“The system is at breaking point. Every 5 minutes there is another development that is going up and these are now far out-weighing the schools being built. Why should my childrens education be limited for others out the borough to take their places. I love Sutton but I am seriously considering moving away from the area as things will only get worse once my children get older and have to move schools again. A shame that no one thought to consider Sutton residents before others.”

“Think it all went wrong when school places were offered to residents outside the Croydon area, but too late to do anything about it now isn't it? When I was young I went to the school that was nearest to where I lived like most of my friends. These days is a school is doing very academically then these spaces are offered to students outside the area.”

“This year I have to fight for both a secondary & primary place for my boys.

The SATS results for my current son's school were well below expected, but the other schools in my area (bar St James the Great, for which there is no point applying as we are the worst kind of Catholic....lapsed) also performed badly. However, I like the discipline at St Cyprian's so will send my younger son there (hopefully).

I've applied to St Joseph's Academy for my older son. It is the nearest secondary school to me, but because it is Catholic I've had to apply for the 10% of places reserved for the pupils taking the ICT test.

As far as I'm concerned, ALL schools should be deemed desirable, and the intake SHOULD prioritise those closest to the school.”

“Have too agree with Peter from Wallington.... Spot on !”

“Has some of you ever thought about writing a book?”

“Just to clarify what I am trying to say, but perhaps I haven't put my viewpoint across very well.

I believe that children should attend a local school, and that they shouldn't have to travel for miles, sometimes on a train and a bus, just to be educated. In the case of a primary school it should be the one that is physically closest to where they live.

As far as High Schools are concerned then they should be within a reasonable distance from home.

When I was at high school the number of children from outside the borough that went to my school could be counted on the fingers of one hand, now it's over 50% that are from outside the borough, meaning that they have to spend a lot of time travelling to and from school.

Oh and Dave, I don't think you understand what a NIMBY actually is, and the 407 would be no use to me to get into Croydon, being a half hour walk from my house.”

“Apparently my comment didn't go through so I will try again. Apologies if it appears twice.

You will note that the reference is to those students who go to Sutton schools with selective education, rather than those which go to Lambeth schools which doesn't.

It really is infuriating that people expose their prejudices every time that the issue of education is raised. I went to a grammar school and it was appalling. If they were so good, all of them should be getting 100% 5 A*-C, including English and Maths, precisely because they are selective. If you look at the 2009 exam results, you will find that this just is not the case.

I am certainly no lover of Croydon's education policy but to criticise in this way just goes to show how misled parents are as to what makes a good school.

For the record, I taught in an inner London comprehensive school and have recently been asked for a reference by an ex student who is just finishing her degree at the London School of Economics. You don't have to go to selective schools in order to be successful - we also had Cambridge graduates.”

“Isn't it the case that parents will seek a good school for their kids?

If they think that grammar schools - with discipline and academic rigour - are going to give their kids a good chance, they will take that option - if they can - by hok or by crook.
They may rent a flat in Sutton, if necessary!

Seriously, does this tell something about the perceived state of Croydon [and other] schools; that they are not looked at, generally, as desirable for parents who want their kids to do well in life - accountant, pilot, doctor, etc.

There are some very good schools - Coloma is a case in point - but many are the 'local comprehensive', no more.

The grammar school is a way out of the working class - Attlee knew that, but many socialists since have needed to keep a working class as uneducated as possible, dependent on the state - so possibly not actually working - and making up a client state, which will vote Labour.

Cynical and very detrimental to the country and the individuals who lose out. But if, like many of the Left, one is determined to destroythe United Kingdo, and take the 'great' out of Great britain, a few kids not fulfilling thir potential is very small beer indeed.”

“I live in Croydon and go to London specialists for healthcare.”

“lmao we all pay taxes for everyone to get educated you moron.”