CLSG vs Highgate Sixth Form

[rheafern]

Not yet there, but hopeful and trying to be ready if we find ourselves in the lucky position to have to choose between the two. DD goes to a co-ed Grammar that has been quite disappointing. She would prefer Highgate as it’s co-ed, DH prefers CLSG and I’m thorn between the two. DS goes to CLS, is thriving academically and has made great friends. He’s never been into Sports and is now part of a competitive team, a real transformation all due to the opportunities and encouragement he received from the school. We don’t think DD will have comparable experiences as there are only two years left, but we have high hopes for a better school experience for her. She’s good in Sports and very driven. My only concern is that she recoiled socially a bit in the last couple of years as she was never really into going to parties or experimenting with drinks and drugs (and unfortunately there was quite a bit of that going on). She was also unfortunately the target of a lot of harassment from boys. All that made her isolate herself a bit and she was just starting to get closer to a new group when the first lockdown came. So my feeling is that she could do with being in a new co-Ed environment rather than a girls-only one. But I’m not really sure what she’ll actually find in Highgate. Is there anyone here with experience on one or the other? And, generally, would you say those last two years are worth the investment (we are, let’s say, 80% decided)? How difficult it is to make friends at this stage? From what I could gather, CLSG will be slightly better academically, but what about the overall school experience? I heard CLSG loses quite a lot of girls to mixed schools at Sixth Form. Is there a typical profile that stays behind? Do they tend to make friendships with girls and boys from other schools? Can anyone help? Thanks very much!!

[Sophoa]

My only concern is that she recoiled socially a bit in the last couple of years as she was never really into going to parties or experimenting with drinks and drugs (and unfortunately there was quite a bit of that going on

If you think that’s not going on at Highgate then you’ll be in for a shock. There is a serious amount of money at Highgate. Obviously lots of normal affluent families too but some who are on a whole other level. CLSG is much more grounded but I’m not crazy about single sex at any time and especially not at 6th form. Did you consider UCS or Channing or is it too late. Lots of partying at both those schools too:

[rheafern]

Thanks, @Sophoa. No, we haven’t considered any other schools and I’m sure now it’s too late. Apart from CLSG, we considered Highgate as it’s not too far from us. I don’t mind the parties and wouldn’t be so alarmed if she tried a drink here and there. But she didn’t want any of that. We feel lucky but there’s also a cost. As for the super wealthy families at Highgate, not ideal, but not a huge problem in my view unless that goes along with excessive, reckless behaviour. I haven’t heard about that though.

[flipflopping]

There's a real mix at both schools- some kids partying, some kids from super-rich families (not necessarily the same kids), some who'd rather not do any of that at this stage, most from more ordinary families (although of course affording the fees means quite affluent). I'm sure she would find her niche at either.

In your shoes, I'd focus on where she'd be happier rather than academics, as the difference between the schools academically is fairly marginal. Highgate has fantastic sports facilities, if that's a factor. CLSG has a great location for taking advantage of London's culture (assuming things get back to normal soon!) I think there are more Highgate kids who live local to Highgate than CLSG who live local to CLSG- might make it easier to make friends if you're also a North Londoner.