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Original poster

DAO (Dame Alice Owens) v City boys

57 replies

Schoolflapper · 19/02/2021 11:36

So I know this is a nice decision to have to make but I’m still tormented (to the point of going a bit mad...). DS has an academic place at DAO/Dame Alice Owens judging by his ranking. He also has an offer from City plus one other north London private. The journey is fine to all of them, there are no siblings in the mix, the money is saved but really is an issue in that it really should go to a million other things including pension. My question is: if I send him to DAO am I compromising on the academic side at all? Are the children in the selective intake challenged? When it comes to the university and A level results (impressive) are the people who went right the way through the school well represented in those top results? I’d always just assumed DAO was brilliant academically but now it comes to having a choice (which we hadn’t expected at the start of all this) I’m second guessing and wondering if there could be some flaw in the ‘dream ticket’ I so much want to grab. Any thoughts especially from people who’ve children have got to the exam stage at DAO?

OP posts:
New21 · 19/02/2021 21:27

We are in a similar dilemma - would anyone has advice on QE Boys Vs City?

XelaM · 19/02/2021 21:19

And although DAO is non-selective for siblings, actually most really smart kids (which you definitely have to be to pass the academic exam given the insane competition) also have smart siblings. My daughter has just been through the 11+ in North London and absolutely everyone wanted to get into DAO (we’re out of catchment ourselves). My daughter’s friends who will be starting in Year 7 in 2021 are all super-high achievers and my daughter is at a very academic prep

XelaM · 19/02/2021 21:14

You’re crazy (sorry, in the the nicest possible way). DAO was just chosen as the best school of the decade. It’s the holy grail for most North London kids. It’s a brilliant school from what I hear (lots of my daughter’s friends have siblings there). Don’t be silly, save your money and choose DAO!!!!

Original poster
Schoolflapper · 19/02/2021 21:08

@Panserbjorn thanks so much for replying. Oddly, maybe, ds loves the potters bar vibe and the green space. He wants to go there. I’m the one agonising. I think he could be happy at any of the schools, so it’s more what the outcome would be. The other private would be a contender against city, yes, but really the choice is about money and academics. If I save the money will he do just as well academically? We both have a bit of a preference for co-ed but could be happy with all boys.

OP posts:
Panserbjorn · 19/02/2021 19:59

Firstly congratulations to your DS. It's a great set of options to have - though I can see your dilemma. No direct experience but have relatively good knowledge of both; I strongly suspect the excitement of going to school in the City, looking out to the Thames / Tate Modern / St Paul's is hard to match in Potters Bar. Academically both are strong schools and a hard working, able kid should do great in either school. It's more about the environment that your DS is likely to enjoy best for 7 years. If urban / exciting / international is your vibe then CLS. If calmer / more suburban / spacious (including more playing fields etc) appeals more then DAO. You (and him) may also have a clear preference between single sex and co-ed which could help with decision making. Is the other private offer a contender at all?

Original poster
Schoolflapper · 19/02/2021 15:58

Hello, thanks so much for replying. I don’t think daogroupie is that impartial as name suggests - though maybe no one is. I guess I was hoping someone with an older child who wasn’t quite so invested might reply?

OP posts:
Cloudymornings96 · 19/02/2021 15:21

You may do better posting on the Herefordshire/ North London thread on elevenplusexams.co.U.K. Forum where there is a DAO expert.