St Anthony's

[nunheadmum]

We've been told that St Anthony's only have a September intake. Does anyone know if this is the case? I thought all schools in Southwark had September and January intakes?

Also anyone know how big the catchment is if you are Catholic and get the necessary forms signed? Does it stretch across to Nunhead or am I being totally unrealistic?

[Mellors]

I don't know about ther September intake, but I do know somebody who lives off Forest Hill Rd (not far from the FHT) who didn't get in there last year despite being actively involve in the church and attending weekly both before and after baby was born.

[Jamma]

Catchment area must be quite wide given the number of (INSERT SWEAR WORD HERE)'s who drive to the school to drop their children off and park in such a haphazard way.

[Mellors]

That could be people who lived nearby when they applied and then moved though (or fiddled the system (surely not with a catholic God looking on!)). Or maybe they're just lazy lol?

[Gubodge]

It is only a September intake.

And I know people who live ten minutes walk away who occasionally drive to St Anthony's, so wouldn't make any assumptions about catchment area from the number of badly parked cars outside.

[emc]

I find these comments a bit odd - my daughter has been at nursery there since Sept, I drive from Nunhead on days I'm not working and can honestly say I don't really see any of this 'badly parked car' stuff - where???? I'd say I was one of the unusual ones in that I drive as most kids seem to be East D based and in walking distance..as for the original question I have been driven mad by 'she got in, he didn't'and numerous reasons why etc, etc and every single thing contradicts the other. I would dearly love my daughter to go there but if she doesn't get in, she doesn't and then will just have to think of a plan B....and there are definitely people from Nunhead in the school....

[nunheadmum]

Thanks for the comments. Sorry to have sparked off the parking debate again. It is the one aspect that would put me off - I'd rather not have to drive my kids to school but it probably would be too far for a young one to walk, at least initially.

Ah well, I'm sure the allocations system will probably sort that problem for me!

[lorraineliyanage]

nunheadmum, St Francesca Cabrini school may be a bit nearer to you?

[nunheadmum]

I did have a look at St Frances Cabrini but I wasn't so impressed by it. I am trying to speak to some parents of kids who go there to see if I just got the wrong impression on the day. But I thought Ivydale came across as much better. I'm just trying to find 3 other schools that I would want my LO to go to.

[batgirl]

Hi Nunheadmum,

I live in Nunhead also and applied for St Anthonys last year for a place in reception and nursery. My eldest child did not get in but my youngest did. Although I appealed the reception place I was unsuccesful. I ended up with my youngest in St Ant's nursery and my eldest in St Francesca cabrini (as my youngest did not get a place at cabrini). In the begining I was very anxious and stressed out about the whole scenario. However I do have to admit that St Francesa cabrini has been a pleasent surprise, my daughter has fitted in really well and really loves it there, she is doing very well and I have been told she is working well above reception level and to keep her challenged the work is tailored to her abilities as is done for each child.

Hope this helps.

[tallgirl]

Children from Nunhead tend to go to St Francesca Cabrini rather than St Anthony's as Cabrini has links to St Thomas the Apostle Church in Nunhead. When I was looking for schools for my eldest, now in year 6, we also looked at St Anthony's but didn't like the atmosphere of the school (also having a summer birthday, we felt going into reception in january would be better for him than September). I also have a child in year 3 and in the Nursery. The children in year 6 and 3 are doing very well academically and have a great group of friends (with a great bunch of parents to boot!). Several year 6's have sat Grammar School exams this year. The school was assessed as good with outstanding features at its recent Ofsted inspection. Children are set within class, but are moved around frequently to make sure that they are stretched or get extra help dependent on their abilities and their development. The extracurricular activities at the school include swimming, recorder and violin/cello lessons, art club, football club etc. There is also an after school club for working parents. The school is very diverse, both in terms of parental origin and education attainment of parents (Judges, Doctors, Bus Drivers, teaching assistants-all parents at the school!) Remember whatever you do, the deadline for applications is 29th January!!