Bessemer Grange school??? HELP!

[dillydale]

OUr son has been offered a place at Bessemer Grange School...a school we know nothing about. We didn't get any schools in our list of 6 choices (we currently live in South Dulwich) and Bessemer was offered to us. As it was offered to us (and it wasn't on our list), it made me wonder whether it was an undersubscribed school? Does anyone have any experience of this school. The ofsted report says it's "Good". Can anyone offer any help or guidance? Perhaps your child goes there...do they like it? Are you happy with it? Anyone any ideas why it might be undersubscribed this year? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rolo Tomasi]

Where is South Dulwich?

[dillydale]

close to Sydenham Hill station + St Stephens Church

[ratty]

Jesus that's a long way to travel.

It is really near to my house. Has a really good reputation and is one of the few modern building schools round here.

Lots of space. My wife went to see it and wanted it as one of our top three choices (she wanted it second, but I put my foot down and we had it third). I think (apart from the travelling) you will be really pleased with it as I have only heard good things!

[dillydale]

Out of curiosity, what's your first choice?

Yes, it's a long way to travel for a primary school (I had grand ideas of being able to walk my child to primary school...but i guess that's a luxury in London).

We live in a weird spot for schools round here...we're not in any decent cachments at all. I guess it's because everyone must send their kids to private school round here. But not us...we're just normal run-of-the-mill people, just wanted a decent school within a reasonable distance. Wasn't to be.

There's an open day at Bessemer on Tues (next week). i guess I'll find out more then. Was just hoping to get some insights before then.

[sillywoman]

Bessemer does have a good reputation, but it's kind of tucked away on the Bessemer estate so I think a lot of people don't know about it. Possibly why it's undersubscribed (just guessing)? Lots of my daughter's friends went there & they're all lovely, very bright & well mannered young people.

As ratty so eloquently put it - it is a long way for you & your boy to travel each day. Isn't Elliot Bank closer to you?

Edited to add; You may get more response to this in the family room, just ask admin to move you - they're very helpful!

[ratty]

I think it bulged this year which is why it has spaces!

dillydale - our first choice was and always will be Dog Kennel Hill!

[Cora]

If you are free this afternoon some of the parents are gardening in the school's wildlife garden opposite the school. Your son could run around while you ask all the questions you like. They will be more than happy to see you. It's a great school, I have two son's there, in Reception and year two. Feel free to pm any other questions. Is the P4 any good for you? That goes close to the school.

[dillydale]

sillywoman Wrote:

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

Isn't

> Elliot Bank closer to you?

>

Yes, Eliot bank is much closer....(but we're on a Waiting List for that one...currently No. 14). So we're having to think seriously about the possibility of him going to Bessemer...time is ticking on.

[dillydale]

Cora Wrote:

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

> If you are free this afternoon some of the parents

> are gardening in the school's wildlife garden

> opposite the school. Your son could run around

> while you ask all the questions you like. They

> will be more than happy to see you. It's a great

> school, I have two son's there, in Reception and

> year two. Feel free to pm any other questions. Is

> the P4 any good for you? That goes close to the

> school.

Many thanks, might pop up. Thanks again

[Lacey]

We have a son in Reception and feel very lucky he is at Bessemer. It's a lovely school, in a peaceful secluded spot with lots of space. As Ratty says, it has bulged this year.

Am also going to be at the gardening session this afternoon and happy to answer any questions by PM.

[edanna]

Hi dillydale, my son is starting at BG in September. It was our first choice even though we're not v close, though nearer than you. I think it's a lovely school though I don't really have any direct experience yet. I bet you'll really like it if you go and look round. send me a pm if you have any questions or would like to meet up.

[Renata Hamvas]

It sounds like Bessemer Grange is very far from where you live! You probably got a place there due to the bulge.

Did you apply to Langbourne? Langbourne is close to Sydenham Hill station and has been rated good by Ofsted.

Renata