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Original poster

SW London Independents - good pastoral care?

39 replies

WhatMeghanWants · 05/09/2019 16:31

Hi - we're shortlisting schools for DD (just started Y6) and I'm trying to find out how the following schools fare on the pastoral side.

DD is bright but is a bit of a worrier and can lack confidence, so a supportive environment will be key. She's not musical or especially sporty but is interested in drama.

We've been recommended a (long) list of schools and I'd be really grateful if anyone can shed light on which are particularly hot on pastoral care. Or if there are others I've not included.

Wimbledon HS
Putney HS
Francis Holland SW1
G&L
Surbiton
Emanuel
Ibstock Place
Kew House
Kingston Grammar
St James' Girls
Harrodian
St John's Leatherhead

Thank you v v much!

OP posts:
christmas2020 · 06/09/2019 12:13

Very pleased with pastoral care at WHS. There's only 1 girl I think from DD's year from Barnes though as the journey isn't great.

JoJoSM2 · 06/09/2019 12:08

Sutton High would probably be up to an hour via Clapham Junction so not nearly as convenient as some other schools.

In terms of girls coming from further afield, I haven’t heard of many from your neck of the woods. Quite a few come from Wimbledon or Surbiton/Kingston as well as South London and Surrey.

mummyinatizz · 06/09/2019 11:51

Ah didn't realise you were that far west. Most girls at SCHS are fairly local school. best of luck!

Original poster
WhatMeghanWants · 06/09/2019 11:46

@mummyinatizz - I've heard lots of good things about Streatham & Clapham HS, but it's a bit of a trek from Barnes so didn't really consider it.

@JoJoSM2 I really liked Sutton High, but again thought it was a bit far. Do you happen to know if there are many girls from Barnes/Mortlake there?

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatMeghanWants · 06/09/2019 11:41

Thanks so much for the replies.

I should have explained that we're not starting from scratch this late in the day! We've visited all the schools, with the exception of KGS and Harrodian and are shortlisting to 4/5.

The pastoral side will be massively important, hence trying to gauge which schools are best for that.

DD is reasonably bright, not top of the class, very strong on the creative side but probably average in maths. We're in Barnes btw.

Thanks again.

OP posts:
mummyinatizz · 06/09/2019 11:40

Streatham & Clapham High, part of GDST. my daughter loves it, good friends, good drama, music and sport. academically selective, but no massively pressured, good on pastoral side too.

I think a number of those you have listed have closing dates coming soon.

best of luck!

CountessDracula · 06/09/2019 10:43

Second KGS - the pastoral care that my dd and her friends have received has been exceptional.

amidaiwas · 06/09/2019 09:25

KGS pastoral care is absolutely excellent ime

TeddTess · 06/09/2019 09:25

How academic is she? That's quite a spread you have on the list

Rockylady · 05/09/2019 23:05

Where are you based?

Kew House and St Catherine's as previous poster are well known for being nurturing while at the same time getting the most out of our DC.

Wheresthebeach · 05/09/2019 19:59

You might want to look at St Catherine's in Twickenham. Small, supportive and good with drama.

milliefiori · 05/09/2019 18:36

You could also try City of London Freemen's in Ashtead and Claremont in Esher. I seriously wouldn't look at Surbiton. It's a sink or swim school and I know a few girls who were bullied with no support from staff. One moved to Claremont and flourished there.

JoJoSM2 · 05/09/2019 18:26

Sutton High is very big on pastoral care. Definitely worth a look.

Gingercat1223 · 05/09/2019 18:10

That is quite a long list and you haven't got much time!

St J's Leatherhead has very good care but it's expensive from Year 9 onwards & I think the registration will close on 1 Nov.

Surbiton High (SHS) is very big, a good school but @ 160 girls in the year from all over SW London & Surrey.

Wimbledon High is very hard to get into, it's not the sort of school you consider 2 months before registration closes. See lasts years MN SW London school threads for more info.

See the other posts on MN re Kew House.

Kingston Grammar had 1 open day quite soon with places to be booked in advance. It's about 60 girls in the year but lots of sport, everyone is encouraged to play in a sports team on Saturdays, the sports fields are near Hampton Court.

Good luck, you are going to be busy!

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