As the Tiffin deadline looms, is there a girls SW London grammars / indies thread yet?

@SWLondonGirl - Thank you so much for the feedback, very helpful and much appreciated. I have heard from another parent that the communication with parents, isn't that great ? May I ask if you also feel this way ? Thanks

@littlemisslucky2 - Thank you. My journey would be easier to LEH as they have so many coaches. I don't think "Now" LEH have a type, I think they did a few years back, hence why they have this reputation. I think as long as the child wants to learn, they will fit in, I have seen may different types there these days. Yes there are a variety of mix abilities at Surbiton, and I get the impression they are a more nurturing school, with a very good reputation to go with it. However academically they''re not as successful as LEH specially at A'level stage. Also what I like at LEH is you are put in sets of girls with the same level of ability in all the core subjects. As far as I'm aware Surbiton don't do this, they only have Set 1 and the rest are mixed ability classes, so potentially if you're a clever girl but not in set 1, then you might fall behind as the work has to be done at a certain pace for all the children. But again saying that, I have also heard nothing but wonderful things about Surbiton… It's such a difficult decision!

LEH parent here. My DD also had an academic scholarship at another school but decided to choose LEH. She has been there for a while now and is still absolutely thriving. Academically it is very strong but I would never call it a hothouse. The girls are motivated to do well and set high standards for themselves but the school actively tries to keep the stress levels for the girls down and the Head is very aware of the pressures these ambitious and high achieving girls put on themselves.
The school actively encourages the girls to participate in all the school has to offer which is truly extensive. My DD has a full schedule of extracurricular activities all of which cater for girls of all levels.
For sport the school put together teams for as many girls as want to play and there are fixtures for all teams as long as they can find other schools with equivalent level teams. The music department is amazing and inclusive. There are so many orchestras, groups, choirs - some at a very high standard requiring audition and others open to all - there really is something for everyone. The drama department is also superb and there always seems to be a production of some sort going on. The link with Hampton School is great and they join together for some music groups and drama productions.
Pastorally I have always been very happy and the school have always responded very quickly and effectively with the few concerns I have had relating to my DD.
In terms of type of girl, there is an enormous mix of personality so I wouldn’t overthink that too much.
Overall it is a fanatasic and well rounded school and I am very pleased we chose it for DD.

Surely go for the easier journey, but I guess it depends how much harder the journey to Surbiton is? I thought LEH took another class last year, so with that number of girls, surely all of them can't be sporty, confident types?? They do lacrosse, not hockey, if that makes a difference. Surbiton is a lovely school. We saw them all and it was our favourite of the girls schools. Girls I know there are happy. I don't know anyone at LEH, though. One thing to think about is the 'campus' aspect of LEH, ie, not near a town for shopping, coffees etc, all of which girls love (during breaks between clubs, events etc). Mind you, LEH girls cope, and will save you money

Congrats PLD11 on the LEH offer. We are in the same dilemma (not with a Surbiton scholarship though!) and I preferred the atmosphere at Surbiton although LEH has always been the frontrunner with a much easier journey. My other concern is whether LEH has a type of very confident, sporty girl that my dd might not fit in with as she’s more of an introvert. Would she be happier at Surbiton where there is possibly more of a mix of abilities? Last week after the Surbiton offer I spoke to a current parent who raves about the school. It’s such a difficult decision. What are the journeys like for you?

Hi Everyone, many congrats to everyone who received an offer from LEH. My DD also received an offer. It has been my fav school for many years (mainly for the facilities and connections to Hampton boy) . However I have heard many mixed stories. Do any of you know any girls that already attend LEH, and might be able to give us some inside feedback ? We were also offered a place from Surbiton (with a scholarship) and all the teachers/ staff and girls are so warm, kind and approachable. From my many visits to LEH open days, I didn't feel like this.

I think WHS are fairly clear that the VR and NVR are the core deciding factors and my instinct is anyone showing a real spark at the creative assessment may have bumped themselves up the list. Although you have to wonder why they would go to all that bother if it didn’t make much of a difference? I understand that they have offered “conservatively” this year, although I’m pretty sure they do every year since they had to put on a 5th class one year. But it does seem to mean they quite often go to wait list. Anyone on the wait list have they actually told you what third your DD falls in as they said they would?

Thanks everyone. Gathering opinions of the schools is useful. St Cats was our back up but I do like the small, friendly feel of it. I also know people who turned down SHS for St Cats. Interesting that SHS don’t do Food tech which my dd loves. I didn’t realise that. DD not particularly sporty but it is handy that LEH have facilities on site and it’s also our nearest school. I’m just worried about its hothouse reputation and whether dd would fit in with the rest of the girls as she’s fairly quiet and coming from a state school.

“Do pm me” not “do on me.”

Sorry for typos

I know there is a right school for everyone, and everyone will find their place, but littlemisslucky2 surely if your DD has offers from LEH, SHS and St. Catherine's, and is still awaiting results from Tiffin, then she is a very clever girl! You can probably immediately discount St. Catherine's, as that is lots of people's back up school (though it is lovely and the right school for some). SHS is great too, but unless the fit really wasn't right, then surely you'd pick LEH (or maybe Tiffin if you get an offer). I don't now whether you are coming from prep or state, but you've sat a good selection of schools to find your 'place' (and come out top!). Well done to your DD.

Congrats to everyone in the LEH offers. I hear it’s a fantastic school. Well done to all the DDs.

On another note, I have 2 close friends and a nextdiir neighbour with DDs at St Cats. There have been a lot of issues since the new head arrived and U would really urge caution. One friend was in tears following a cinversyTiin with the school the other day. I can’t go into details in here, but do on me. Many people are desperately looking for alternatives as there is no longer any SEN support in the school.

Littlemisslucky, congrats to your dd, 3 great schools. Have you considered the sport? No hockey at LEH & boat club in Sunbury, SHS sport based at HW with collection from netball & hockey club at 6pm, boat house in Teddington, no swimming. Swimming at St Cats but no dance when I viewed a few years ago. iPads heavily used at SHS & included in the fees, iPads a fees extra at LEH & more expensive fees to start with. No food tech at SHS. LEH link with Hampton boys for school productions, Cadets etc. The list is endless but I expect you will use journey times, academic expectations & friendship groups in the end to make your decision. Best of luck & congrats again, you must be so proud.

What is a lovey position to be in Sweet! The IQ puzzles at LEH was really interesting, its like one of the many 3D smart games.

That’s interesting @sweetandhappy - mine said she didn’t speak 1-1 with any of the adults. She was offered a place tho. It just feels a bit more haphazard. I have no idea how they weight the NVR/VR with this creative observation and task.

Many congratulations to everyone who has heard today!

I mean she said she chatted with someone in the break, she wasn't too sure who.

After the WHS creative day I asked my DD if she had been interviewed and she said no. I then asked if she had chatted 1:1 with any of the staff and she said yes. Apparently she was asked about what book she was reading at the moment, her hobbies etc so I think they did actually interview but the girls were unaware and not very self-conscious about it.

WHS exam this year was reasonably similar to the last few years I think? It's just now done in 2 stages and they've fleshed out the 'creative' bit. I don't think they've done individual interviews for a few years?

LEH, SHS or St Catherine’s in Twickenham. I like them all for different reasons and dd isn’t sure on her favourite! Nice position to be in I agree.

That’s brilliant news @littlemiss ! What are you choosing between? I lose track!

Flume - she found the interview pretty hard and struggled with the IQ puzzles but obviously did the necessary for a place. We’re so proud we now have 3 offers to choose from (also waiting for Tiffin but she really didn’t enjoy the exam day so I’m not sure whether she would want to go there even if offered a place!). Some tough decisions to make....

@FlumePlume you are right that WHS was a very different system. Which is on purpose to try and take tutoring out of the equation. What I did find odd was there was no 1-1 interview. Just observing them in a group situation.