It maybe helpful to know that Sydenham girls have just lost their Head so their future is a little uncertain.

I wouldn't right off Prendergast Ladywell Fields school as the school has certainly improved since it was taken over by Prendergast Federation. They have a very robust new Head and executive Head and have made a lot of improvements to the school in the past year. It's intake has also improved and last year they took in their full compliment of Band 1's for the first time. It's worth considering and making a visit to make up your own mind, which I can't say for some of the other Lewisham schools. I live near the school and have not had any trouble from them and found the Head very proactive and very friendly. Even the local shopkeepers have noticed a big change in the chidren's behaviour in their shops.

Kingsdale is also worth a visit if you can see through the hard sell. The exam issue has not yet been resolved and nothing may come of it. I expect there will be some spaces come Sept for your child because of the news though.