secondary state schools in the area? relocating from o/s

[msmoppet]

We're relocating from Australia with three children and love the area. We're just not sure about state secondary schools for our oldest child as The Charter school looks hard to get into and although he's a boy he'd prefer a mixed gender school. Love to hear everyone's experience with secondary state schools in the area and their recommendations outside Charter or Harris Boys. Thanks so much!

[EDmummy]

Hi msmoppet, what year will your son being joining? In year entrance to schools in all but Yr 7 are often possible. Other local mixed gender schools in the area are Kingsdale (lottery entry) and Charter East Dulwich (Yr 7 so far, additional year joining in September 2017) and I'm sure others my be able to add to this list. What time of year are you planning your move?

[msmoppet]

Hello, thanks for your reply. he'll be joining year 10 in september, we'll arrive in the summer break. so far charter and kingsdale both said virtually impossible. although harris boys looks like v good school for the right boy he's very anti an all boys school so we are still trying to get our heads around the other mixed gender state school options if you have any other suggestions, thanks

[tomskip]

It really does depend so much on where you will be living MsMoppet. Are you absolutely determined to come to East Dulwich? The only mixed sex secondary we have in the area is the Charter School in Herne Hill and it has a tiny catchment. The second Charter School does not have a Year 10 (it only opened in 2015). Kingsdale admits on lottery and has a long waiting list (and how they handle new applications when there is already a long waiting list from the initial lottery is something of a mystery). Harris Boys is a good school but if your son really doesn't want to go to a single sex school then I would seriously consider moving elsewhere in London! Deptford Green and Elm Green schools are two that some children from ED go to, but you might choose to live a little closer to your preferred school if you aren't already tied to this area.

[Coach Beth]

Mixed State schools just outside the area include:

- Harris Crystal Palace which I've heard is very good but is very strict - http://www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk/ Tiny catchment so you would need to move to Crystal Palace.

- University of Engineering - don't be fooled by the title, this is a secondary school! Relatively new, this is a sponsored secondary school of the University of South Bank. There are some kids from ED going here - call them, they might have more openings in year 10 as they say 'University Academy of Engineering South Bank is currently offering places to year 7-8-9 and 12 and for years 2017-2018 will be offering places to year 7-8-9 & 10 and post 16' I think if your child is particularly into STEM this could be fantastic!

http://www.uaesouthbank.org.uk/about-us/why-specialism-in-engineering-stem.html

[msmoppet]

Thank you Tomskip. It is a bit tricky but we also have two primary school kids so juggling work proximity, good primary schools and secondary options for the older one. Appreciate all the info has definitely all been fuel for the decision making process.

[msmoppet]

Thank you Coach Beth also very helpful. STEM is a huge area of interest so will have to look into the University Academy of Engineering too. Thanks!

[Carbonara]

If you move right on to the doorstep of Charter you will go to the top of the list for any places that become available, but you might have to hold your nerve until into the first week of term.

You would stand the same chance as everyone else in Kingsdale's lottery, and you can out yourself on as many waiting lists as you like.

To be honest I think it will be the same anywhere for Yr 10.

[Jan12345]

.

[tomskip]

I would make the secondary school your priority MsMoppet, if you can. And yes, Dunraven is a very good school as Jan12345 says.

[Carbonara]

Yes, Dunraven an excellent school. You would need to be very close for best chance of a place, but if you can move in between Dunraven and Elmgreen, you have a chance of two good schools, and still on a good transport route for a Kingsdale lottery place (maybe).