Chance of getting into St Anselms when not Catholic? Post Reply

[Amy+]

Hi all. I have a young daughter (4 months) and the talk in my NCT group is already currently around primary schools as the majority of the other parents will be sending their children to private institutions and they need to get registered asap. I probably won’t be doing so; we could probably afford to send one child privately, but I’d like at least one more child and couldn’t afford multiple school fees. Anyway, this got us having a cursory look at our local primaries. We live next to Tooting Bec station, about a 3 minute walk from St Anselms. I saw that it has an excellent Ofsted report and results, so would be keen to send our daughter there (I believe we’re just outside of the tiny Rutherford House catchment area). However, we’re not Catholic (I do come from a Catholic family so know the ins and outs), we’re atheist. I don’t feel right lying and baptising my daughter and attending church just for a school place, so I wondered if anyone knew the chances of getting in if we’re honest in our beliefs, but we just happen to live extremely close? Thanks for any insight!

[Goldhawk]

School admissions statistics and reports - Wandsworth Borough Council

The stats are here - only 30 places on offer - looks like no chance if your child isn't baptised
Just baptism isn't enough you need a reference from your parish too

[Localmum678]

No chance. Their admission criteria are posted on their site - nappyvalley is not allowing me to post that link.

Also, as atheists, why would you want your child to attend a Catholic school...? Where they would be raised as Catholics, having to attend church services, morning prayers etc? So everything you don't believe in. Would it not be teaching your children hypocrisy practically from the moment they are born? Teaching values and integrity from an early age is as important as academics. Plus there are other really good schools in the area, especially when it comes to primaries.

[Amy+]

Thanks for this, hadn’t seen it before. Looks like Hillbrook is the only option then.

[Amy+]

It’s just 10% of the curriculum and I’m happy for her to learn and experience other’s (and my family’s) beliefs, while teaching her what we believe and why, and allowing her to make an informed choice for herself.

[Localmum678]

This is so messed up. So you would send your child to a school that teaches them to be good Catholics and that the Catholic faith is the best way to live your life and at home you will be teaching her the opposite? They will be teaching her the need for religion (as all faith schools do, this is why they are called faith schools) and at home you will be telling her that you don't believe God even exists? How could you inflict something like this on a 4 years old...? It's beyond me. I have friends with children in Catholic schools (at Anselm's and Holy Ghosts) - you would be required to attend church services every Sunday. Not just her but one of the parents too. This is why it's a Catholic school...

[Amy+]

I think messed up is quite extreme and judgemental language. It’s not uncommon to go to a faith school without being a member of said faith in this country. I went to one, and still found myself declaring myself as atheist at 6 years old and didn’t find it particularly confusing. I want her to be exposed to the world, and I’m quite happy for her to understand and live by Jesus’s teachings regardless. The majority of what they teach there is exactly the same as any other school.

[chorister]

@Amy+ - I have no dog in this fight, but what a much better, happier place the world would be if everyone were as tolerant and willing to accept other points of view as you seem to be.  Thank you.  I hope your daughter grows up as a happy, well adjusted woman and inherits your world view.

[Coffeeplease]

I think you have a chance with Rutherford House. Even if not straight on offer day the waiting list moves a lot. Ravenstone had no catchment last year as well if memory doesn't fail. Plus, so much can change in the years to come.

[sid_seal]

From the statistics that were posted above, it doesn't look like you stand a chance of getting into St Anselm's without your child being baptised and your family being practicing Catholics.
However, you have several other schools within walking distance.
You have years ahead of you, and the situation in every school can change. Visit the schools in a couple of years' time, get a feel for each one of them and don't get too fixated with Ofsted reports - particularly if they are quite old like St Anselm's, as they may not give a realistic picture of what a school is like now.

[Amy+]

Thanks for the further input all. Yes, I’m quite certain St Anselm’s won’t be on the cards haha. I‘ll reassess nearer the time. We could potentially spring for private, but I do think state school can perfectly amazing all the same (I went to one!). I’ll see what’s going on in a few years time.

[OJ76]

From where you are you have several good choices within walking distance, including Fircroft, Rutherford and Ravenstone, all great schools and two have nurseries too.  Once you have a better idea of your child's needs and have viewed schools in a few years time, this will help you get a feel of what may fit your family more and where your child will be happy, which really is the key to them being engaged in their learning. Try to avoid getting too caught up with Ofsted reports.  As to whether St Anselms will be an option - on their selection criteria you'd think no; but it can come down quite simply to supply/demand, so if this ends up being your preference - it is not unheard of to be offered a place from being on the waiting list despite not being a practising Catholic.  

[Tooting Parent]

Hi, I have current experience of St Anselm’s Catholic primary. Yes, the main priority is that children are Baptised in the Christian faith. Siblings account for approx. 10 in each class. However due to Brexit and cost of London living some international families decide to leave the area. Children come from various postcodes now (Balham, Streatham, Furzdown). It tends to be that one parent is Christian/Catholic the other possibly ‘none’ but are happy to attend family Masses, Assemblies, volunteer and support the PTA.

It is a small 1 stream entry school which builds a close, vibrant and helpful community/Parish, particularly if you plan on staying in the area and making friends locally. If you want to explore further have a conversation with St Anselm’s Parish team about Baptism/RCIA and contact the Head Teacher. In term of its Ofsted Outstanding rating many of the same staff/ policies are there. However as a faith school it is not swayed by gender ideology or celebrate LGBGTQ + events which Ofsted may look for now in terms of broader diversity. We had private school places offered (registered from birth) but for various reasons chose this wonderful, nurturing school community. I urge anyone to attend the next Open Day.

[Susie2468]

Hi Amy

I remember our NCT group and suddenly people who were clearly not religious formerly  stated openly they were going to Mass only or the School  I agree wiht other comments on here that is no way to teach our children authenticity.  But lots of people do it unfortunately.  There are indeed other  schools locally but  they too may have ideological and 'secualr faith promotions that they expect parents to comply with. 

You could Look into the Catholic Church .  You now do not need to be going to the School Parish to apply for the school.  You can attend mass at any Catholic parish.  We got to St Bedes in Clapham Park.  Great prayer and community.  It can sometimes be easier to freely enquire  somewhere that not so local?
Catholics Come Home website is one place to start
I am happy to chat so please feel free to PM me

Congratualtions on your 4 months girl!  Lovely times ahead!

[MandrakeMum]

Have you looked at Fircroft? It’s a gorgeous school with a very welcoming and family feel. Its recent Ofsted was extremely harsh - children were asked what skills they had learned two years previously when they were aged 5/6 in lockdown by people they’d never met before and were overwhelmed. I couldn’t tell you what I was doing two years ago if you put me on the spot. The behaviour in the report refers to low level disruption (not sitting still, calling out in a reception class) basically nothing sinister and everything you’d expect from little people on a very hot day towards the end of term. A very important paragraph was also omitted from the report about the new curriculum (which was implemented this September) which other schools have had included. In short, take it with a huge pinch of salt as they had fantastic SATS results last year and lots of children from other (local) schools that you’ve mentioned have moved here recently.

I’d encourage you to have a look around all of the local primary schools to get a feel of what they offer. For us, some looked great on paper but the moment we stepped through the doors we knew they weren’t right for us. So much can change over the next few years and it’s easy to get sucked into the private school registration on the day the child was conceived drama. Just take a step back and think about what’s important to you. Good luck!