Wimbledon schools

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

Hi everyone.

Due to the addition of a "bulge" year for one year only at our local CofE school in Wimbledon, we have surprisingly received an offer of a place at Bishop Gilpin for our DD.

We have already accepted a place for her at Putney High (one of the GDST schools). I have gone round both schools and think they're both fab.

If money wasn't an issue , which would you choose?

[merrymonsters]

I'd go for the school you can walk to (i.e. Bishop Gilpin). No driving to school, friends will be within walking distance so playdates will be easy. We live very close to our school and it's great. There's a real community around the school, which you'll miss out on if you drive to school.

Save your money for secondary school if you need to go private then.

Well that's what I'd do.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

I agree with you - it would be a real perk being able to walk to school and all the Mums/kids I know who go to that school are lovely.

I suppose I worry that I am being short-sighted. Having read a fair bit of people's opinions on Mumsnet, there seems to be a lot of concerns about the state school system and that some smart kids may not be being developed to reach their potential.

[vanitypear]

ooh you must be very very close to me! My DD is going to Wimbledon High.
Putney is a great school and hard to get into - your DD must be really bright - but I would be very tempted to go for BG. People rave about it - several neighbours in my street have had kids go on from there to Study, King's etc and have been very pleased with it. And I am definitely putting my little boy down for it. being local was quite a factor for me - having local friends and playdates etc. Don't have personal experience as DD is not at school but that is my instinct based on the local chat I've heard! You can always reconsider at 7. Good luck.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

When I went to Bishop Gilpin yesterday, it made my DH and I feel so happy. Strange word, I know. But the teachers smiled instinctively as you walked past, the parents in the school playground were all chatting to each other relaxed and smiling and the facilities were fab. It just seemed like a really healthy place to educate your child.

But then I woke up during the night, thinking about the fact that DD would have to pass an assessment later to get into the school she has already got into i.e. Putney High. What if she didn't get into it later? I'd feel like I had let her down. What about the benefits of staying in the same school - if she went to PH now, she would stay with the same girls/teachers possibly till she was 18.

If she was a boy, I would definitely send her/him to BG as the schools I would want the boys to go to don't start till they are minimum 7, but this isn't the case with girls....

[wheelsonthebus]

There can be disadvantages to attending a girls only school for your entire education, especially from as young as five. Can make some feel like they are totally cooped up, and I think variety - at least attending two schools - can be a very good thing. I agree with those who say 'save for private secondary and go local'. It means your dd has friends in nearby streets, BG is a highly regarded school, and if your dd is bright, she will get in at 11 - with or without a bit of tutoring.

[wheelsonthebus]

13 years (ie age 5 to 18) is a long time attending the same school. I remember myself! (not Putney but another GDST school)

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

Another really valid point! Crumbs - let's hope DH can have more clarity on this issue because I am spinning faster than a yo-yo.

[vanitypear]

I heard from one Putney High mum they (like many GDST) send warnings if the girls aren't doing as well as expected and may not make it to senior school, and one year up to half seemed to get the warnings! So I am sure there are spaces when they are assessed for entry at 11. The 4+ assessments are very hit and miss as they are so young. I'm sure there'll be a space if she's doing well at 11. Plus you will have plenty of cash left over for extra tutoring... that said, Putney is a lovely school, and v academic, so it is a v difficult choice... I just preferred W High as it is walking distance from us so we didn't try for BG. I may for DS though as it does have such a great reputation.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

We are now leaning towards BG - the idea of getting three kids in the car at 8 to get over to putney in time does not appeal!

[wheelsonthebus]

If you did get a weekly tutor in, at London prices (not assuming you'll need one of course), it will cost circa £1,750 a year against £9,387 you would have paid a year in fees