Emilia

Dulwich Hamlet School packed shoeboxes for Romania last year so may do again this year?

Hi Inglesa, According to the Charter school's website, the school does not have a catchment area but is a community school and takes children living closest to the school (after CLA children and siblings). The safest walking distance as designated by Southwark Admissions is measured. Year 7 entry in 2008: the furthest distance that a pupil was offered a place was just over 1700 metres, in 2007 it was just over 1,900 metres. It says they have never had anyone who lives further than 2,000 metres from the school. (Not sure exactly how they measure the distances but I know of a few Charter pupils who live further away than that!)

There is another very pretty village quite close to Eynesford called Shoreham (although it does get busy at weekends). Keston Ponds, Kent is also a nice place to visit, as is Friday Street / Abinger Common near Dorking.

happyED, rest assured - I have heard nothing but praise for Kingsdale (teresa's post above is the exception)over the past couple of years. :))

Personally, I prefer Court Lane - most of the houses seem bigger and are varied in design. Yes, it is quite busy but is nearer to the park. I've heard that traffic control measures are shortly being undertaken in Court Lane so it may make the road less busy?

Bawdy-Nan, glad you enjoyed the Dulwich Hamlet band - what did the teacher in question look like, I may be able to identify them?

I echo dv1 and am grateful to loobylou for the warning. I will advise my kids to avoid the park gates on Dulwich Common and to take another route. My children do not carry mobile phones but that does not mean they will not be targeted.

Sorry to hear this. This is the second mugging I have heard of taking place by the Dulwich Park gate on Dulwich Common. The other victim was a Dulwich College pupil on his way home at the same time of day; it happened some months ago though.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I attended the Charter school open day and was very impressed. All the children I spoke to said they are very happy there and none complained about the "miserable surroundings", the opposite in fact. They seemed very proud of their school and were a credit to the Head and staff who seem commited to the pupils' education and well-being. I would be more than happy for my child to attend the Charter school.

My children have also been very happy at Dulwich Village Infants School and Dulwich Hamlet. The Hamlet has a relatively new Head (the jury is still out!) OFSTED are inspecting the Hamlet next week. Both DVIS and Dulwich Hamlet benefit from incredibly supportive parents. I am glad you feel positive about The Charter, Sillywoman. I would be interested to hear the views of others with children there.