Harris Primary v Dulwich Village Infants - Reception

[TheCat]

We're in the very fortunate position of being smack, bang right between these two Outsanding primaries; and based on previous years catchments we're a good chance of getting our first choice out of these two....question is which should be first choice....

DVIS: On the plus side DVIS has a nice setting, and has been Outstanding for years, on the negative, I worry about the small chance we wouldnt make the catchment for Dulwich Hamlet when they have to move after year 2...which would be pretty disruptive for a 7 year old to not move with all his friends.

Harris: A new school, and achieved and Ofsted Outstanding based on smaller class sizes and were a smaller school, can they maintain standards as they grow (doubling in size effectively from the time of the review)? Head teacher seems very driven, with high standards, which we liked. While the building is brand new, once they have 7 years of kids there will it seem excessively crowded?

Some friends of ours seem very negative on Harris because its on a main road, and air quality would be bad. DVIS is also on a main road.....and we live in London...how much difference can it really make? (genuine question)

I guess overall, we really like both, and have heard many positive comments on both....so in a twist on these pages, I would be interested in any NEGATIVE comments on either school from existing parents?

[yeknomyeknom]

Re the pollution matter, Harris are doing their best to address this. There are plans for a green screen which will reduce pollution into the school. The bus stop is being moved so buses don?t stop outside. Road markings are going down to push cars back from the entrance. The weekly newsletter regularly reminds parents to turn off their engines at the school. The school and some classrooms has air plants in them to further reduce the risk of pollution. Whilst the site of the school can?t be changed, Harris certainly is aware of the risks and is doing everything in their power to mitigate them. Also, children go on very regular forest walks which is an added bonus fresh air break.

[Sol]

I have had 2 children at DVIS. It is a great school: communications, teaching, SEN support and response to parents queries is excellent. It is a nurturing school that really cares for each child. The school is always improving and takes into account parents views and opinions. My children have been very happy and well supported there.

I don't have any experience of Harris but have read good things about it.

[NewtoED2]

We are in exactly the same position! We really liked both schools but have put DVIS first. I went along to the hamlet open day too and the head said she thought the catchment would expand similarly to DVIS and 99% of DVIS students go on to the Hamlet.

I think I got a kinder feel from DVIS but certain aspects of Harris really impressed me. Tough decision and we're fortunate to have such good schools so close. I thought the same about Harris KS1 results, they are based on class sizes of 20. But this is just picking really, I'm sure excellent results will continue!

[Kenmare]

May I just confirm what the catchment distance for DVIS is? Is it 1,000 metres (based on previous years?) Thanks

[hammerman]

It's not clear on their website from what I can see but I've also seen a lot of adverts in the local press during the past few weeks about DVIS changing their admissions policy for the year 2019/20. If that's the case then probably Dulwich Hamlet will probably change theirs soon and not by just distance.

It seems a lot of schools in the area are changing their admissions policies to not just go by distance but if they have a staff member, then that member of staffs children have priority, even if they live outside the area?

[yeknomyeknom]

Yes Harris have just announced this for their teachers.

hammerman Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> It's not clear on their website from what I can

> see but I've also seen a lot of adverts in the

> local press during the past few weeks about DVIS

> changing their admissions policy for the year

> 2019/20. If that's the case then probably Dulwich

> Hamlet will probably change theirs soon and not by

> just distance.

>

> It seems a lot of schools in the area are changing

> their admissions policies to not just go by

> distance but if they have a staff member, then

> that member of staffs children have priority, even

> if they live outside the area?

[Sol]

Kenmare Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> May I just confirm what the catchment distance for

> DVIS is? Is it 1,000 metres (based on previous

> years?) Thanks

You can call the school and they will give you the distance. I believe it has got bigger, probably due to having 3 new primary schools in the area which go all the way from Reception to year 6 (Judith Kerr, The Bellham, and Harrys)

[picmicnic]

Argh, trying to find out catchment distance for DVIS but with coronavirus the school is not answering their phone.

Does anyone happen to know the distance for the last 3 years (non foundation place)

Any help is appreciated

Mike

[DoloresCRobinson]

I am experiencing the same issue