Lady Margaret School, Parsons Green

We know a lot of parents with girls there. Very mixed reviews. Some thrive there, some really really don't. It seems if you 'fit' all is good.

Please read the google reviews by the pupils because they show the school has many faults - it’s not a good school. No other school in the area can boast such POOR reviews by its OWN pupils.

Yes, one of the best state schools in the area!

The pupils know first hand how the school really is - despite the glossy image. If they criticise the school and are unhappy and are all voicing the same opinion - that the school is racist and it has scarred them for life because they have been belittled - it’s because this is what they have experienced. If they are all voicing the same opinion then it cannot be ignored - there is obviously something very wrong and troubling behind the school doors.

I live v close to LM - rest assured the google reviews are written by disgruntled leavers (pupils) with a vendetta. It's a big problem with google reviews of schools
It's a highly sought after school round here. The lady that runs the big tutoring company in Fulham once told that lots of Ken Prep mums go and visit LM to rule it out and end up applying there. And they can be a choosy bunch!

Direct experience of being a racist school. The teachers purposefully put black and ethnic minorities at the front of the class - making you feel that you are a trouble maker. They are not supportive to ethnic minorities and make you feel that you are not good enough by not picking you to answer questions or picking you to represent anything. You are selectively and purposefully left out. Do not apply here if you are from an ethnic minority.

Pipandmum, my understanding is that many state schools with high entry standards aren't actually very oversubscribed in Sixth Form, girls at Lady M come from far and wide for Sixth Form, they come in by train from Chiswick, Richmond etc.. I assume in a tie breaker, distance counts, but unless you live really far, I wouldn't worry.

On what basis do they admit girls to sixth form? Is it just on gcse marks or because it is a state school does distance to school count?

My daughter has just completed her GCSE's at Lady M. She hasn't had a great time there, no bullying, but lots of snobbery and elitism..I don't usually write on forums but I do feel that she was hung out to dry by the school for not being academically brilliant...they switched off any support once this became apparent..if your daughter is very very bright she will flourish there and get plenty of attention, otherwise the School has very little interest in nurturing or supporting the child for the future..having said that it did enable my daughter to be in a beautiful, traditional all girls' school with high standards and all of her friends have been lovely.

Celeriacacaca, that sounds very good! Could you share a bit about your DD's experience in year 7? How does it work in the first year when they are not set for Maths or English? Would the more advanced children learn anything new in that year? How do they make sure the kids progress in a class of 30 who are probably ranging from level3/4 to level 6 when they start?

Thank you! Very positive response. I

Current parent of y10. Very happy with the school. DD has thrived here academically and socially. As it’s a smaller school the girls seem to know others in different years, and they look out for each other. Poor behaviour is dealt with firmly but not boot camp style like other DC’s school.

New head is now making her mark to steer it even more academically. She seems good. DD says it’s very uncool not to study- and just said why wouldn’t you want to work! She has a lovely time, great social life but works hard and has time for sport, debating and other activities. Girls are allowed phones but not to use them at school.

Haven’t seen evidence of impact of cuts. Very strong PTA and this provides funding for other opportunities.

Even before DD started I was impressed by the young women I met who were at the school and I continue to be impressed with the girls who are there now.

bumping this as I have the same questions as testbunny.

Hello

Resurrecting this thread with the hope that current parents can tell me a bit more about the school. I have a few specific questions about the academics that would really help:

• how have the funding cuts affected the school? I see from the website that they don't set in Maths and English until Yr8. Not sure whether this is a recent thing, but also that they have the same group of girls are in the same set for Maths and English when they get to Year 8
• are the sciences all taught in one lesson? are they set?
• how is bad / distracting behaviour in class dealt with nowadays?
• is it cool to learn, and not just amongst the quiet, clever, studious girls!
• what is the policy on phones / social media?

Anything else I should know??

Thank you!

Oh, yes, my mistake, she said 15 year old.

Graveney is in Wandsworth and lots of people from wandsworth go to LMS so there will definitely be people who at least have some second hand knowledge of both schools. I think the OP is looking at sixth forms so will have slightly different entrance requirements anyway.

Do you meet the entry criteria for either school? How have you applied from outside the country? It is very unlikely that anyone could compare the two schools as they are miles apart!

Graveney is a very good school, London has loads of very good secondary schools.

I will try and send you a message!

Their intake at year 7 is around half church places and half non church. Most of the people I know there have 'church' places as where we live they wouldn't get in on the open places. Basically this means they probably went to a church primary school and continue to go to church fairly regularly but in general the c of e churches round here are pretty liberal, open minded etc.
I really wouldn't worry about the religious aspect or general ethos.

I know one family who have three DDs who went/are going there. They have all been very happy with it AFAIK.

Two things I remember - a) they are very strict about uniform etc and b) you have to be seriously observant to qualify (all faith places?).

They didn't say anything about 'how religious' the school is, but pretty much the whole places shares the same faith-based world picture, or at least is totally familiar with it and comfortable around it.