Wandsworth state maintained primary school live in Wandsworth, and 9% live in other boroughs? Source: DFE January 2015 school census.
57 Tooting Primary
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6 Balham Park Road, Balham SW12 8DR T: 020 8673 4166 E: sao@tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms J Davey Pupils: 198 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care (long waiting list) and a range of school clubs
59 West Hill Primary School
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Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in September 2014 5 Merton Road, SW18 5ST T: 020 8874 5900 E: info@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk westhillprimaryschool.org Head: Ms J Dobson Pupils: 266 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs
60 Westbridge Primary School
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Part of the Chapel St family of schools; encourages children to aim high Bolingbroke Walk, Battersea SW11 3NE T: 020 7228 1293 E: info@westbridgeprimaryschool.com westbridgeprimaryschool.com Head: Mrs D Thompson Pupils: 189 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs
Provides a first-class education for all Franciscan Road, Tooting SW17 8HE T: 020 3700 0790 E: admin@tootingprimary.org tootingprimary.org.uk Head: Mr D Milligan Pupils: 63 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: First batch of Year 6 children leave in 2019
58 Trinity St Mary’s C of E Primary School V Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in June 2012
61 Wix Primary School
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Three streams: English, bi-lingual and French. Rated ‘requiring improvement’ by Ofsted in September 2014 Wix’s Lane, Clapham Common Northside, SW4 0AJ T: 020 7228 3055 E: admin@wix.wandsworth.sch.uk wix.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms T Kodjovi-Stapp Pupils: 283 * Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs *14 bi-lingual French/English and 30 English-only places
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BOROUGH OF LAMBETH 62 Dunraven Primary School Believes that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand 94/98 Leigham Court Road, Streatham SW16 2QB T: 020 8696 5620 E: info@dunraven.org.uk dunraven.org.uk Head: Ms M Christian Pupils: 168 currently Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: First batch of First Year 6 children will leave in 2020
The White House
63 Henry Cavendish
64 Telferscot Primary School
Prides itself on cultural and linguistic diversity
Aims to develop happy, independent,
Two sites: Hydethorpe Road, Balham SW12 OJA
Telferscot Road, SW12 OHW
disciplined and well-motivated children
T: 020 8673 3376 Dingley Lane, Streatham SW16 IAU
T: 020 8673 7362
T: 020 8835 8574 E: office@henrycavendish.co.uk henrycavendish.co.uk
telferscot.lambeth.sch.uk
Head: Ms A Hardy Pupils: 836 currently Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Chestnut Grove, Lambeth Academy, Dunraven, Graveney, plus a few to private schools such as Emanuel, Streatham & Clapham High & Dulwich College
E: admin@telferscot.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Ms J Martin Pupils: 355 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Dunraven, Chestnut Grove, Graveney, St Cecilia’s Burntwood, St Saviours & St Olave School, Streatham & Clapham High School, Ursuline High School, Greycoats
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Private Primary Schools Did you know... … that 10,205 (23.8%) of the 42,871 pupils in Wandsworth schools attend independent schools (including private nursery schools)? Source: DFE January 2015 school census
Family-centred, strong Christian pastoral community with a holistic, nurturing approach to education 68-74 Nightingale Lane, Balham SW12 8NR T: 020 8682 8810 E: broomwood@northwoodschools.com broomwood.co.uk Head: Principal: Ms K Colquhoun, Headmistress: Ms C Jenkinson Pupils: 650+ Ages: Lower 4-8 co-ed, Upper 8-13 girls, Senior 8-16 girls Clubs: Prep every day except Friday until 5/5.15pm. A range of school clubs
65 Al-Risalah Nursery
Term fees: Lower £4,730, Upper £5,810
Opened 1993. Part of Al-Risalah Nursery Trust, which includes Gatton Primary, but no automatic admission to this primary school
Leavers’ destinations: Broomwood Hall boys have priority entry to Northcote Lodge School at age 8
10a Gatton Road, Tooting SW17 0EE T: 020 8767 0716 E: nursery@alrisalahschool.co.uk alrisalahnursery.co.uk Head: Shazra Abbasi Pupils: 90 Ages: 3-5 Term fees: £150 per year that covers Islamic Studies and Arabic
66 Bertrum House School Allows children to develop and achieve while feeling cherished and important members of small school community 290 Balham High Road, Balham SW17 7AL T: 020 8767 4051 E: office@bertrumhouseschool.org.uk bertrumhouseschool.co.uk Head: Principal: Ms K Pirrie, Head of Early Years: Ms V Mould Pupils: 100+ Ages: 2-7 Clubs: No pre-or post-school care but a range of school clubs Term Fees: Nursery ranges from £1,710 to £1,990; pre-reception ranges from £1,990 to £3,190, Reception & pre-prep £4,295 Leavers’ destinations: Local day schools, Dulwich College, Dulwich Prep, Alleyn’s, JAGS, Wimbledon, Streatham & Clapham High School, Hornsby
67 Broomwood Hall School A preparatory and pre-preparatory school. The senior school will take 15 girls from September 2015 with a view to growing to 120 girls, to GCSE level only.
68 Dolphin School (Incorporating Noahs Ark Nursery Schools) Dolphin aims to nurture children’s potential in academic and creative work and sport and develop character according to a Christian understanding 106 Northcote Road, Battersea SW11 6QW T: 020 7924 3472 E: pa@dolphinschool.org.uk dolphinschool.org.uk Head: Mr J Savile, Deputy heads: Mr J Schmidt and Mrs L Keenan Pupils: 200+ Ages: 3-11 Clubs: No pre- and post-school care but a range of school clubs Term fees: Reception, years 1 and 2 £3,595 years 3, 4, 5 and 6 £3,995 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyns, Emanuel, Fulham Boys, The Hall School, Ibstock Place, JAGS, Putney High, Royal Russell, Dulwich, Lady Margaret’s, Thames Christian College and Streatham & Clapham High Girls School
69 Eaton House The Manor School Family-owned and run Christian nondenominational school whose aim is to provide a caring and secure environment that treats each child as an individual so they can blossom academically, socially and behaviourally The Manor, 58 Clapham Common, SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 E: admin@eatonhouseschools.com eatonhouseschools.com
Head: Pre-prep: Mr H May, Prep: Mr J Edwards, Girls: Ms S Segrave, Nursery: Ms R Sue Pupils: Boys Pre-prep 210, Boys Prep 190, Girls 180, Co-Ed Nursery 40. Ages: Boys Pre-prep 4-8, Boys Prep 8-13, girls 4-11, Nursery 3-4 Term fees: Co-ed Nursery £2,135 up to £3,540, Boys Pre-prep £4,748, Boys Prep £5,808, Girls £4,748 Leavers’ destinations: Boys go to top boarding schools, as well as day schools such as Dulwich, Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Kings College Wimbledon, St Pauls, Westminster and City of London Boys Girls go to top boarding schools as well as day schools such as Alleyn’s, Francis Holland, Godolphin & Latymer, Ibstock Place, JAGS, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Streatham & Clapham High Girls School, Emanuel, Queens College, More House and City of London Girls
70 Ecole Du Parc There is a mix of children from both French and English families but with a majority from families with one French parent. French is taught by immersion 64 Garfield Road, Battersea SW11 5PN T: 020 7326 9642 E: office@ecoleduparc.co.uk ecoleduparc.co.uk Head: Co-heads Ms E Sickling-Bressler and Ms E Toth Pupils: 70 Ages: 18 months to 5: Pre-maternelle 18 months-3, La Maternelle 3-5 (Petite 3-4, Moyenne 4-5) Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Pre-Maternelle, min 3 mornings: £1,815-£3,605 Leavers’ destinations: Private French, English and state and indpendent schools and the Lycee
71 Eveline Day School 207 Balham High Road, Balham SW17 7AE T: 020 8673 3188 E: eveline@evelinedayschool.com evelinedayschools.com Head: Ms E Drut Pupils: 100 Ages: 3-11 Term fees: Day £67, Week £300, Term £4,229.68
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72 Eveline Nurseries Open 51 weeks a year from 7.30am to 6.30pm, only closed Christmas week 14 Trinity Crescent, Tooting SW17 7AE T: 020 8672 4673 E: info@evelinedaynurseryschools.com evelinedayschools.com Ages: 3 months to 5 years
73 Finton House School Aims to maintain an excellent academic standard through well-resourced small classes and a broad, balanced curriculum
E: school@hornsbyhouse.org.uk hornsbyhouse.org.uk Head: Mr E Rees Pupils: 400+ Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, prep club till 4.30pm and a range of school clubs Term fees: Lower school £4,280, Upper school £4,605 plus lunch cost of £225 per term. Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich, JAGS, Whitgift, Emanuel, Ewell Castle, Royal Russell, Woldingham, Feltonfleet, Francis Holland, Graveney Trinity and Wimbledon High
171 Trinity Road, Balham SW17 7HL T: 020 8682 0921 E: info@fintonhouse.org.uk fintonhouse.org.uk
responsible, honest, resilient young people with determination, ambition and self-confidence Clarence Lane, Roehampton SW15 5PY T: 020 8876 9991 E: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Head: Ms A Sylvester-Johnson Pupils: 960 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Prep till 5pm plus a range of school clubs Term fees: Kindergarten/Prep 1: £4,755, Prep 2- Prep 6: £4,915 Leavers’ destinations: Ibstock Place secondary school. A few leave at 11+ and 13+ but the vast majority stay; however, no automatic entry
Head: Acting Head Ms K-A Kirkman Pupils: 321 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs
78 L’Ecole de Battersea English-French preparatory school, opened in 2005. A strong emphasis on its French/ English bilingual context, aiming for all pupils to be immersed in both cultures and becoming fluent in both tongues
Term fees: Lower, Reception to year 2: £4,520, year 3-6: £4,775 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Francis Holland, Streatham & Clapham High School, Kings Wimbledon School, Emanuel, JAGS, More House, Royal Russell, The Hall WImbledon, Godolphin and Latymer, Trinity, Whitgift and Wimbledon Girls. Some girls’ boarding schools
Trott Street, Battersea SW11 3DS T: 020 7924 3186 E: battersea@lecoledespetits.co.uk lecoledespetits.co.uk/lecol--battersea/ Finton House School
74 Hall School Wimbledon
76 Hurlingham School
Early Years education emphasises multi-sensory learning and first-hand experience, nurturing individual strengths and encouragement to reach full potential
Experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic staff provide opportunities which strongly promote creativity and independence of thought, essential attributes for the 21st century
Beavers Holt, Putney Vale, SW15 3EQ T: 020 8788 2370 E: admissions@hsw.co.uk or enquiries@hsw.co.uk hsw.co.uk Head: Mr T Hobbs Pupils: 250 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Reception to year 2: £3,744, years 3 to 6: £4,321 Leavers’ destinations: Junior school feeds into the senior school plus Emanuel, Epsom College, Harrow, Hurstpierpoint, Kings College Wimbledon, Sevenoaks and Tiffin
75 Hornsby House School A warm, nurturing and inclusive school but with academic vigour Hearnville Road, Balham SW12 8RS T: 020 8673 7573
122 Putney Bridge Road, Putney SW15 2NQ T: 020 8874 7186 E: office@hurlinghamschool.co.uk hurlinghamschool.co.uk Head: Mr J Brough Pupils: 326 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Post-school care and a range of schoool clubs. Term fees: Reception, years 1 and 2: £4,620 Years 3 to 6: £4,820 Leavers’ destinations: Downe House, Emanuel, Ewell Castle, Feltonfleet, Godolphin and Latymer, Harrodian, Ibstock Place, Kew House, Kingston Grammar, More House, Putney High, Surbiton High School, Wimbledon High and Latymer Upper
77 Ibstock Place School Lots of extracurricular activities aim to produce happy, well-rounded, socially
Head: Director: Mme Frederique Brisset, Head: Monsieur Balerdi Pupils: 255 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care Term fees: £3,715 Leavers’ destinations: Automatic right of entry to the AEFE French schools network. Some pupils go onto English schools and are tutored in CM2 to achieve the required standard
79 Lion House School Encourages individuality and creativity and fosters self-esteem in a harmonious and happy learning environment Old Methodist Hall, Putney SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 E: office@lionhouseschool.co.uk lionhouseschool.co.uk Head: Ms J Luard Pupils: 100+ Ages: 3-8 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £1,512-£4,145 Leavers’ destinations: KCS, Latymer Junior, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Fulham Prep, Tower House School, Shrewsbury House School, Ibstock Place, The Hall School & Prospect House
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80 Steiner Waldorf School
Clubs: A range of school clubs
85 Parkgate House School
The curriculum focuses on the academic creative, physical and emotional development of the whole child with an emphasis not just on passing exams but on loving learning
Term fees: Nursery, mornings only: £2,690, Lower School reception to year 2: £4,975, Upper school year 3-8: £5,700
Opened 1987 to provide a warm, welcoming and nurturing atmosphere with strong educational ethos
Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, JAGs, Kings College Wimbledon, St Pauls, Westminster, Eton, Harrow, Tonbridge, Winchester, Benenden, Wycombe Abbey, Wellington, Rugby, Kings College Canterbury & Marlborough
80 Clapham Common, SW4 9SD
9 Weir Road, Balham, SW12 OLT T: 020 8772 3504 E: info@waldorflondon.co.uk waldorflondon.co.uk Head: No head, college of teachers Pupils: 70 Ages: 3-14 Term fees: £3,591-£5,985 per annum for kindergarten, £6,350-£7,615 per annum for classes 1-8 Leavers’ destinations: State and independent secondary schools, the Brit School, or Steiner education in St Michaels in Hounslow or Michael Hall in Forest Row
81 Merlin School Aims to encourage a sense of excitement about learning that nurtures children and ensures individual attention in order to reach full potential 4 Carlton Drive, Putney SW15 2BZ T: 020 8788 2769 E: secretary@merlinschool.net merlinschool.net Head: Ms K Prest Pupils: 200+ Ages: 5-8 Clubs: A variety on a Monday only. Term fees: £3,988
82 Newton Preparatory School Offers a vibrant, challenging education for inquisitive children. Aims to inspire adventurousness and commitment to learning, providing balance and breadth in intellectual, aesthetic, physical, moral and spiritual education 149 Battersea Park Road, Battersea SW8 4BX T: 020 7720 4091 E: hmpa@newtonprep.co.uk or registrar@newtonprep.co.uk newtonprepschool.co.uk Head: Ms A Fleming; Dep Head Lower School: Victoria Goodson Pupils: 600+ Ages: 3-13
83 Northcote Lodge School First class education within a disciplined, controlled and happy environment that stretches rather than pushes 26 Bolingbroke Grove, Battersea SW11 6EL T: 020 8682 8888 E: admissions@northwoodschools.com northcotelodge.co.uk Head: Mark Smith Pupils: 220 Ages: 8-13 Gender: Boys Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £5,810 Leavers’ destinations: Wellington, St Edwards Oxford, Sherborne, Tonbridge, Bradfield, Charterhouse, Bryanston, Marlborough, Radley, Harrow, King’s Canterbury and Eton; also Dulwich schools
84 Oliver House Preparatory School Aims to foster respect, sound judgment, resilience and making wise choices based on personal values 7 Nightingale Lane, SW4 9AH T: 020 8772 1911 E: enquiries@oliverhouse.ore.uk oliverhouse.org.uk Head: Mr C Candia Pupils: 177 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery full time: £3,995, 5 mornings: £2,340, Pre-prep Rec to Yr1: £4,385, Yr 2: £4,445, Yrs 3-6: £4,600 Leavers’ destinations: The Cedars, The Laurels, Emanuel, Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Francis Holland, JAGS, Streatham & Clapham Girls, The Hall, Trinity, Whitgift, Wimbledon High
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T: 020 7350 2452 E: office@parkgate-school.co.uk parkgate-school.co.uk Head: Principal: Ms Catherine Shanley, Head: Mr Malcolm McKinley Pupils: 230 Ages: 2.5-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery: £1,785-£3,930, Reception/pre-Prep: £4,510, Prep: £4,670 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Hall School, Ibstock Place, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Whitgift
86 Parsons Green Prep School Opened 2001 with aim of developing a positive, meaningful school community that empowers children to reach their educational and personal potential 1 Fulham Park Road, Fulham SW6 4LJ T: 0207 371 9009 E: admissions@eridgehouse.co.uk parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Head: Ms P Hogg-Andrews Pupils: 174 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £4,850-£5,240 Leavers’ destinations: Brighton College, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Harrodian, JAGS, St Pauls, City of London Boys
87 Prospect House School Aims to create an atmosphere where children feel valued and secure in an educational experience that is both challenging and fun 75 Putney Hill, Putney SW15 3NT T: 020 8780 0456 E: info@prospecths.org.uk or registrar@prospecths.org.uk prospecths.org.uk Head: Ms D Barratt Pupils: 295 Ages: 3-11
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Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery: £2,685-£5,370, occasional afternoon cost £58 per session, Reception yrs 1 and 2: £5,370, yrs 3-6: £5,595 Leavers’ destinations: Benenden, Colet Court, Emanuel, Harrodian, King’s College Canterbury, Putney High, St Pauls Girls, Tiffin, Westminster Under, Wimbledon High
88 Putney High School Equal importance placed on friendly environment with a distinctive caring ethos, on respecting one another and recognising individual contributions 35 Putney Hill, Putney SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 4886 E: putneyhigh@put.gdst.net putneyhigh.gdst.net Head: Mrs J Wallace Pupils: 925 (including senior school) Ages: 4-11 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs
Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery: £3,113, Junior: £4,085,
Merton Road, Wandsworth SW18 5ST
Education for dyslexic and dyspraxic children. Recently rated ‘oustanding’ by Ofsted
T: 020 8870 0500 E: info@stmichaelsteinerschool.co.uk stmichaelsteiner.wandsworth.sch.uk
55 Warriner Gardens, Battersea SW11 4DX
Pupils: 62 full-time, +11 part-time Ages: 3-14
T: 020 7720 8783 E: info@the dominie.co.uk thedominie.co.uk Head: Ms A O’Doherty Pupils: 31 registered Ages: 6-12 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: mainstream schools
24 Thornton Avenue, SW12 OLF
92 The Falcons School for Girls
T: 020 8674 9514 E: office@whitehouseschool.com whitehouseschool.com
A non – selective school for girls with a reputation for academic excellence, creativity and lifelong learning T: 020 8992 5189 E: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk falconsgirls.co.uk
T: 020 8879 7700 E: rainbowschool@beyondautism.org.uk rainbowschool.org.uk and beyondautism.org.uk Head: Founder and Principal: Ms K Sorab, Head Of School: Ms L Love Pupils: 60+ Ages: 4-19 Term fees: Funded by local authorities
90 Streatham & Clapham High School In the top 20% of independent schools nationally, with the focus on achieving beyond expectation. Exceptional pastoral care within a ‘family’ school with a buzzy, diverse community culture
95 The White House
Term fees: £8,550
11 Woodborough Road, Putney SW15 6PY
Primary site: The Tram House, 520 Garratt Lane, Tooting SW17 0NY
Term fees: £4,375-£5,800 pa
Community-based school that teaches each child to attain its potential in a nonpressured environment. Pastoral support with an emphasis on manners and respect.
Leavers’ destinations: Junior to senior school entry not automatic, but don’t have to compete with external candidates, just qualify
To enhance the communicative, academic, social and practical skills of children
Ofsted judged it as providing a good quality of education in its 2010 report
91 The Dominie
Term fees: Junior: £4,595,
89 Rainbow School for Children with Autism
94 The St Michael Steiner School Parent & Child Group
Head: Miss J. McGillewie Pupils: 105 at present, will rise to 350 in new premises Ages: 3-11 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £4,725, pre-reception: £2,625 Leavers’ destinations: Notting Hill & Ealing, St James’, Latymer Upper, Godolphin & Latymer, St Paul’s, Lady Eleanor Holles, Kew House, Francis Holland
93 The Roche School Opened in 1983, the school aims to give a sound and wide-ranging education in a pleasant, lively and homely atmosphere 11 Frogmore, Wandsworth SW18 1HW T: 020 8877 0823 E: office@therocheschool.co.uk, admissions@therocheschool.co.uk therocheschool.co.uk
42 Abbotswood Road, Streatham SW16 1AW
Head: Ms V Adams, Nursery head: Ms G Emery Pupils: 300 Ages: 2.5-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs
T: 020 8677 8400 E: enquiry@schs.gdst.net schs.gdst.net
Term fees: Nursery £1,664 4 mornings£3,530 5 morning and 4 afternoons, 4-6 years £4,030, 7-11 years £4,350
Head: Dr M Sachania, Head of Junior School: Mr T Milne, Pupils: 688 including senior schools Ages: 3-11
Leavers’ destinations: Latymer Upper, KCS, Dulwich College, St Catherine’s Twickenham, Ibstock Place, Wimbledon High, Emanuel
Head: Mr D Cummings Pupils: 130 Ages: 2.5 - 11 Clubs: A range of after school clubs. Homework club till 6pm Term fees: £9,000- £12,500 per annum Leavers’ destinations: Dulwich College, JAGS, Streatham and Clapham High School, Whitgift, Trinity, Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Sydenham High School
96 Thomas’s Battersea Opened in 1977, it aims to embed kindness and understanding in which pupils’ strengths are identified and supported 28-40 Battersea High Street, Battersea SW11 3JB T: 020 7978 0900 E: Battersea@thomas-s.co.uk thomas-s.co.uk Head: Mr B Thomas Pupils: 532 Ages: 4-13 Clubs: No pre/post school care but a range of afer school clubs Term fees: Reception-Yr 2: £5,410, yrs 3-8: £6,110 Leavers’ destinations: Bradfield, Bryanston, Harrodian, Marlborough, Wellington, Downe House, Francis Holland, Dulwich College, Eton, Harrow, St Pauls, Radley, Alleyn’s, Latymer Upper, JAGS
97 Thomas’s Clapham Ethos of kindness and understanding in which pupils’ strengths are supported Broomwood Road, SW11 6JZ T: 020 7326 9300 E: clapham@thomas-s.co.uk
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thomas-s.co.uk
Popular choices outside Nappy Valley are:
Head: Mr P Ward Pupils: 600 Ages: 4-13 Clubs: No pre/post school care but a range of after school clubs
Hill House International Junior School
Term fees: Reception –Yr 2: £5,055, yrs 3-8: £5,715 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Brighton College, Emanuel, Marlborough, Wellington, Benenden, St Mary’s Ascot, Woldingham, Dulwich College, King’s College Wimbledon, Eton, Radley, St Pauls, Tonbridge, Whitgift, Westminster, JAGS, Wimbledon High
98 Wandsworth Preparatory School Believes that education should not simply be about exam results, reading, writing or arithmetic but also spark learning by developing the courage to take risks, the confidence to ask questions and the desire to know not just ‘what’ but ‘how’ and ‘why’
The guiding vision is that the modern child must be educated for a world community
Head: Richard Townend Ages: 4-13 Pupils: 1,000
Tower House School
Term fees: From £3,550 for Small School up to £4,850 for Sixth Form
Head: Miss B Saul Pupils: 48 Ages: 4-11
Harrodian School
Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, City of London Boys and Girls, St Pauls Boys and Girls, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Ibstock Place, JAGS
Term fees: Pre-prep £4,431, Prep £5,076, Senior £5,867, Sixth Form £6,766
T: 020 7584 1331 E: info@hillhouseschool.co.uk hillhouseschool.co.uk
Hans Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X OEP
T: 020 8870 4133 E: office@wandsworthprep.com wandsworthprep.com
Term fees: £4,220
E: admin@harrodian.com harrodian.com Head: James Hooke Ages: 4-18 Pupils: 282
Leavers’ destinations: Bournemouth, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Kings College London, Loughborough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, St Andrews, UCL
Leavers’ destinations: Girls to More House School, Putney High School, Queen’s Gate School, Latymer Upper School, JAGS, Francis Holland, Alleyn’s School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Boys to Dulwich College, Wetherby Senior School, Westminster School, St Paul’s, Emanuel, The London Oratory, Eton, Stowe, Harrow and Bradfield College
The Old Library, Allfarthing Lane, SW18 2PQ
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Founded in 1932, this is “A traditional boys’ prep school but with a modern twist,’ says The Good Schools Guide 188 Sheen Lane, East Sheen, SW14 8LF T: 020 8876 3323 E: secretary@thsboys.org.uk thsboys.org.uk Head: Gregory Evans Pupils: 180 Ages: 4-13 Gender: boys Term fees: R & Yr 1 £3,765, Yr 2 & 3 £4,158, Senior school £4,270
Harrodian is a friendly educational community which encourages pupils’ individuality and excellent academic results Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13 9QN T: 020 8748 6117
Leavers’ destinations: St Paul’s, King’s College School, Hampton, Reed’s School, The Harrodian Senior School, Radnor House, Emanuel, Kingston Grammar, Dulwich College plus boarding schools
State Secondary Schools 99 Ark Putney Academy
100 West Hill, Putney SW15 2UT
A
Ensures outstanding progress through a well-designed curriculum, a broad range of enrichment and extension programmes and excellent pastoral care Pullman Gardens, Putney SW15 3DG T: 020 8788 3421 E: receptionist@arkputneyacademy.org arkputney.org Head: Ms A Downey Pupils: 449 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
T: 020 8877 0357 E: info@ashcroftacademy.org.uk atacademy.org.uk Head: Mr M C J Barker Pupils: 1,000 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: Wide range of school clubs
101 Bolingbroke Academy
A
Prepares all pupils for university courses or a career of their choice. Specialisms are maths and music Wakehurst Road, SW11 6BF
100 Ashcroft Technology Academy Offers excellent opportunities to achieve the highest possible standards of learning in a technology-rich environment, including the IB Diploma
A
T: 020 7924 8200 E: info@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org arkbolingbrokeacademy.org Head: Ms C Edis Pupils: 243 currently, 600 by 2018
Ages: 11-18 Clubs: Wide range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: First batch of Year 13 children leave in 2019
102 Burntwood School
A
Encourages students to be independent, articulate young women who take power and control over their lives in an informed and intelligent way Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AQ T: 020 8946 6201 E: info@burntwood.wandsworth.sch.uk burntwoodschool.com Head: Mrs H Dorfman Pupils: 1,779 Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs
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Leavers’ destinations: 70% go on to university, of which 35% go to Oxbridge & Russell Group universities
103 Chestnut Grove Academy
A
A culture of high aspiration for all is central to the school’s vision and ethos
harrisbattersea.org.uk Head: Dr D Moody Pupils: 1,150 including 250 in Sixth Form Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
experience for all its students. Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in October 2014 94/98 Leigham Court Road, SW16 2QB T: 020 8696 5600 E: info@dunraven.org.uk dunraven.org.uk
Chestnut Grove, Balham SW12 8JZ
107 Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School V
T: 020 8673 8737 E: info@chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk
Embraces the highest possible academic aspirations and accepts individual differences in ability, aptitude and level of skills
Head: Mr C Kingsley Pupils: 958 Ages: 11-19 Clubs: A range of school clubs
Sutherland Grove, SW18 5JR
111 Lambeth Academy
T: 020 8780 1244 E: info@saintcecilias.wandsworth.sch.uk saintcecilias.wandsworth.sch.uk
Part of United Learning, it is committed to bringing out the best in everyone to achieve their potential as confident, wellrounded individuals
104 Ernest Bevin College & Sixth Form Centre C Students are encouraged to fulfil their potential both academically and in sport, performing arts and vocational careers. Sciences and maths are a specialism Beechcroft Road, Tooting SW17 7DF T: 020 8672 8582 E: mail@ernestbevin.wandsworth.sch.uk ernestbevin.org.uk Head: Ms R Sheikh Pupils: 1,272 including 375 in Sixth Form Ages: 11-18 Gender: Boys Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: 134 out of 148 pupils this year, are going on to university, mostly to Russell Group universities
105 Graveney School
A
Ofsted remarked in March 2015 on the pupils’ ‘positive attitude to learning’, their outstanding results and how the school develops the whole person Welham Road, Tooting SW17 9BU T: 020 8682 7000 E: info@graveney.wandsworth.sch.uk graveney.org Head: Mr G Stapleton Pupils: 1,949 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Oxford, Cambridge & Russell Group universities
106 Harris Academy Battersea
A
Part of the Harris Federation, the motto is ‘head, heart and heroism’ in order to promote curiosity, endeavour, skills and knowledge ready for an ever-changing world
Head: Mr N Gallagher Pupils: 950 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
Head: Mr D Boyle Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
V
Elms Road, Clapham SW4 9ET
Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, Durham, Exeter, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Royal Academy of Music, LSE and universities abroad
108 St John Bosco Catholic School & College V
T: 020 7819 4700/ 7498 5004 E: admin@lambeth-academy.org lambeth-academy.org Head: Jan Shadick Pupils: 1,039 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
State Sixth Form Colleges
Rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding leadership’ by Ofsted in 2013 From autumn 2015/16: Parkham Street, Battersea SW11
112 South Thames College
T: 020 8246 6000 E: info@sjbc.wandsworth.sch.uk stjohnboscobattersea.org
Offers a wide range of courses, including BTECS, HNDs, apprenticeships and leisure courses
Head: Mr S Uttley Pupils: 446 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs
Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PP
109 Southfields Academy
T: 020 8918 7777 E: info@south-thames.ac.uk south-thames.ac.uk A
Focused on all aspects of academy life and in the top percentile of schools nationally for value-added results. Academic, vocational and work-related courses.
Head: Ms S Rimmer Pupils: 20,000+ Ages: 16+ Leavers’ destinations: Russell Group universities & London-based universities
333 Merton Road, SW18 5JU T: 020 8875 2600 E: info@southfields.wandsworth.sch.uk southfields.wandsworth.sch.uk
113 St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
Head: Ms W Golinska Pupils: 1,741 including 391 in Sixth Form Ages: 1-19 Clubs: A range of school clubs
Offers 50 courses; one out of three students achieved grades A* – B in 2014.
BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
Malwood Road, Balham SW12 8EN T: 020 8772 6000 E: enquiries@sfx.ac.uk sfx.ac.uk
401 Battersea Park Road, SW11 5AP
110 Dunraven Secondary School
Head: Mrs S Flannery Pupils: 1,400 Ages: 16+
T: 020 7622 0026 E: info@harrisbattersea.org.uk
An all-through school aiming to offer an exciting and enriching learning
Leavers’ destinations: Around 15% go to Russell Group universities
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Trinity
Private Secondary Schools 114 Al-Risalah
115 Emanuel School
116 Hall School Wimbledon
A faith school that aims to equip students with life skills in order to be role-model citizens and ambassadors for Islam as well as good Muslims
The school pursues academic excellence, respect and tolerance and caring for the environment. The Good Schools Guide says it is “happy, friendly and welcoming’
145 Upper Tooting Road SW17 7TJ
Battersea Rise, Battersea SW11 1HS
T: 020 8767 6057 E: admin@alrisalahschool.co.uk alrisalahschool.co.uk
T: 020 8870 4171
Aims to provide an all-round education through a balanced curriculum, in which art, music, sport and drama play a valuable role alongside core academic subjects. Believes that learning should be a pleasure. Pupils also benefit from highquality pastoral care
Head: Mr S Lee Pupils: 210 Ages: 11-16 Clubs: No pre- or post-school care but a range of school clubs
Head: Mr M Hanley-Browne Pupils: 775+ Ages: 10-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme
Term fees: £3,300 per year
Term fees: £5,673
Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Virgo, Ashcroft.
Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge and Russell Group universities
E: enquiries@emanuel.org.uk emanuel.org.uk
17 The Downs, Wimbledon SW20 8HF T: 020 8879 9200 E: admissions@hsw.co.uk or enquiries@hsw.co.uk hsw.co.uk Head: Mr T Hobbs Pupils: 270 Ages: 11-16 Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme Term fees: £4,953
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Leavers’ destinations: Graveney, Westminster, Kings College, St Cecilia’s, Esher College, Richmond College, Epsom College, Royal Russell, Whitgift
117 Ibstock Place School Aims to produce happy well-rounded children with lots of extracurricular activities to become socially responsible, honest and resilient with determination, ambition and self-confidence Clarence Lane, Roehampton SW15 5PY T: 020 8876 9991 E: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Head: Ms A Sylvester-Johnson Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme Term fees: £6,130 Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Nottingham, Imperial College, KIng’s College, LSE, St Andrew’s
Jargon Buster Aegrota: illness or sickness, often shortened to aeger and is used mainly by classics students showing off their Latin Formal hall: the whole school eating together 118 Putney High School A friendly school with a distinctive caring ethos of respect for one another and a recognition that all girls are individuals with a positive and valuable contribution to our community 35 Putney Hill, SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 4886 E: putneyhigh@put.gdst.net putneyhigh.gdst.net
T: 020 3031 9700 E: rainbowschool@beyondautism.org.uk rainbowschool.org.uk beyondautism.org.uk Head: Founder and Principal: Ms K Sorab, Head of School: Ms L Love Pupils: 60+ Ages: 11-19 Term fees: Funded by local authorities
120 Streatham & Clapham High School In the top 20% of independent schools nationally, with a focus on achieving beyond expectation and with exceptional pastoral care in a ‘family’ school 42 Abbotswood Road, Streatham SW16 1AW T: 020 8677 8400 E: enquiry@schs.gdst.net schs.gdst.net Head: Dr M Sachania Pupils: 688 including junior school Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Senior £5,013, 6th Form £5,258. Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Durham, East Anglia, Exeter, Goldsmiths, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Royal Holloway, Sheffield, Sussex and UCL universities
121 The Laurels Its ‘character first’ approach strives to develop qualities of greatness to achieve academic potential and also help in every other aspect of life 126 Atkins Road, SW12 OAN T: 020 8674 7229 E: office@thelaurelsschool.org.uk thelaurelsschool.org.uk Head: Ms L Sanders Pupils: 30 Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs
Head: Senior School: Dr D Lodge, Director of Sixth Form: Mr P Dwyer Pupils: 925 (including junior school) Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls
Term fees: £4,020
Term fees: Senior £5,580, Sixth Form £5,580
T: 020 7326 9300 E: clapham@thomas-s.co.uk thomas-s.co.uk
119 Rainbow School for Children with Autism The secondary curriculum is based on a modified national curriculum with full range of subjects offered Secondary: Spencer Park, 48 North Side, Wandsworth Common, SW18 2SL
122 Thomas’s Clapham Broomwood Road, SW11 6JZ
Head: Mr P Ward Pupils: 600 Ages: 11-13 Term fees: £5,715 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, King’s College School, Wellington College and Marlborough College
123 Thames Christian College A mixed-ability school in a smaller environment with strong values in which each young person can flourish Wye Street, Clapham Junction SW11 2HB T: 020 7228 3933 E: info@thameschristiancollege.org.uk thameschristiancollege.org.uk Head: Mr S Holsgrove Pupils: 125 Ages: 11-16 (adding Sixth form in 2019) Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £4,520 Leavers’ destinations: Highgate School, Alleyn’s School, Dulwich College, St Paul’s Boys’ School, City of London School, Emanuel, Ibstock Place, Haberdasher’s Aske’s, Albemarle College, Trinity School, Chelsea Academy, St Cecilia’s, Ashcroft Technology Academy, Graveney School, Esher College, Richmond College
Special Schools 124 Centre Academy 92 St John’s Hill, Battersea SW111SH Provides support for all students with special needs and specific learning difficulties, with an holistic, personalised curriculum, offering integrated therapy together with high academic expectations T: 020 7738 2344 E: info@centreacademy.net centreacademy.net Head: Ms N Ambridge Pupils: 48 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: No pre- or post-school care but a few academic school clubs Term fees: £26,100 to £38,775 per annum Leavers’ destinations: Further education, university and work
Private Independent and Fee-Paying Sixth-Form Colleges Alleyn’s The ISI inspection report 2013 judged the school excellent and concluded that “pupils are well-rounded individuals who are self-assured, articulate ad confident in social situations” Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1500 E: reception@alleyns.org.uk alleyns.org.uk
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Head: Dr Gary Savage Ages: 11-18 Term fees: Years 7-13 £5,799 Leavers’ destinations: Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Cambridge universities
Dulwich College An academically-selective school, Dulwich was rated excellent in every category in ISIs November 2014 report. The college produces some of the finest actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers in the country Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD T: 020 8693 3601 E: enquiries@dulwich.org.uk dulwich.org.uk Head: Dr Spence (Master) Ages: 3-18 Gender: boys Term fees: £6,077; £11,893 weekly boarders, £12,684 full boarders Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Leeds, University College, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford and Warwick universities
Frances Holland School The ISI inspection report May 2011 highlighted the quality of the pupils’ personal and social development as a real strength of the school as well as a strong pastoral care system T: 020 7730 2971 E: education@fhs-sw1.org.uk fhs-sw1.org.uk Head: Mrs Lucy Elphinstone Ages: 4-18 Gender: girls Term fees: Yr5-15 £6,150 Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge & Russell Group universities
Whitgift School
Trinity ISI judged Trinity as “highly successful in meetings its aims and fulfilling its central mission, the rigorous pursuit of excellence balanced by compassionate concern for individuals” Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT
Ashcroft Technology Academy
T: 020 8656 9541 E: hmsec@trinity-croydon.sch.uk trinity-school.org
Autistic Spectrum Disorder T: 020 8877 0357
Head: Mark Bishop Ages: 10-18 Gender: boys with co-educational sixth form Term fees: £14,460pa
Sacred Heart Primary School
Leavers’ destinations: Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, Durham, Warwick, Leeds, Southampton, Manchester, Loughborough and Imperial College London universities
James Allen’s Girls’ School (jags) JAGs aims to help all pupils fulfill their potential by stimulating their intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and imagination 2 Dulwich Village, SE21 7AL T: 020 8693 3465 E: Henrietta.Kiezun@jags.org.uk jags.org.uk Head: Mrs Sally-Anne Huang Ages: 4-18 Gender: girls Term fees: £5,295 Leavers’ destinations: Bath, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial, Kent, Kingston, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford, St Andrews, University College and Warwick universities
State schools & colleges with SEN units
Autistic Resource Base T: 020 7223 5611
Sellincourt School Hearing Impaired Unit T: 020 8672 5982
Whitgift School Whitgift is ranked among Britain’s finest schools, with expansive facilities akin to a country estate. Offers day, full, weekly or flexi boarding and IB
Smallwood School Language Unit T: 020 8672 6024
Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT T: 020 8688 9222 E: office@whitgift.co.uk whitgift.co.uk Head: Dr Barnett Ages: 10-18 Gender: boys Term fees: £17,988pa Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Kent, LSE, Leeds, Oxford, Reading, Sheffield, UCL, Warwick
Southfields Community College Hearing Impaired Unit; Speech, Language and Communication Needs T: 020 8874 0585
Southmead School Autistic Resource Base Provision T: 020 8788 8901
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St John Bosco College
Greenmead School
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit T: 020 8246 6000
Mixed day school for physically disabled and profound and multiple learning difficulties T: 020 8789 1466
The Alton School
Linden Lodge
Resource Base Provision for moderate learners
Day and weekly boarding school for children with severe sight impairment, multiple disability and profound needs T: 020 8780 2712
SEN Schools
Nightingale School Bradstow School, Kent Supports children with severe and complex learning difficulties or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder with Severe Learning Difficulties T: 01843 862123
Caters for boys with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties T: 020 8874 9096
Oak Lodge Residential and day school for deaf and language impaired pupils T: 020 8673 9397
Garratt Park School Caters for children with moderate learning difficulties with associated complex needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder T: 020 8946 5769
Paddock Secondary School Caters for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder with severe Learning Difficulties T: 020 8878 1521
Whitgift School
Where to find help and information Bond Suppliers of revision packs and sample tests for the 11+, www.bond11plus.co.uk Bonas McFarlane A provider of private tuition and educational advice, www.bonasmacfarlane.co.uk Childcare & Business Consultancy Services (Formerly Wandsworth Primary Play Association) For a list of Wandsworth pre-school playgroups and holiday play schemes for three and four year-olds, www. cbcservices.org.uk, tel: 020 7738 1958 Department for Education and Skills Find a list of school and college performance tables and find and compare schools and colleges using a map, www.education.gov.uk Independent Schools Show The annual exhibition showcasing 200 of the UK’s independent schools, from nurseries to Sixth Form. Venue: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ. Date: November 14th & 15th 2015. Tickets are free if you register in advance. www.schoolsshow.co.uk
Local Authority websites Wandsworth www.wandsworth.gov.uk/ schoolsandadmissions tel: 020 8871 6000 Lambeth www.lambeth.gov.uk/schools-andeducation, tel: 020 7926 9503 Merton www.merton.gov.uk/learning/schools tel: 020 8274 4906 Sutton www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200129/ children_schools_and_families tel: 020 8770 5000 Merton play areas (covering Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon) For a list of Merton play areas, log on to www.merton.gov.uk/environment/ openspaces/play-areas.htm Ofsted The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Find an Ofsted inspection report at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk
The Good Schools Guide A guide to independent and state schools. www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk The Independent Schools Council Includes a search facility for the 1,200 independent schools it represents, www.isc.co.uk, tel: 020 7766 7070 The Independent Schools Inspectorate Log on and browse school reports, www.isi.net The State Boarding Schools’ Association Rather than paying £25,000+ pa on a private boarding school, a state boarding school would cost nearer £10,000 pa, www.sbsa.org.uk UK Boarding Schools Impartial help and advice for parents on UK boarding schools, www.ukboardingschools.com Wandsworth Family Information Services (IFS) tel: 020 8871 7899, email: fis@wandsworth.gov.uk, or log on to www.fis.wandsworth.gov.uk/kb5/ wandsworth/fsd/home.page
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