SW London girls independent/grammars 2020 PART 2

I feel like the girls get a lot of freedom (in a good way) to follow their own ideas and I also feel that it's tons more liberal. There are no petty rules like the ones I hear about at other schools. The entirety of the rules basically boils down to 'don't be an idiot'.

I like that they don't get compared to each other with marks etc and are explicitly told to do their own best not worry about what other people's best is or how they are doing compared to anyone else. I like the emphasis on wellbeing (DD has had outstanding pastoral support on a personal basis from several members of staff).

It seems a very low pressure environment to me, which might sound odd to some but that's honestly been our experience of it and DD came from a state primary (masses more pressure eg around SATs). Maybe things will change higher up the school but so far it's been amazingly relaxed; there has not even been that much homework. They are at pains to stop children from doing too much (sometimes it is hard to stop them but at least they are trying). I also love the encouragement to just give things a go and not worry about being good at them (this is really helpful for clever girls with perfectionist tendencies and has suited DD down to the ground).

Some of the other schools I considered just seemed really traditional and hidebound and I did not get a good vibe from them.

I suspect it's very personal, and obviously what suits one child and family won't suit another. I just don't really recognise the school I hear discussed on here sometimes usually, I find, by those with no direct experience of it.

Thanks Glaciferous.
That’s great that your DD is thriving there. In what way is the culture different? I’d love to hear some first hand positives.

@Duckville

SPGS is a bit of a marmite school, and I say that with a DD who is exceptionally happy there and really thriving. It does seem to be love it or hate it and I personally suspect that may be because it does have a somewhat different culture and ethos from many of the others. I guess it is swings and roundabouts because I would have taken our state offer over Godolphin, LEH etc by absolutely miles.

@Duckville sorry if I sounded harsh re SPGS! It’s a hugely personal thing, but I got quite a negative vibe at the open evening. I also asked a question about my daughter’s (I don’t want to say too much) big commitment to something every other school had said would be no problem and they were not in support. It just wasn’t the right fit at all for us, but I can see it’s an amazing school for the right child. Just not for us! G&L we decided not to sit her for as she was already doing 6 and it’s not super near, but I did really like it.

@ColaPip several of my DD’s friends are going to WHS in September and they are all lovely girls! Also I have friends with DDS there already and they absolutely love it. Also the STEAM building/project is going to be amazing! She will love WHS!

We decided to go with JAGS over CLSG. Think DD would have been happy at either tbh so that made choosing easier. Does anyone on
here have DDs at JAGS? Anyway, I'm so happy it's over. Not looking forward to having to go through it all over again for DS in another year and a half! Thinking of everyone still waiting for WL places fingers crossed you get the school you want.

Fantastic school. In the wrong direction for us, but blazing a trial for private education, in my opinion

He's going to Latymer Upper. Very happy with choice but not as sure as I was with DD- very different children! Another 2 years before have to go through it all again with DC3!

over11plus where are you deciding between for your DS?

@colapip- my DD is at WHS and very happy. Never had second thoughts once the decision was made and we had to make it quickly as she got a WL place as I was about to deliver another form and cheque!
Just been through it all again with DS- much harder and still not 100% about our choice (and there is a lot less choice for boys!).

Sticking my oar in as another (very) Old Dolphin, it’s a great school, and at a reunion a few years ago I was very impressed with the improvements in pastoral care since my day - the academic success of the school continues to speak for itself. I still have many many friends from school, despite us having flung ourselves to the many disparate corners of life and the globe, I hope the girls heading there this year will be as happy as we all were.

Interestingly I have heard from a couple of parents this week that they have been told G&L have said they did not need to go to waitlist this year as it has been so popular and take up of offers so high....

Been lurking these threads.

G&L seems an amazing school, I have heard so many positive stories from many friends with girls there, so really positive second hand info.

@Autmnnightsaredrawingin
Why would you take G&L over SPGS “any day” that sounds a very strong view. Could you share you thoughts please? It’s the first time I have heard anyone on this thread with such a strong opinion when comparing two very similar schools.

Well done to everyone with their choices and for getting through the process.

@givemesomewineplease congratulations on your decision! G&L is a fab school and I would take it over SPGS any day! My daughter didn’t sit either as she was already doing too many, but it is a great school. It’s totally natural to have wobbles- I think about that LEH place a lot, but I know we’ve made the right choice not subjecting her to a very long journey, and so have you.

Congratulations to everyone with a definite place now- it’s been so nice to have you all to ‘talk’ to. And for those still on a WL, please don’t give up hope. Everything crossed for you all x

@givemesomewineplease please don’t worry! G&L is a fantastic school and there are lots of very bright girls there. If she liked it more than SPGS and is excited about going then it’s definitely the right choice. She’ll have all sorts of opportunities and a great education in an environment that is happy and completely non-hothouse.

(PS sorry to butt in on this very long running thread - I’m an existing G&L parent and, like so many, keen to sing its praises)

@givemesomewineplease I think you’ve absolutely made the right choice! The most important thing is that your daughter is 100% certain! This whole process is brutal. For those who are disappointed and even for those who are faced with choices! We didn’t get an offer from SPGS and although it was originally our first choice, I think that having gone through this whole torturous process, G&L is actually the right school for our DD.

Thanks everyone. I hope it's the right decision. I would have taken the risk but dh wouldn't so that was the end of it really. Also the fees are already going to be a challenge at G&L, but Spgs would have created even more stress. So I couldn't force this decision on my dh as well as expect him to pay more than he is comfortable with. That was also a deciding factor. We have two other younger kids to also factor in - had she been our only I think again things might have been different. Golly, this has been hard. I feel completely emotionally wrung out. A lot of tears have been shed over the last few days. In my heart, thinking of my dd's happiness, I really think it is the right decision.

Thinking of all you still on WL, it's such a drawn-out process.

Inadvertent typos creeping in! Last message was for @givemesomewineplease ... Final line should read "(both academically and pastorally)".

@givemesomeswineplease - you have definitely made the right decision, especially as your DD and DH are 100% certain about it. Happiness and confidence at school are crucial, and will really help your daughter to flourish. For me, G & L was fantastic, coming from an average state school, and it was my springboard to Oxbridge. More recently, I have only heard good things about it (both on academically and pastorally) from friends with daughters there.

Well done all on making your decisions - it’s really much tougher than expected! Has anyone heard of any movement on the LEH wait list, or been offered a WL place?

Great news @bashstreetkids - am sure your DD will be very happy there, and that you have made the right decision. Congratulations!

I’m on the fence and quite keen on Spgs but dh just doesn’t want lots of pressure on dd and to risk her being in the bottom third. She was on WL so he feels that as she didn’t fly in straight away, she might struggle to cope. Personally I think she would probably be fine and cope. But we didn’t have much time to consider and dd and dh were always keener on G&L. Had she had the offer two weeks ago it might have been a different story. So I am worried about regret but it’s done. Dh and dd are 100% certain about the decision. And her happiness and confidence at school is more important than anything else. Please don’t tell me I’ve made the wrong decision as I’m feeling a bit fragile about it as it is!

We have gone for FHSS! Just felt like the right decision for dd in the end.