Experience of Latymer Upper School or Godolphin and Latymer?

[SlimeSlimeEverywhere]

We need to choose between these two schools for our DD and I would really appreciate hearing from any current parents at either school.

We liked both schools for different reasons. LUS seemed more down to earth, more of a mix of pupils and less old fashioned but G&L felt more nurturing. Its very hard to choose and DD does not want to make the choice herself.

[hardboiled]

I think it's a question of deciding co-ed versus girls only. Also, does she have a "gut" instinct towards one the schools? When she imagines herself in both schools, which image creates more excitement, makes her happier? She may have a preference and not be aware she does IYKWIM. DS is very happy at LU but it was a perfect fit for him. He had a choice of several schools but seemed to know the answer.

[WestLondon2]

Congratulations on those offers! We prefer LU as want a co-Ed school for our DD. Also G&L has a new head and bound to make changes... the unknown scared us. The swimming pool and drama at Latymer were also a big plus for us.

[SlimeSlimeEverywhere]

Thank you both.

DD goes to a state primary and I think she is slightly drawn to LUS because she is used to co-ed and because LUS has a much bigger cohort of state school children (DD actually asked both schools for their state school intake, G&L was around 20% and LUS around 45%). On the other hand G&L has slightly better results and I do think the nurturing environment felt very safe and comforting.

[SlimeSlimeEverywhere]

Bumping just in case this thread catches the eye of any current parents of either school.

[LetBygones]

My daughter started at G&L last September. She had been at a state primary. She absolutely loves it: the extracurricular opportunities are terrific and she is enjoying the all-girl environment. The 'nurturing' reputation seems well- deserved from what I've experienced so far.

[Needmoresleep]

"On the other hand G&L has slightly better results"

Don't take this as a given:

1. Entry to LU has become steadily more competitive over the past 7 years, which will reflect in future not current results.
   
2. The presence of clever boys probably means that LU maths and science are stronger, even if overall the diligent girls at G&L may get better results.
   
3. The fact that G&L offers IB is a real plus for some, including those considering University overseas. It also makes overall results between the two schools difficult to compare.
   

Able children will do well at either, which I think leads to a decision based on feel. Where do you, or your DD, feel most at home. For my sciency, sporty, natural co-ed, DD it was a pretty obvious choice. But she knew girls who might have been happier in a more nurturing environment.

[SlimeSlimeEverywhere]

Those are good points NeedMore. I have certainly got the impression that LUS has become more and more competitive over the last few years and that may well boost its results.

I am drawn to the IB at G&L but an interesting thing happened to DD this morning. She found out that her offer at City had expired. Now this does not matter as we were never going to accept it due to distance but it scared her as she thought other offers may expire. She begged me to call LUS to accept before they could withdraw the offer. So I guess that shows where she really wants to go.

[hardboiled]

It certainly does slime Good luck to her and well done.

[Mumofthree1976]

Hello slime - I have a DD in Year 8 at GL and she is thriving there. She started off as a shy girl and whilst it took a term to firm the friendships and get used to the independence and travel etc she is now loving the drama, music and the sport on offer. The school have really helped her overcome her shyness and whilst she’s not the loudest in her class - she has certainly found the right group of girls who are similar to her. She plays a lot of sport, has found a real love for music and drama and art and manages her studies well at the same time. Yes there is the usual cohort of chauffeur driven girls but it is such a big school that it is easy to find girls who are similar. I would look around both schools again and go with what your DD wants. Both are amazing schools and it all just comes down to coed vs all girls. GL also seems better at sport as my DD played fixtures against all SW schools since joining but played LU only once a few weeks ago and did say that the LU team didn’t appear to be that sporty. But this could just be a blip. Good luck with your choices.