Independent Girls' School reachable from Crystal Palace

Eeve · 2021-07-20T09:12:15+00:00

Hi all! I'm looking for a great, nurturing school for a very bright, but highly sensitive girl. She hates school, sadly, which I think is a mixture of social anxiety and often finding the work a bit boring. We have Sydenham High on the list, does anyone have any other recommendations?

SoupDragon · 12/08/2021 09:45

Croydon High also did brilliantly with their lockdown learning. Hopefully that won't be a consideration for future years but I was impressed how they managed to hit the ground running with it.

Phineyj · 11/08/2021 19:44

I don't know - I'm not very familiar with the history of the Bromley schools, as I grew up elsewhere. But the school has been bought by Alpha Schools, who also own Sackville School in Hildenborough - they seem to specialise in small independents and the previous report was lacklustre, so they probably thought they could improve it.

Original poster

Eeve · 11/08/2021 19:41

Our updated list includes Croydon High!

OP posts:

SoupDragon · 11/08/2021 19:17

DD is at Croydon High and they've been very supportive when she's needed it for both SEN and mental health.

Original poster

Eeve · 11/08/2021 19:12

@Phineyj ah that's very helpful! Any idea why a rebrand was necessary??

OP posts:

Phineyj · 11/08/2021 17:41

There's nothing much to tell yet, Eeve. It's a rebrand of the Wickham Court Senior School with a sixth form added from September. It looks promising, but early days.

Original poster

Eeve · 11/08/2021 16:32

Has anyone heard anything of Bromley Independent Grammar?

OP posts:

SJaneS49 · 11/08/2021 06:44

On Royal Russell, both of my bosses daughters went there. Both did well reasonably well academically and went on to University but the school didn’t pick up that the youngest was dyslexic.

CimCardashian · 10/08/2021 15:29

St Dunstans?

Phineyj · 03/08/2021 17:50

Weirdly enough, I've just been looking at this today for my bright but SEN child. If you'd consider small schools, you could take a look at Bishop Challoner (you don't have to be Catholic or indeed religious) and Bromley Independent Grammar School (formerly Wickham Court senior school - now under new management). I think there's a better chance of 'nurturing' in a smaller place where they need your business.

SouthLondonMommy · 03/08/2021 12:41

As you asked about Alleyns, you should be able to get there fairly easily from Crystal Palace. It's quite nurturing but very academic compared to the other schools on your list. Also, it tends to suit kids who are interested in things beyond school (music, sport etc) and like to participate.

JAGs has a reputation of being a hothouse but I know lots of parents who are very happy with it. I think it suits a very academic girl but others would potentially struggle.

I think all the schools on your list will suit a specific girl so it really depends on what she's like and what she needs.

If she is really bored at school then I'd lean to the more academic schools on your list.

ghislaine · 31/07/2021 13:48

There’s also The Laurels, which is moving from its current site in Chelsea to the former Covent school in West Norwood.

Jibberty · 31/07/2021 13:43

@londonmummy1966

Streatham and Clapham are quite nurturing but you do need to be aware that the location can be a problem (sexual perverts hanging around the Common). Its fine if she is always going to leave at normal time but can be a bit of a problem if she is doing extra curricular and heading off to the train on her own.

I had DD at Old Palace and I have to say it was the most non-nurturing school I have come across - to the extent that the teachers bully the pupils and the whole focus is on academic results and pupils achieving top grades. Significant bullying issues were not just ignored but bullied girls accused of making it up if the bully was a teachers' favourite. Having said that there is now a new head who might have a better approach.

Absolutely disagree with ‘sexual perverts’ hanging around the common. DD regularly goes v early or stays late for various sports training, as do many many girls, and they all tend to head of in their various directions in small groups. Literally never had an issue. This is London, everywhere is as safe as the next place.

On a nurturing side, SCHS is incredible. Cannot fault a single thing.

HighRopes · 27/07/2021 08:09

@Eeve

I'm in two minds about co-ed! I have a friend about to send her son there this September, so I shall await her feedback keenly!

I've considered SCGS too, and will add it to my list!

Does anyone have experience of Allaynes/ City of London/ St Pauls? I'm guessing they're not going to have so much of the nurturing vibe, either?

On SPGS, I suspect you might be outside their 50 minutes travel zone, unless there’s a route i haven’t thought of. In terms of nurturing, I’ve been pleased with the pastoral care so far, very responsive and with a nice flavour of common sense.

londonmummy1966 · 24/07/2021 22:54

Streatham and Clapham are quite nurturing but you do need to be aware that the location can be a problem (sexual perverts hanging around the Common). Its fine if she is always going to leave at normal time but can be a bit of a problem if she is doing extra curricular and heading off to the train on her own.

I had DD at Old Palace and I have to say it was the most non-nurturing school I have come across - to the extent that the teachers bully the pupils and the whole focus is on academic results and pupils achieving top grades. Significant bullying issues were not just ignored but bullied girls accused of making it up if the bully was a teachers' favourite. Having said that there is now a new head who might have a better approach.

Original poster

Eeve · 21/07/2021 18:57

@GoldenRuby oh, thank you for the tip! Its only a few minutes on the fast train to E Croydon, so will definitely have a look

OP posts:

GoldenRuby · 21/07/2021 18:06

Another option if it is easy for your DD to get to East Croydon station might be Woldingham? It's a relatively short hop on the train and school minibuses meet the train at Woldingham station.

Twizbe · 21/07/2021 18:04

Not Sydenham high. My SiL went there and judging from her and her friends its was anything but nurturing. The whole group are highly competitive over everything.

gogohm · 21/07/2021 17:55

Another vote for royal Russell, DD's ex went there, sensitive chap

Original poster

Eeve · 21/07/2021 17:45

Okay, we've had more of a look and probably going to visit Sydenham High, Bromley High, Croydon High, Streatham & Clapham (DD's current fave), Old Palace of John Whitgif and finally, Royal Russell.

Any one have any opinins on these schools?

OP posts:

falafellala · 20/07/2021 14:49

Wouldn't say St Paul’s is particularly nurturing but great school for the right girl. But, I would’t expect any girls to be coming from Crystal Palace way - far more central, west and north London so would be very tricky friendship wise in terms of meeting up at weekend etc.
I doubt many people would consider applying to Sydenham High and St Paul’s. Geographically and ethos both miles apart!

1forward2back · 20/07/2021 14:21

Sydenham high is a lovely school - bit too far out for us, but a few friends have very down to earth girls there. It’s smallish too so would be nurturing.

Original poster

Eeve · 20/07/2021 13:47

I'm in two minds about co-ed! I have a friend about to send her son there this September, so I shall await her feedback keenly!

I've considered SCGS too, and will add it to my list!

Does anyone have experience of Allaynes/ City of London/ St Pauls? I'm guessing they're not going to have so much of the nurturing vibe, either?

OP posts:

onemouseplace · 20/07/2021 12:37

JAGs is a great school, but nurturing isn't a word I'd use to describe it - although it's reputation is getting better from the pastoral point of view.

ShakeaHettyFeather · 20/07/2021 12:17

JAGS? Streatham & Clapham?

I know little about them other than their locations but JAGS is easy to get to from CP.