I had my son at Finton for 4 years -- until he moved on to Northcote Lodge (in the Broomwood family). We did not live near Finton and it was never a problem getting in somewhere near enough to walk a few blocks to school, even during rush hour -- just try to avoid the Trinity Road. I adored Finton - the ethos is fantastic and my son really blossomed there. They take the time to get to know the individual and nurture them without undue pressure in those early years. Still, they do well academically. (I had another child at Eaton House and was less happy; though with a new headmaster now, all is much better).

We've known a lot of boys who came to Northcote from Garrads Road and they all seemed very happy.

My son's just started recception at Broomwood Hall and loves it. The Garrads road site is lovely - lots of space, opposite the common and with fewer children so it has a really friendly feeling.

Can't help on how it compares to Finton as we didn't look at that one. For us it was between Broomwood, Eaton House, Dulwich Prep or Thomas'.

Very happy with our decision.

thanks for all your responses.

We are now faced with an even more difficult decision, my daughter has managed to get a place at Broomwood Hall (Garrads Road).

I love the feeling and ethos at Finton and I think my daughter would be very happy there although Broomwood is nearer to us and will tie in to drop off at nursery better for my son.

Any advice would be helpful....

My daughter is at Finton and we drive to school but from Earlsfield. I've not had any problems with parking so far. I don't know what the roads are like from Balham. I come via back streets and it is fine. Although you do have to park a little distance from the school (no parking in Wandle Road), but any hassle with this is far outweighed by being very happy with the school. My daughter is so happy and I am very pleased with how she is getting on there.

Trinity Road gets hugely congested during school drop off times. Its amazing how quickly I can get through Trinity Road during school holidays. Although, if you are coming from Balham, I'm assuming you would come down Boundaries Road/ Upper Tooting Park and I don't know how congested that gets. Pick a really rainy day during school term and give it a go at 8am, it will help you decide.

Some of the roads near Finton only have parking restrictions for one hour in the middle of the day. I don't know how congested it gets though as I don't have a child in the school.

Anyone out there with thoughts on Finton?

Hi,

My daughter has managed to get a place at Finton House starting in Sept 2013, and I wanted to get peoples thoughts on Finton pros/cons and my other major concern which is parking.
We live in Balham and I'm a bit concerned about drop off/pick up for Finton.

Many Thanks