tatianadias

Great Lacey, will do. Glad to hear your son got to year 1 and you are all happy with Bessemer School. Will check more details. I guess overall there is no need to worry, all replies received suggest that the parents experience is a positive one.

This is extremely helpful, thanks all. I have checked the statistics and considering them it would be lucky if we get a place at all. I didn't have a particular preference so will probably contact the council first and see what realistic options they would give me before moving, but as mentioned, other parents experiences of the process are very helpful. Thanks.

Jessie, thanks - it seems to me that, no matter how much information we collect in advance of moving, it is all a lottery. May I ask you, as I am considering the schools our number one priority, and we will rent as close as we can afford to good schools prior to buying a flat (meaning by good schools not necessarily the outstanding ones but local schools where the children are well looked after and there is good behaviour and no bullying) was the council helpful with the allocation, is it worth emailing them or visiting them in advance, as we would have to submit an in-year admission application? I hope I am not being too unrealistic and my question makes some sense. Thanks again.

Sorry, I meant thanks for the Dulwich & Village Residential suggestion! It seems I am trying to do too much at once so will check the posts later as it is too busy at work right now. Have a good evening everyone, cheers,

Thanks for the ETA suggestion Jessie, I will contact them to register.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply, I will check the suggested streets. It's a long time till December but I am trying to be proactive as would like to rent for a long period of time in the area I choose due to schools. Best wishes, T

Hello All, My family is moving around Christmas to ED and we would be grateful to have other parents' opinions about the following: *Which areas/roads are the best to find an average-size 2 bed flat to rent long term, near ED train station or Forest Hill train station? *How close to a decent primary school would we have to be to actually get a place in reception class for our 4 1/2 year old boy, and would you say it would be best to contact Southwark Council or the schools first to check availability? *And finally which estate agents were helpful to you that you would recommend we contact, as there are plenty of them? We were very fortunate to meet nice and kind people the times our son went to play at the Goose Green adventure playground so we hope that move is the right choice; we enjoy coffee, books and good food, and were impressed by the relaxed atmosphere and community spirit that seems to be reigning around ED. We are catholics, resident in the UK for over 12 years, of Brazilian and Polish origin, and too busy working full-time and raising our son so to be honest have not attended church regularly since he was baptised - so we cannot consider applying to St Anthony's school. Our priority is provide a great environment for our son to grow up without breaking the bank. Looking forward to your responses!