I think it depends on what you want from a school and would suggest that you attend any open days possible as well as school events to chat to other parents. Both are academically very good, Horniman has a reputation for being a little more into art/culture etc, whilst Fairlawn is larger with all the advantages and disadvantages that that brings. Horniman has a great building and a fantastic location with lots of green space, Fairlawn (IMO) is less so clearly and is on a main road but makes the most of the space it has. My child goes to Fairlawn and I am not a fan of the building I have to say but your childs will be experiencing the school, not the parents, so may not give a hoot about fantastic views across London.

Neither have any real uniform policy which is something I don't like as I am keen on uniform for kids. Horniman is smaller than Fairlawn with a fairly community feel but both have good parental involvement and have good community relationships. I have heard of people who have moved their kids from both for various reasons. Horniman is one form entry usually whilst Fairlawn s 2 FE- some people might think thats better for lesson planning etc but not all. Both have very different 'feels'.

Horniman tends to get snowbound in extreme weather conditions. For us it was another hill to climb which I didn;t relish!

Personally if you go for one and get offered the other, you are still onto a good thing and I wouldn't get stressed about it either way!