Choosing a school for September 16

[nikidi]

We are relocating to London this summer and are looking to enroll our daughters in school for the Sep16, in year 3 and 4.
After writing to almost 40+ independent schools we have got vacancies in Royal Russell, Blackheath High, Bedford Girls school and Prospect house.
(got old palace whitgift, but ruling it out for high academic pressure)

We are looking for good standard of academics (though not wanting high pressure) together with great sports..

with hubby working in canary wharf, which school would be our best pick? Any insights or personal experiences with the schools would be much appreciated!!

[redskytonight]

I would strike Bedford Girls school off your list for logistical reasons. Wherever you live it's either going to a long journey for your daughters, or a long journey for your husband!

[nikidi]

oh.thats dissapointing to hear..was thinking bedford girls looked the perfect choice for us, with the extra curricular and sports being strong.

so i guess that leaves Blackheath high and Royal Russell. any thoughts on these 2 schools would be appreciated!!

[PettsWoodParadise]

Both a very different schools. RR is a co-ed for example. I don't think RR are academically top table but know they are sporty as my DD had fixtures with them when at another school. DD also had a friend who moved from another independent to RR as she was 'encouraged out' of her academic prep - she seemed more comfortable at RR. Blackheath High I only know of via inter GDST events - a good school which is sometimes chosen over the highly competitive Dulwich schools as it does well but not so competitive. Rather second hand info but hopefully better then nothing.

[nikidi]

thnx for the replies! really appreciate it..

being coed is not an issues as they are already in a coed IB school. It will be a change of curriculum and therefore don't want too much academic pressure but would like to have good sports facilities/training especially tennis/ swimming music and arts.

also in terms of neighborhoods - would blackheath or croyden be the better choice?

[nikidi]

oh and we got 'Streathem and clapham highschool' as well..so that's another option too ..but 'good school guide' says that their sports department is lacking...

[PettsWoodParadise]

Depends on your budget for locations. Croydon is a bit of a concrete jungle in the centre but has a variety of cheap and more expensive suburbs. Blackheath is very pricey but there may be cheaper areas nearby but I don't know them. I am a few miles to the East in the borough of Bromley so not far but does mean I can't comment with clarity on other areas. DD was at another GDST school near to us and the they used to meet up with Blackheath High etc. Blackheath High has the better fit for the academically able but still good sports so personally would be my choice (it leverages its network well and understands all-girls education well) over RR but as with all schools it is about fit. DD leaves her GDST school and is heading off to a grammar come September, a pattern followed by some of the Croydon schools although not in grammar areas do loose children at secondary to nearby grammars which may be nothing more than a point of interest for you or may have more interest depending on what your hopes for secondary might be.

[nikidi]

Definitely do not want to be in a concrete jungle !! I was thinking that as we are moving out of the city it will be more countryside ..?!

Budget about £800/week.

[merlottime]

The south of the borough of Croydon (Coulsdon and nearby areas) is far from a concrete jungle. I am sat in my lounge looking at views over the downs in the distance. I'd also say that although Old Palace may like to present itself as an academic highflier, I am not so sure based on girls I know who are there.

[sw15mum]

Prospect House is a good school and Putney is lovely. River, greenery etc - £800w is not a huge amount though rental wise- it depends what you need though.

[Needmoresleep]

Go for Blackheath and try to rent near the DLR. East Greenwich, perhaps Maze Hill near the park. It should be possible to find something within your budget. The journey will be fast and cheap. Indeed you can even walk to Canary Wharf via the foot tunnel, albeit a bit of a trek.