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Original poster

NO offer London Independent Schools

41 replies

mama99 · 15/02/2020 15:35

Hi there. We are an international family relocating to London in the summer. My DD applied to the 11+ consortium schools and Cheltenham's Ladies College.

She got an offer from CLC and Queens Gate

However, to our deep disappointment, we got a waitlist spot in Channing and NO offers from other schools.

We thought she had done well because she was invited for an interview at South Hampstead (SHHS) - who supposedly invite only successful candidates)

We had hoped for an offer from Francis Holland Sloane Sq or SHHS

Now - my dilemma:

  • should we look at other schools? (KPS)
  • accept queens gate (which was not our top choice but loved the location)
  • wait for the WL in Channing
  • try boarding (I'm hesitant , feel she is too young at 11)

Thank you - we are not locals so this is very sad and overwhelming

OP posts:
KingscoteStaff · 17/02/2020 07:41

If you are worried about boarding at 11+, ask CLC if you can defer the place until 13+ and put your DD into QG for 2 years or (better idea imo) put her into a London prep (Thomases/Newton/Broomwood) for years 7+8.

mealychump · 17/02/2020 07:21

CLC is consistently recognised as one of the top girls schools in the UK! It's a fantastic school.

Original poster
mama99 · 17/02/2020 07:19

Is channing better than queens gate?

OP posts:
Original poster
mama99 · 17/02/2020 07:17

Weekly boarding is an option.
I guess my daughter is really into CLC - would you think it is better academic wise than Channing and Queens Gate?

OP posts:
Doryhunky · 17/02/2020 04:39

Is weekly boarding an option ?

Malmontar · 15/02/2020 20:26

There are lots of really nice boarding schools closer to London too. She could go to QG and than apply for 13+ at a boarding school if she's still keen. It's often easier at that age for both parties.

Original poster
mama99 · 15/02/2020 19:43

Dear Moms (as we say in the USA ;)
Your honest feedback and viewpoints are beyond appreciated.
My daughter is very keen on boarding - she did a science summer camp at CLC last summer and fell in love. That's why it was the only boarding school she applied to.
Channing is too far north from where I would like to be (south Kensington , Chelsea area)
Smile
I guess as a mother of a single daughter - I feel attached and boarding is difficult to accept

Again- all of your ladies' comments are so so helpful. Thank you!

OP posts:
IrishMamaMia · 15/02/2020 19:15

Have also heard positive things about QG. It sounds lovely.

Lordfrontpaw · 15/02/2020 19:13

Queens gate has a good reputation. Maybe think of trying for a prep that goes to 13+? Posters with girls will be able to advise better (I have a boy).

Malmontar · 15/02/2020 19:10

Sorry QG not GQ!

Malmontar · 15/02/2020 19:08

CLC will be very different to GQ. It is a much more academic school than GQ, and her getting in shows she's very capable but as for her not getting into the others, it's the luck of the draw unfortunately. There are lots that start boarding at 11 and love it. How does she feel about it? Would she like to try it? If she got into CLC she's definitely Channing standard or higher but they, as a lot of other consortium schools have junior kids coming up and they favour siblings if they're of standard. Last year out friends DD sat for lots of exams and only got one offer- Channing and that's because her sister was there. This is also the last of the huge bulge year of 2007-2009 so places are scarce.
QC is lovely but can be stifling further up the school because of how small it is. I would revisit both is possible and see. Boarding in the lower years is very gentle and some girls love it. There's always tons of boarding girls on the train from Stroud/Cheltenham going to London for weekends or exeats.

bengalcat · 15/02/2020 18:43

Queens Gate and CLC both excellent schools . You just need / she needs to decide between boarding or day . Good luck .

Applepieco · 15/02/2020 18:41

Channing have an ‘exploding’ offer system. First come first served to sign up with a terms fees. It has resulted in the waiting list pretty much ceasing to be used over the last couple of years.

MarchingFrogs · 15/02/2020 18:20

Call them and email on Monday to confirm it is your first choice and state you will instantly accept if offered and transfer the deposit straight away.

But be mindful of the fact that this advice is so frequently given on this forum, as well as elsewhere on the internet, that there is a strong possibility that 90% of the parents of the other girls on the waiting list will be doing precisely the same thingHmm.

Original poster
mama99 · 15/02/2020 17:44

Wow! Thank you - I had no idea that Queens Gate is so highly regarded! Thank you for the advice and the outlook! Many warm greetings

OP posts:
77seven · 15/02/2020 16:49

Hi OP. Your title says you had no offers, but you did! You have Queens Gate. It’s a great school that most girls in the UK would be highly privileged to have the chance to attend.

If you really want Channing, there’s a good chance the WL will move. Call them and email on Monday to confirm it is your first choice and state you will instantly accept if offered and transfer the deposit straight away.

Check the acceptance date for QG - is it early March? Chances are a place will have come up at Channing by then, but if not, QG is your school and there’s no reason it won’t be fantastic. Probably nice to have a smaller school too, if you’re relocating back to London?

I don’t know about boarding, but it does seem a bit of a drastic measure at 11, in my opinion fwiw.

Also, do remember, nothing is set in stone. Girls can move schools at any point for all sorts of reasons. Many change for 6th form anyway.

Good luck!!!!

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