Italianmama, what do you mean by rigid?
Charterhouse, based on visiting for matches, plus the experience of a friend's son, is absolutely beautiful and the sixth form is challenging, stimulating and fun. I was not aware that entry was particularly hard for a bright child. I also assume it is relatively easier to get into a school where girls are only admitted for sixth from. You also have the advantage then that all the girls are new so cliques have not formed.
Our experience was that Westminster was almost the opposite of rigid. I suspect it would not be much fun if you were struggling with the pace, but for a academic child who likes having bright peers and challenging teaching it is almost perfect. There is a lot going on, and you are in central London so scope to attend external lectures or visit art galleries or whatever your interests are, with friends (day or boarding) to go with. You are right though in that competition is tough. But for the right child it can be the perfect school.
Vocab:
- Marmite is a sandwich spread made from yeast extract, that people either love or loath. The same goes for Bedales. Some people love it, others hate it, but most have an opinion. It has a reputation for being arty and liberal.
- Mallory Towers is a series by Enid Blyton set in a girls boarding school. Girls get up to all sorts of terrific "japes" and it is all a bit "jolly hockey sticks". If your idea of boarding school is lots of space to run around, lots of energetic sports, and pillow fights in the dormitory, with most staying weekends, you are probably best looking well outside the London commuter belt.
In terms of looking, go and see a few as soon as you can, and it will help narrow down what you are looking for. Plus give you an idea of how likely your daughter is of getting a place, given presumably, she will be coming from the Italian system.
As for Marlborough and Rugby being snooty. I have no idea about Marlborough though would want to be reassured about the impact of the "Kate factor". I don't think Rugby has that reputation.
In terms of academics all these schools will take in bright kids who then do very well. To a large extent overall league table places will depend on how selective the school is in the first place. If there take a bigger range leavers destinations may stretch from Oxbridge to catering college, but not necessarily a bad thing. A good school is one which allows each child to realise their potential.
The Leys is a long established school in Cambridge, originally founded by the Quakers. They, and Bootham in York, would be good bets if you find some of the bigger name schools are wary of taking in a child from a very different educational system. Cambridge and York are both good places to live in, and both schools boast of good leavers destinations.