It's really good to read such positive things about Bessemer Grange as our daughter is starting there in September. We didn't get any of our closest schools but having looked around Bessemer, (despite being nearly a mile away!)we were really impressed. We are happy to have a place there following two months of waiting and chasing Southwark's admissions team. I loved the creative feel,facilities,after school activities and space. I would always go with my gut instinct over ofsted reports, however Bessemer had a good ofsted report recently - better than some of the more popular schools in ED. It's a shame that a few of her friends have now been offered St Johns and are accepting. I can totally see that St johns is easier to get to and that it's generally a more popular choice. We know a few local parents from St Johns who really like it but none from Bessemer. We would probably face the same dilemma if we were offered both but I think our decision would be swayed by all that Bessemer has to offer over convenience of location.