Clapham South/Balham v Clapham Common Post Reply

[Midnightmonkey]

Hi there wise people!

Looking to move to either Clapham South/Balham, or nearer to Clapham Common, and would love some insider knowledge!

Hoping for a good state primary school (though the baby isn’t quite 1, so we’ve a few years to go!).

Also, any roads to avoid?
Looking round Kenilford/dagnan/dinsmore road, badminton road and then stormont/forthbridge road...

How do I choose??

Also, does anyone know if you live in Lambeth but closest school is Wandsworth, does that affect getting into the school?

[Goldhawk]

It's mainly distance that matters for state school applications - it doesn't matter if you are over the borough border

One thing to bear in mind is that council tax in Lambeth can be double that of Wandsworth

[Midnightmonkey]

Thanks Goldhawk!

Any knowledge on which primary schools are good. I’ve heard Belleville & Honeywell but not sure about any others.

Anyone know about Alderbrook primary?

[sid_seal]

Alderbrook is a great school. There is a nice community feel, it is small enough for all teachers to know all children (not only those they teach!), and children are always challenged but without pressure or stress. Children are taught in small groups.
To be honest, I cannot think what else I would want in a school that we are not getting there.
Depending on where you will end up living, you may be within reach of Henry Cavendish or, a bit further off, Telferscot. Or, towards Clapham Common, Bonneville.
As people here often recommend, go and visit all your local schools in due course (not now as they might all change for better or worse!) and trust your gut feeling rather than good or bad reputation or OFSTED rating. There is a whole world outside Honeywell and Belleville, and it's a nice one!

[Midnightmonkey]

Thanks sid_seal. I think it’s too early to start viewing schools but good to know Alderbrook is friendly-essentially all I want in a primary school is for it to be nurturing.