Please or to access all these features

Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Independents for bright but anxious girls

28 replies

flipflopping · 16/11/2020 11:41

I'd be grateful for any advice. DD is at an academic London independent- it's a great school and gets great results. She is academically bright and near the top in most subjects. However, she also has a tendency towards anxiety and perfectionism and I'm starting to worry that the culture of the school (quite academically pressured) isn't helping.

I don't think she wants to move immediately and I don't know how difficult it would be (as it would be a move outside normal admission years). But I'd like to think a bit about whether a move would benefit her- perhaps for sixth form if not now (Y9).

I'd welcome suggestions for schools that offer opportunities for bright students but without the relentless pressure and focus on results. She doesn't need any external pressure, she has quite enough of her own! The only possibility I've though of is Bedales.

Boarding anywhere or day schools accessible from North London, girls or mixed.

Thank you.

OP posts:
PresentingPercy · 16/11/2020 14:19

Queenswood near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. Everything you could possibly want. Takes lots of girls from N London but a bit of a trek if you are South or SW. However weekly boarding might help. Not pressurised and so much to do. Enough bright gyros but not a hot house. Girls are comfortable with their achievements even if they are modest but there isn’t continual comparison or angst about being top. There is so much on offer, everyone finds a niche or two. Do have a look.

flipflopping · 16/11/2020 14:13

Thank you- I'll have a look x

OP posts:
Bells3032 · 16/11/2020 11:45

I went to St Helen's and they were fabulous. I was bullied my last year of junior school and spent most of my first year playing hooky. The school were fantastic and supportive, checked up on me and helped me catch up with my work and encouraged me. I was conscientious about work but probably a little depressed. They were incredibly nurturing.

It was a few years ago but from what i heard it hasn't changed much.