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Original poster

Independent School in London

81 replies

mljainldn · 29/10/2023 22:07

Me and my family just moved back to the UK this summer from Hong Kong and my 16 yr old son is currently in the lower sixth boarding school but is extremely miserable. We hope to move him to an independent co-ed day school in London and realised that it is an extremely challenging situation. We are looking for schools with a cosmopolitan demographic, nurturing and with good but not overly strict discipline. Most importantly, a school that is genuine care about the wellbeing of children. Both me and my husband are unfamiliar with schools in London after being away for 30 years, and we could only rely on information on the internet but worry that we might make the wrong decision. We wish to reach out to all mums and dads with young teenage children on this forum, and would be most grateful if you could please share with us any recommendations and reputable schools that you may have in mind. Any feedback and advice will be greatly appreciated.

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Original poster
mljainldn · 31/10/2023 12:41

Has contacted most of them, unfortunately, no chance as fully subscribed. Sixth form colleges do not offer design technology (1 of of his A Level subject)

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Cantrainforever · 30/10/2023 21:15

Caterham?

Rochester Independent College is very relaxed and offers a one year A-level for children who have struggled elsewhere, but the location may not work for you

Lotustiger · 30/10/2023 20:41

...although might not fit the cosmopolitan demographic requirement as well as some of the others mentioned

Lotustiger · 30/10/2023 20:40

If not too far out, try Claremont Fan Court School in Esher

Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 18:45

Thank you so much for your advice and information, greatly appreciated 🙏🏻

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 18:43

thank you for all the information, greatly appreciated. The boarding and away from home is just too overwhelming for him.

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PreplexJ · 30/10/2023 15:50

"schools with a cosmopolitan demographic"

Highgate or Latymer Upper

AnotherNewt · 30/10/2023 15:43

Would you consider him restarting sixth form? It might be considerably easier to find a place if you are not trying to match courses closely.

I think pretty much every co-ed school in easy reach has been mentioned. Even though single sex, look also at Dulwich College (even if only for a point of comparison)

Emanuel would be a good shout if he can repeat lower sixth (but it doesn't have a coach service, so you need to think about what the school run would be like)

Soma · 30/10/2023 15:37

@mljainldn have your considered another boarding school? What does he not like about his current school?
Maths and DT are strong at Royal Hospital School in Suffolk. For a London day school, you could try Fine Arts College, Hampstead, but not sure if they do DT.

Foxesandsquirrels · 30/10/2023 12:53

South London has very good state options, have you looked into that?

Mammyontheedge · 30/10/2023 12:01

St Dunstan's College. Excellent D and T department. Excellent Sixth form pastoral support. Cosmopolitan and diverse students.

Namechangeagain2023 · 30/10/2023 11:53

If you go north aldenham or Mill Hill May take him

QuiteAJourney · 30/10/2023 11:50

How important is co-ed? The co-ed options is south London are particularly in demand, especially as quite a few girls (and boys) move from single sex (especially if they have been in single sex since reception!). If still going co-ed, not much to add to the list above, beyond another couple of options - Kingston Grammar (rather competitive), and Thames Christian (much less so).

minipie · 30/10/2023 11:47

I think Fulham School’s sixth form is quite new as well so might have space. They were only a prep school, and then opened a senior school a few years ago so I’m guessing the sixth form may not be full.

minipie · 30/10/2023 11:43

I thought of London Park School too but I don’t think they have a sixth form yet - it’s still in the works.

ghislaine · 30/10/2023 10:15

DLD College is another option: https://www.dldcollege.co.uk/about-us/.

Maida Vale school? Although reports here are not great.

London Park School in Clapham.

Kensington Park School in Kensington.

About Us | Independent College, London | DLD College London

DLD College London is an exciting and innovative school situated in the heart of London overlooking Westminster and the River Thames.

https://www.dldcollege.co.uk/about-us/

theduchessofspork · 30/10/2023 10:07

A couple of cousins of mine went to DLD college so look at that. You’re going to find it easier to find a private six form / tutorial college (crammers as they used to be called) than a school sixth form. That might work well for him - smaller international cohort, rather than a bunch of kids that have been together for ever.

jeanne16 · 30/10/2023 10:06

Ashbourne College or Collingham College are both independent 6th form colleges in central London.

HawaiiWake · 30/10/2023 10:05

Phone Emanuel, Alleyn, Harrodian today and see if they have places. State GCSEs and grades and what A levels he is doing and exam board.
Epsom college, Highgate, Latymer Upper, Ibstock.
Coed but all over London so depends on travel time from home.
Also, ask if DC can move this term.
Otherwise, MPW South Kensington but it is more like a sixth form college.
Not too strict is a feature but how relax? So you need to see if he will be going all day type or only just for classes? Some have business casual clothes for sixth form, others are wear whatever you want.

Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 10:05

Yes, we are willing to travel as long as there’s a good school that would offer him a place. 🙏🏻

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 10:03

Thank you for the information, much appreciated 🙏🏻

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 10:02

Thank you for the information, will get in touch with them.🙏🏻

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 10:01

Thank you for all these great info, will check them out today🙏🏻. Have contacted both Emmanuel and Harrodian, both are full. 😔

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 09:59

We thought about that option but that will be the last on the list😔

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Original poster
mljainldn · 30/10/2023 09:58

We lives on the South side, but willing to travel the distance for a good school that would take him.

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