St. Faith's, Allfarthing or Swaffield? Post Reply

[IndyB]

Hello NVN community!

We are considering buying a home in either Wandsworth or Earlsfield that could put us near the catchments for St. Faith's, Allfarthing or Swaffield schools.

We are still a few years off our child starting school (and I know things can change), but just wanted to pose the question to the group (particularly parents of children at these schools) - what do you think of these schools, and how did you choose among them? I've seen a lot of enthusiasm for Swaffield and also St. Faith's on this site...Does that still hold? And what about Allfarthing?

Thank you so much for your help!

[lemonzest]

Forgive me if this isn't helpful, but I would repeat this post on SW18 Mums' Network on facebook. If you're not a member, a friend can add you, or send a private message to Belinda Aspinall who is admin.

FWIW my child and I are very happy with Swaffield, but I haven't so much as looked around the other two (you can't put a price on convenience, especially when you're working and/or have more than one - it's a few hundred metres from our door).

[nygreen]

From hearsay I think these are all good schools. I would also suggest looking at St Anne's on St Ann's Hill. It's a one form entry church school, very stable and dedicated staff and doing well academically. Their recent results are excellent. Their website will tell you more or you can contact the school to request a tour.

[Wheresmyschool?]

Allfarthing and Swaffield are great schools, I have friends there and they love it. I think (and Lemonzest could tell me if I'm wrong) that Allfarthing is more "traditional" than Swaffield but that might be just what friends have told me!

St Faiths' - I have no idea - sorry

[Drinou1889]

sorry a little off piste, but we are selling our house very near both Allfarthing and Swaffield. My son got into Allfarthing School for this September and I would presume would have got into swaffield. We are not on the market yet but feel free to contact me if you are interested.

St Faiths has become very popular and you will need to be very careful with the catchment area.

[NYE31]

I think both St Anne's & St Faith's are C of E primary schools, whereas Allfarthing & Swaffield aren't.

St Faith's is in the Tonsley's, whilst the other 3 are the other side of East Hill.

The 4 schools serve quite a diverse area in terms of houses & house prices.

Good luck

[jingo_x]

I am an Allfarthing parent, so can't comment directly on the other schools, but I do know parents at all of the schools are very happy, so I don't think you can go far wrong with any of them.
I love Allfarthing and my son is doing well there educationally, but importantly there is also a great community at the school, he has great friends and support. Due to family health problems this year he has needed additional emotional support and all of the staff have been amazing. We are also lucky to have Place2Be on site (again a great support when children experience any difficulties).
As mentioned in other posts the catchment areas might limit your choice as St Faith's is quite far from Allfarthing/Swaffield, so bear that in mind while you are house-hunting.

[IndyB]

Thanks for the tips!

We have been looking at houses in the Tonsleys as well as ones closer to Allfarthing and Swaffield.

Does anyone know how hard is it to get into St. Faith's (or St. Anne's) if you are not regularly attending a C of E?

Thank you so much!

[nygreen]

St Anne's has lots of local children as well as church. Distance offers vary from year to year at all the schools but if you're living close to the school you'd probably have a good chance of getting in currently. It's a lovely little school, worth considering, our child is doing well and is really happy there. Not sure about St Faith's but expect someone else will be able to help. Good luck with the decisions!