My DD was offered a place at Alleyns in Yr7 which we declined after a lot of discussion between ourselves and others. I quite liked the more relaxed approach at the time. Now she is a teenager I am glad we chose elsewhere.
It has an interesting admissions policy: 50% exam and 50% interview. Open to much interpretation. Also, kids from junior school automatically go up; strong sibling policy (never known one not to get in) and strong preference given to those who have any kind of connection with the school now or in the past. They also keep the school 50/50. A couple very interesting questions are also asked for on the application form regarding the parents. The above is borne out by the offers and helps explain some of the mystery why some and not others get in. Given that it is one of the few co ed independent schools and that it has this so called trendy image there are a large numbers of applicants. I feel it is easier for a boy with no connection with the school to get in than a girl as many boys prefer DC. I heard that the new head is trying to attract more clever girls and that together with the comment made re the new sink or swim attitude may explain why my dd got in on the first batch rather than a waiting list place, as we had no previous connection with the school (Nor are we media type, well known or monied, although professional) The admission system leads to more mixed ability school and this is reflected in their GCSES results (although still good) with more non academic subjects offered. It is very 'blond' although this is more to with personal preference of single sex schools by black and Asian families than anything else.
However, how you look there and act is quite important with lots of make up, long hair and eye watering skirt lengths, even in the lower years. A friend whose dd has just done her GCSEs at Aleyns did say that their dd had definitely been distracted by the social aspect of the school. Their A level results seem to be boosted by attracting in clever kids into their 6th from from elsewhere who want to experience co ed prior to uni.Also, there is something in the recent inspection report re some aspect of its teaching. I'm not sure what was meant but for them to actually mention it is rather odd.
My dd says she doesn't like the way the yr7 and yr 8 are physically separated from the rest of the school; the dirtiness of the changing rooms and the way some of the kids behave. all interesting comments coming from her.
On balance it is a very good school, it definately attracts some very monied parents ( I can imagine it can be very cliquey) many rave about it and if you want co ed it is the best in the area. i am not sure that Alleyns is best known for its sport, especially for boys. Parents with boys who looked at the school in the past have actually commented on its lack of boy specific sport. They tend to favour DC or Whiftgift.