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SW London girls independent/grammars 2020 PART 2

157 replies

ColaPip · 02/03/2020 10:47

I'm not sure Autumn is around during the day, so starting a new thread to maintain our lifeline Smile

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ColaPip · 04/02/2021 13:10

@tiggermummy70 and @bashstreetkids - hello, so pleased to hear all going well!

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ColaPip · 04/02/2021 13:09

@Stircrazyschoolmum - hello, I remember you too!
We went through a long and painful decision-making process but, deep down, WHS was the first choice for all of us (DD, DH and I). We felt we had to weigh up the options carefully, but actually it was definitely the school that felt the most "right" for DD from the start.
She loved it from the first open day and I think it's a good sign when a school gives a child that sort of buzz.
I'm not sure what sort of girl it suits - there's a real mixed bag in DD's intake. Not particularly helpful but I get the impression they choose all sorts of personalities and then help each child find their way.
DD is a deep thinker, bright but not massively academic, not particularly sporty - but she's curious, creative and loves the independent learning that the school encourages.
Just to add - this isn't unique to WHS and DD's primary school friends are equally delighted with their choices. Once we'd considered practicalities and logistics, we went with the option that DD was most excited by.
Very best of luck and thinking of you all!

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tiggermummy70 · 03/02/2021 07:10

Hi Everyone,

My DD2 did the state to Indy switch.
She was only one from her primary to go that route.
A few girls went on to Greycoats. - she qualified for a language place there as well as a sibling spot as DD1 is in Yr9.
We did the scholarship/Bursery process so if you need additional advice I will do my best to assist.
I will not disclose how it went as that is a condition of the process.
None of the teachers know which girls pay in full or any other discounts they get.
There are obviously grade or participation requirements depending on the scholarship you apply for.
We just told our daughter we would do our homework and submit all the application paperwork if she was willing to put the work into the testing/interview. With her full understanding that if she was.offered a space she would need to continue the work to keep it.
She is very happy and like @bashstreetkids settled into FHSS and made friends quickly.
Seems to be doing well & coping with the online lessons better than her older sister.
I think it is important that although a longer day she has a good break between each lesson.

Stircrazyschoolmum · 02/02/2021 23:22

@hedwigshandbag not sure if You follow mumsnet anymore but would love to know you are ok?!?xx

Stircrazyschoolmum · 02/02/2021 19:06

Hello @colapip I remember you from last year! So glad your DD has settled in so well. If you are happy to divulge.. what made WHS first choice for you? What kind of girl do you think it fits? Sorry if this seems nosey but in absence of any open days I’m trying to glean any info I can!!

dinosaurinmybelly · 02/02/2021 17:13

We are waiting to hear from both WHS and SPGS, so really appreciate hearing from you both FlumePlume and ColaPip. DD and I have not had any firm favourite, somewhat deliberately, as didn't want to feel too invested, especially this year.

FlumePlume · 02/02/2021 16:33

@dinosaurinmybelly We chose SPGS, and dd is happy there.

dinosaurinmybelly · 02/02/2021 16:31

So lovely to hear about DD who have been through this and are happy and settled in their new schools. Which school did you choose in the end FlumePlume?

bashstreetkids · 02/02/2021 16:26

Hello everyone, We also went through this last year and had a difficult choice to make between PHS and FHSS. Whilst we really liked Putney, we went for FHSS as we felt it was a better fit for our daughter. She’s very happy and settled into year 7 without much difficulty. I have been very impressed with the teaching staff and the care taken with pastoral care (especially at this time).

FlumePlume · 02/02/2021 15:32

Equally, if anyone from this year’s thread would find it helpful to PM me (my dd did it two years ago, she’s in Y8 now) then do. We also had a choice to make (scholarship offer, offer, waitlist, Tiffin place).

ColaPip · 02/02/2021 09:45

Hello all. It's been a while!
DD is now happily settled at WHS and I'm more than happy to help with any questions that this year's 11+ gang have. What a rollercoaster you have all been through. I really feel for you all and your DDs.
For background - DD had various offers/wait list places and we also got our first choice state school, so we were in the fortunate position of tortuous deliberations. If I can help with any of that, just yell.
Best of luck!

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stellagibbons · 01/02/2021 12:08

Thank you so much @LackBladder - SCHS is one of the schools we applied for so that is all really positive to hear - I’m glad your DD is enjoying it so much!

LackBladder · 01/02/2021 11:57

@dinosaurinmybelly and @stellagibbons DD is Y7 at SCHS. She was the only one from her (state) primary to go, though she did have friends from other schools joining. Settled in instantly and absolutely loved her first term. The start and end of the school days were staggered by year groups, and the girls all had to wear masks everywhere but in the classrooms and lunch. No inter school sports obviously, but still had early morning training for netball and hockey each week, and Wednesday Kinza happened too. They all have iPads and all homework is generally submitted via Teams.

This term - provision has been outstanding. Full timetable via MS Teams, including PE, with usual morning break and lunchtime as per their timetables. Where they would work in pairs or small groups in person, they are continuing this via FaceTime, break out rooms, or similar when instructed. This week and next is test weeks - she has maths in a bit for eg.

I have to say that while she is missing her friends, she is absolutely loving the Teams lessons. The teacher pre lockdown and now are extremely approachable and the girls are encouraged to email them if they have any concerns or questions - DD panicked about a couple of things as she couldn’t see that her work had been submitted even though she’d done it. She emailed the relevant teachers and they responded v fast. Another time we had Wi-fi issues, the teacher emailed me to check if she was ok, then gave her extra time to complete the class work.

She’s honestly so so happy and has gone from being close to school refusal for the last two years of primary, to bouncing out of bed ready to go each morning.

Her friends are scattered between the usual SW/Dulwich schools (apart from PHS), plus LU, G&L and SPGS. Also Graveney, Kingsdale, CG and Ricards Lodge in the state sector. A couple at Woldingham too. All the indies appear to have a very similar day to DD (except Emanuel who have fewer live lessons).

Hope this is of some help, and everything crossed for you all next week.

stellagibbons · 01/02/2021 10:19

Same as @dinosaurinmybelly I’m very interested in hearing how the schools have handled transition and settling in and remote learning in particular!

dinosaurinmybelly · 01/02/2021 10:01

Hello - hope everyone is well in these strange times. Have just been through the SW London Girls Grammar / Independent process this year with DD and the results will be dropping onto our doormats in the next couple of weeks.

In the absence of open days and offer-holder days, it would be really helpful to hear how all of your lovely DDs have settled into their new schools. I know there was only really one term physically in school, but were there factors that you hadn't previously considered that became important? Any features that don't come up on an open day visit that might be important. How has the remote schooling provision been?

mummyme2016 · 07/09/2020 09:19

Thank you @tiggermummy70.
Good luck to your DD and all other children going back this week.

Hope everyone settles well and make new friends

tiggermummy70 · 07/09/2020 07:37

Just checking in and hoping everyone is OK.

DD2 starts FHSS today.

Good luck to all your Yr 7's.

Jullyria · 09/07/2020 03:20

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montlieu · 08/07/2020 23:04

any thought on how Alleyn's will change under the new leadership ? I hear it's quite a relaxed school in many aspects. do we think that will change ?

sandybayley · 28/06/2020 13:53

Apologies for resurrecting the thread but if anyone needs Putney High uniform I have a big box for collection from SW20. PM me if interested.

Thesunalwaysshines · 10/06/2020 07:50

hedwigshandbag how is your situation now? Have things improved for you and your DH in terms of your jobs?

Thesunalwaysshines · 10/06/2020 07:48

I hope that if the family giving up the place are experiencing financial hardship, the school won't take the autumn fees from them if they fill the place. I know this doesn't usually happen, however.

Singingrain1223 · 09/06/2020 16:55

FYI, for anyone on a WL I heard for a dd who was offered WHS today. She will reject a less academic school to take the place but will have to pay fees at both for Autumn term.

over11plus · 02/04/2020 18:08

The current deputy head is taking over at WHS in September

Stircrazyschoolmum · 02/04/2020 16:36

sun I agree she seemed v ambitious when I met her! Would you see Alleyns as a step up or a step sideways? I ‘think’ WHS has historically outperformed Alleyns (due to all girl intake lending itself more to exams) but I guess heading up a Co-Ed provides her with another string to her bow.

Alleyns is on our ‘list’ so it’s interesting to follow - makes me curious who will fill her shoes at WHS though.. (not till Jan I think?)