Why aren't CLGS girls going to the US like some of the Hammersmith peers?

[Panchali1]

CLGS is known to academically tops, as their results attest to.. Girls going into every field from medicine to history. However why don't they have any track record in sending their successful ambassadors abroad like some of th Hammersmith schools are.

[Reincarnatedpig]

The girls I know at the west London schools who have gone to the US are from expat families or have a US parent.

[Panchali1]

That being said St. Paul's ( boys) sends a good number over and a mix of backgrounds- english, expats etc.. The only girls school seem to be G&l and spgs

[Needmoresleep]

I agree, catchment. Larger numbers of American expats in west London.

Though schools like Putney High and Latymer Upper have successfully sent pupils to good American colleges. if this is your aim you might be best off with either one of the American schools or with SPGS or G&L. The former has a very large number of American and international parents, who tend to be very active and influential within the school. G&L offers IB which, with its broader approach, is seen as a better preparation for both American and European Universities.

The alternative is a switch to either Westminster or KCS at sixth form. Westminster has a great track record with American colleges and will pick up a few girls each year who have moved with the aim of then studying in the States. KCS offers IB.

One thing to watch out for is the need for extra-curricular. American colleges seem to want to see high level music, sport and leadership as well as top class academics. Organised parents start early. Some children's weekend schedules are astonishing. Even at primary it is not just academic tutors (for that all important SPGS place), but music teachers and sports coaching. I know nothing about Harvard, but wonder what the impact is of all these coached and prepped kids. At a recent talk on American University entry, the speaker suggested that the EC requirements for British-based applicants tended to be lower than for those already in the States, as it was recognised that they will not have had the same opportunities. Having witnessed some of the London frenzy, I dread to think what it is like over there. But then competition for places at world ranked institutions is massive. Harvard has an astonishing ratio of very well qualified applicants to places. If you are really intent on Ivy League as opposed to considering some other very good but less well known institutions, beating the competition will be much more than finding the right secondary school.

[Panchali1]

Thank you for that helpful reply. I agree about the extra bells and whistles needed for the ivies...however I can only plan one step at a time. My dd is in the fortunate position of having offers from latymer, G&l , and cgsl.. We Don't want spgs as it appears to have a bunch of possible issues- trying to decide which will give her the space to explore extra curricular, and do well, and choose what she finds interesting, rather than be pressurised into taking courses ensuring the schools A star record..

Still wondering if clgs sends girls to the us?

Is G&L a softer option than the above with greater success ?

[Eastpoint]

Let her go to the school closest to your home so she has time to do the extra curricular activities without restriction. Please let the schools where you are declining places know as soon as possible so other pupils may be offered the opportunity to attend. I'm not familiar with CLSG as it is too long a commute but the difference between the other two schools is mainly mixed or single sex. Which does your daughter prefer? I don't believe any of the schools at this level push you into doing subjects for the league tables, all the pupils will be capable. At Latymer they select which pupils are allowed to do triple science, I don't know whether G&L does.

[Needmoresleep]

Ask the schools about University destinations. Remember City has quite a small sixth form so absolute numbers going anywhere will be smaller.

At this level the best school for your child will be the one that suits them best. Journey, culture etc. There is a very bad habit in West London of parents ranking schools (and colleges and just about everything - with the assumption your child should be the best and have the best - exaggeration but at times almost offensive when kids then tell other kids that their school is ranked more highly than another's as if this means they are in some way superior). Some of these schools will be taking in a slightly wider academic range, but all will have a good proportion of clever kids and all should do well by them. They obviously each have a different feel, and girls probably pick up where they feel more at home. I know people who rave about G&L and how nurturing it is, whilst others prefer the more robust atmosphere of a co-ed.

All will also be capable of getting children into good American colleges. My guess is that G&L will have more experience, simply because of catchment and IB. And that given it is quite a different process, experience matters.

(G&L seems to host a number of talks by visiting US admissions people, to which pupils from other schools are invited. But other schools do as well.)

Sport is generally not high standard at G&L, though in fairness they have a reputation for encouraging participation. Latymer rowing could be of the right level. Perhaps their hockey if supplemented by some Club training. Latymer has strong swimming, and will soon have a 6 lane swimming pool, though they allow pupils from other schools to share some of the before and after school sessions. (SPGS, LEH and Putney High all play lacrosse which is a minority sport in the UK but popular with US colleges, and where it is is not too difficult to achieve a regional or national ranking.) Both schools do music well and have a joint orchestra. City don't have much of a sports reputation as far as I know, but have good music.

Both G&L and City regularly send girls to Westminster for sixth form. Two of the G&L girls we knew were American and both went on to good Ivy Leagues.