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Secondary education

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Original poster

St Catherine's in Twickenham

36 replies

Horace123 · 30/01/2017 06:29

My DD has an offer at Surbiton which we are delighted about. We are hoping to receive one from St Catherine's too. They are very different schools and I would appreciate feedback on St Catherine's from any current parents. We like the fact that it is small and it feels as though girls will fulfill their potential academically.

OP posts:
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IrinaB · 08/03/2019 13:51

Hi all, we’ve got a call from st Catherine school Twickenham to offer us a place. We accepted it happily. Does anyone what happens next? Are they sending letters, emails with instructions of what to do next? I haven’t got anything ever since they called few days ago? I emailed them and also got no response. Any parents with children at this school could let me know please? Thank you

Arubi18 · 21/10/2018 12:52

Thanks in advance

Arubi18 · 21/10/2018 12:42

Hello, will be grateful for any advice on what the 11+ entry exams to St Catherine is like

nerbek · 20/09/2018 08:45

That's brillant is your once they are happy that's the main thing

montenuit · 20/09/2018 07:57

St Catherine's get fantastic results - they work the girls quite hard which has been a shock to many of DDs friends who go there. Lots of homework etc.. But clearly this is how they get the results they do!

Wheresthebeach · 19/09/2018 15:27

My daughter is in top sets for most subjects and we don't tutor at all. She had tutors in primary, but the small class size at st catherines has really suited her so she has moved up sets over the years.

nerbek · 19/09/2018 15:10

I just registered my daughter for St Catherines, but also going to visit Surbiton, LEH, Putney High, Radnor House etc...i have to say all your reviews have really helped me hence why i've gone out and registered with St Catherines first. I'm seen them all. My dd is not so academic so not looking for a hot house with presure, just need her to progress with plenty of pastoral care and help. At the moment she's in state school and i have to get an english and maths tutors for her just to get her prepared for the 11+ exams. In St Catherines and others the last thing i want to do is have to pay for tutors as the fees are already so high in london. Does anyone have any experience here?

thank alot

montenana · 28/08/2017 11:07

Congrats to your dd vitasha
What are you concerned about re making friends?

II live close by. Ethnically speaking, St C is very mixed, definitely not all white blonde girls!

vitasha · 26/08/2017 10:20

My daughter is an only child. Will be attending St. Catherine Twickenham. She is from a mixed race background.

Just wondering what is like for her to make friends there.

At the moment, she has no friends and very bored when we go to the park.

Peanutbutterrules · 05/02/2017 20:20

Funny...DD has a bit of a journey to St Caths...rather wish she was closer/walking distance due to longish days and making it a bit easier to see friends...meh...as long as its the right school its all swings and roundabouts.

FernetBranca · 05/02/2017 11:31

As an aside, I definitely agree with the concept of a secondary school being too close. We live about a 3 minute walk away from one of the girls schools listed on here and although it wasn't the only reason, DH and I decided not even to apply for DD partly as it was just going to be too claustrophobic.

I ama firm believer in an easy journey being imprtand but by that I mean do'able. I genuinely believe that negotiating public transport and a bit of occasional loafing around in a different shopping centre is also a good learning experience, all other things being equal.

amidawish · 05/02/2017 11:01

i know. i have a yr8 dd. i only applied to schools with easy journeys!

SHS has a coach door to door so the journey is easy.
St C is walking distance (probably too close to home, dd's world would be very small. good for a couple of years then very claustrophobic)

i would have applied for SWPS but it is just too far away.

Peanutbutterrules · 05/02/2017 10:42

The journey does make a difference - esp if they do after school clubs or sports. In Yr 7 they are shattered.

amidawish · 05/02/2017 09:31

anyone who isn't a scholar and hasn't come from the junior school will find it more of a challenge to get noticed

this is my exact fear re choosing SHS. The year groups seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

And to throw another in the mix, am hoping for a KGS offer this Friday Confused of course it may be a no letter but if it is an offer i genuinely will be in a pickle.

Peanutbutterrules · 05/02/2017 01:00

I'm popping back on to say I think they are very different schools. St Cathy is a small school v Surbiton which is really quite big. Go with what you think is best for your daughter. See the recent ISI report of St Cathy if you need reassurance!

DameVanillaSugar · 04/02/2017 19:37

SHS is owned by a company called United Learning who own about 14 independent schools and 22 academies. They are commited to excellence, the ethos is "the best in everyone" and the teachers and Senior Leadership Team are always taking part in the most up-to-date training courses and education techniques. They encourage their staff to take MAs. Can you tell I used to work for United Learning?😀 PM me if you want more info.

That said, go with your gut feeling.

Cath2 · 04/02/2017 19:15

The teaching at SHS is amazing, you know they are being taught by the best. At all these schools the drama and sports scholars get to be in the top teams and school productions - anyone who isn't a scholar and hasn't come from the junior school will find it more of a challenge to get noticed. I felt the dance opportunities were better at SHS for my dd but she misses having swimming on the curriculum. There are spaces in the clubs, the problem is the clashing timetable - you have to make choices from day 1.

Original poster
Horace123 · 04/02/2017 17:07

I was very impressed with SHS - inspiring teachers, two lovely girls took us around the school, friendly atmosphere, great facilities. I just have at the back of my mind that DD will not get clubs she wants, never get a good part in a show, always be in a low team, not actually know the head mistress etc. Not for any reason other than that's it's a very big school with well over 1,000 students. St Catherine's has 408 in the school so she'll be a much bigger fish. I know most people would choose SHS because it's perceived as "better" but we are leaning towards St C. Now that their sixth form is well established I think they'll go from strength to strength.

OP posts:
amidawish · 04/02/2017 16:16

I can see how SHS is amazing for super sporty girls etc.. what about the average girl?

amidawish · 04/02/2017 16:15

StC is a much easier journey for us.
Do you find SHS very big? Do the girls get lots of opportunities or do you need to be the best of the best / very pushy?

Cath2 · 04/02/2017 16:02

I had the same decision last year and went for SHS as it's an easier journey for dd. They are very different schools, returning to SHS for an open day for Offers should help as it's aimed at helping you make your mind up.

amidawish · 04/02/2017 15:27

Good news here too. Surbiton or St Catherine's, what a dilemma. Both such different schools.

Original poster
Horace123 · 04/02/2017 13:24

Good news from St Catherine's this morning, absolutely delighted. Fingers crossed for those expecting St Catherine's and Putney letters.

OP posts:
DameVanillaSugar · 31/01/2017 12:14

Pasty Kensit is an old girl. Just putting that thought there for no reason at all other than I just remembered it.

MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 31/01/2017 12:08

It's good to hear St C's is doing well. I'm an old girl form a long time ago.

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