We really love RHS! It is a new school and is growing, but we can see that some of the initial teething problems have been addressed and rectified.

The ethos and educational expectation of the pupils progress and learning is similar to a private school but not coupled with the snotty attitude of some indies. RHS is diverse and inclusive.

We love that there are such a range of extra curricular activities. This term alone there were 58 clubs for all year groups including arts, music, languages and STEM subjects. We don't know which way DC will lean...academic, arty, sporty etc RHS gives DC a great academic foundation with the option to try before we buy in terms of enrichment activities.

DC loves going to school, the trips and guests coming into the school enhance the educational opportunities for the children and keeps them engaged. Forest school is exciting and interesting.... So DC says.

Come along to our school fair, ask parents at drop off and/pick up or even pop into one of the cafes round the corner from the school and have a chat to some parents. We are a lovely bunch. Oh and there are many open days/school tours that you can also do to get a flavour of the school, look forward to seeing you.

I too think it's a shame majoscelyn that you don't like the school your children are at. I've been a parent at Fircroft for several years now and my children are very, very happy there. As with anything, there's always room for improvement and the school, I feel, is always striving to listen to children and parents alike to achieve the change necessary to develop and progress. It feels Iike a very inclusive school to me. Academically my children are doing well and there are several after school clubs ranging from art to sports as well as a fantastic music teacher should you wish to enrol your child for music tuition as well. The Balham Community Centre also operates out of Fircroft term times and therefore you have the option of dropping your kids off early for breakfast club (from 7.30am) or collecting late (up to 6.30pm) which is another great resource. The communication from the school, board of governors and PTA is frequent and I feel very in touch with the school's goings on. And on a totally childish level the main school hall reminded me of Anne of Green Gables with its quaint split stair case and that coupled with the feel of the school on my show round so many years ago clinched it for me. Subsequently the kids, my husband and I have made many friends thanks to the numerous social events the PTA put on.

I am very sorry to hear that you hold those views about Fircroft.
I have 2 children there with a third joining next year. Both my children are thriving. They love going to school and are very happy. The extra curricular activities on offer are the best in the borough. The PTA is fantastic, offering lots of opportunities for parents and children to meet and have fun. The school has a real community spirit. I have no complaints at all and while I was looking at schools to send my children to, Fircroft stood out for myself and my partner and it hasn't failed to impress.

regarding Fircroft.
I have a lot of experience there. SEN staff are very good. Obviously some teachers suit some pupils better and some don't. However I would say that academically most kids do reach 80-90% of their potential, the rest is up to the parents and the school. Some parts of advanced maths aren't taught but expected to be known, how, I guess by tutors....
The bullying policy only kicks in when a parent complains, but Fircroft is a busy school.
The headmistress works tirelessly for the school. She may be a dictator, but then, she may have to be...
However Fircroft does seem to value security staff above teaching staff which is odd. Perhaps teaching staff have enough to do teaching. Just an observation.
In no way is Fircroft perfect, but your kids will do well there. It is an ofsted "good" school and that is about right

It's a shame you feel like this about your child's school majoscelyne. I think it's also a shame that you've chosen to publicly criticise the school in such a way. Some of your comments are very personal and would be very hurtful for staff to read. Perhaps, if it's not the school for you, you should think about moving your children rather than slating it so publicly. From what I hear, Fircroft is a lovely, vibrant local school with hard working and dedicated staff.

I would disagree with Fircroft Primary I have children that attend there now my reasons being If you suspect or your child has additional needs then do not even think about applying or accepting a place here SENCO things take an extremely long time to get anywhere and countless meetings do not change anything for your vulnerable child , with little or no improvement. Complaints not taken seriously.All in all Fircroft School would suit a child that has no additional needs and a parent who would love to get involved with the very active PTA community whom I will say do a very good job within the school.edited to reflect opinions on this post I let my frustrations influence the post i still firmly believe in what I wrote but maybe i was too honest for some I have shared all of my views with the head

Jan123 Trinity St Mary's is still pretty easy to get into. It is C of E but for the past few years, there has been very little competition for places so they haven't selected on religion. No need to attend church (as you need to for the Catholic Schools). Everyone is falling over themselves trying to get into Rutherford House so TSM and Ravenstone have had smaller reception classes. Hopefully it will all balance out in the end as these schools are all within a tiny radius and are all good.

I would say Fircroft is academically focused and no child is held back thanks to the rigorous system with which they monitor each child's individual progress and set targets, but crucially no child is left behind either, so every child progresses at their own rate. The school manages to instill a love of learning and good behaviour from an early age. Everyone is respected for their individual strengths and talents no child is made to feel inferior. The school is fantastically diverse and is very representative of the area, as much as it is changing. We are looking forward to the wonderful International Food Evening in a few weeks time.
My children are thriving academically and socially - truly nurtured - thanks to the brilliant teachers, support teachers Head and office staff. I could not be happier with our choice and so pleased my children are in this happy and warm environment. There are many opportunities at the school to pursue musical, creative and sporting activities. Parents are encouraged to be involved. The school trips my older child has been on have been incredibly enriching. The PTA work extremely hard to raise funds to keep costs of these trips low. It is a lovely successful egalitarian school. We love it!

I have 2 children at Rutherford House and can't rate it highly enough . My children have both made lots of friends and love going to school every day which is the most important thing. Rutherford has a very active PTA who do loads for the school and have raised funds for many whole school improvements but it's especially the families of Rutherford who are really great and give the school a great community friendly spirit.
I think Rutherford is quite academically focussed but also has a great sports remit and dozens of after clubs including Lego club, Netball, football, cricket, rounders, drama, etc etc.

I think the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference overall - we are very lucky to have so many great schools to choose from!

Good luck !

My son is in reception at Fircroft and has made great progress, is truly happy to go to school, always smiling at pick up and he's made lovely friends, as have I. I feel it's been a nurturing environment, the head of Early Years is fantastic, there have been countless trips and the children have even recorded a CD! I agree that there is community feel to the school and the PTA is very active. As others have suggested, a great way to get "a feel" of a school is to go to their fairs and meet/speak to parents, this is what we did. I do wish there were more after school clubs offered to reception, but this might change in the future. Good luck with deciding.

Such positive feedback on Fircroft School

I was very interested to have heard about Trinity St Mary's fantastic results. Sounds like a wonderful and sweet little school. However we are not church goers so we assumed we wouldn't have a chance?

In the end we decided we wanted a local school with a community feel and were pleased with what we saw and heard about Fircroft School. I liked the Head Teacher and the charming children we saw and know. I very much agree that diversity, respecting rights and inclusivity is a positive thing for our children to embrace very early on and to hopefully carry with them throughout their lives. I was heartened to hear about how the school responded to your child, silviahm. Also am pleased to hear that the children are stretched academically and nurtured at the same time.

Thanks everybody and good luck to everyone looking at schools and deciding. It is a tricky experience especially when catchments areas come into play.

I have two children at Fircroft (in year 4 and reception) and we are absolutely delighted with the school. It was our first choice, having visited all the other local schools and we feel so lucky to have got in. I have consistently found that Fircroft is fantastic at stretching and challenging pupils to ensure they achieve their full potential. The school is also great at supporting those needing additional help. The head teacher and her deputy are extremely experienced, as well as being very warm and likeable, and class teachers are always available to discuss pupils' progress or give any advice needed.
There's a lovely, nurturing, family atmosphere at the school and the range of after-school clubs includes over 25 different activities, e.g. art, drama, gymnastics, football, photography, science club etc. The PTA is very active, arranging many popular fundraising events, e.g. family bingo night, international food evening etc. I would highly recommend this school (including the nursery).
Thanks!

Hi - I have 2 boys at Fircroft ( year 2 and Nursery ), both boys absolutely love it there ! The Head teacher has been there for years - always a good sign ! The school has a very pro active PTA & overall the school has a great sense of community ! Both of my son's are happy and developing well.

Hello I also would suggest considering Trinity St Mary's on Balham Park Road. My son is in Reception at TSM and also went to nursery there! It's quite different to most Wandsworth schools in that it has just one class per year and small classes at that - circa 20! Because the school is smaller it's incredibly friendly and you get to know parents and kids from all years. My son loves it there and is very happy. The school has a fantastic reception teacher who does so much with the kids and he is doing really well. It is a CofE school but this is not over heavy and I like the values that the children are taught as a result of this. The school has had fantastic results as well we are currently in the top 5% of primary schools nationally for maths and in the top 20% nationally for English. We are 10th in Wandsworth! I would def recommend calling the school for a tour which someone will do personally for you. Good luck!

Thanks all, very helpful. I have just booked a tour, so looking forward to seeing for myself.