Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

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

Original poster

What would you pick if you could - London CoE or Catholic schools?

62 replies

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 17:14

Have the opportunity and meet the criteria to apply for two outstanding schools in London - the grey coats hospital school in Westminster and Sacred Heart high school in Hammersmith. Both girls schools and both perform well. grey coats gives ‘posh’ legacy school vibes , excellent university prospects and seems a very feminist school and I liked the head teacher. Sacred Heart is wholesome, performs well, lovely building , traditional, closer to home and seems more down to earth. I’m still scratching my head why people don’t shout about this school and if I’m missing something?! When I mention to people they just stay silent!

what would you pick from what you know of them - what at the pros and cons of them? I really do like both equally . But part of me feels grey coats is probably a strong academic school so why wouldn’t I go for that one?! I really value everyone’s opinions and experiences from these schools .

OP posts:
Schoolhelp23 · 22/10/2025 22:32

@MrPanks Do you mind me asking where you live and which place type your daughter got in on? GCH is our 1st choice, so remaining hopeful!

MrPanks · 22/10/2025 21:51

my daughter is at GCH, she loves it. They are firm but fair. It is academic but there is a mix of abilities, and they try to support and celebrate achievement of all children’s strengths including sport, music, DT, drama and art. There is a strong faith element and they attend services regularly at Westminster Abbey and its sister church, St Margaret’s. All children are expected to take part regardless of other denominations, religion or not. I’ve found it a very warm and friendly school.

Schoolhelp23 · 22/10/2025 21:36

@Nkmama15 Ignore me, just noticed the feeder school comment!

Schoolhelp23 · 22/10/2025 21:32

@Nkmama15 Do you mind me asking where you live that you meet criteria for both schools?

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 21:28

@Nkmama15 yes I checked about the legalities. I will admit I am shocked considering the strict rules about car seats in cars etc in the UK.
But if you're ok with it.

Gruffporcupine · 22/10/2025 21:20

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:15

What do you mean by this?

Show quote history

Things like how conservative does the uniform look? Would DC be comfy wearing it? Do the kids look like they're being kind to each other, are there big groups of friends together or smaller pairs, things like that!

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 21:05

TheNightingalesStarling · 22/10/2025 21:00

As the person who asked the question... it actually comes from teaching in a Catholic school in the UK. We weren't allowed to refer tho evolution as Fact, only theory. Most of the children just rolled their eyes at it.
(Unmarried teachers were not supposed to be living with partners either...)

Show quote history

Oh wow! I didn’t hear this regarding teaching at SH - I’m not sure it’s the case any more tbh. But it’s an interesting point to consider .

OP posts:
Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 21:02

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 20:49

In central London 😱
Are you mad?
(Seriously....that does not sound safe. Is that even legal for an 11 year old??)
Edit: - I Googled. It's legal....but I really wouldn't want to do it.

Edited
Show quote history

Not mad, just informed! 😊 There’s actually no legal minimum age for a child to be a passenger on a scooter or motorbike in the UK, as long as they can sit securely, reach the footrests, and wear an approved helmet. So it’s less about age, more about safety and setup (which I totally agree should be the priority).
I get that it might raise eyebrows – but before anyone starts clutching pearls, it’s worth knowing the actual guidance!
And yes, I share the concern about bad drivers — there are definitely people on the roads (cars and bikes) who probably shouldn’t be. But my husband’s been riding Vespas for over 35 years, he’s super safety-conscious, and I wouldn't even consider it if I didn't trust him completely.
She’s fully kitted out, understands the basics, and only does short, calm trips. Not a joyride — more a well-planned little adventure with dad.

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 22/10/2025 21:00

mathanxiety · 22/10/2025 20:36

A friend sent her DDs to SH. They thrived and friend loved it. They're an RC family, parents both STEM degrees and careers, liberal views, very strong advocates for women in STEM. All three DDs are now engineers of various stripes.

It's funny how "RC attitudes to science" comes up on threads like these.

I'd like to state for the record thst the RC church is a million light years away from the Bible thumping fundamentalists who think science is satan worship.

The suggestion that there might be a problem wrt science in an RC school comes from a place of ignorance.

As the person who asked the question... it actually comes from teaching in a Catholic school in the UK. We weren't allowed to refer tho evolution as Fact, only theory. Most of the children just rolled their eyes at it.
(Unmarried teachers were not supposed to be living with partners either...)

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 20:49

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 20:45

Oh course she can’t drive - she’s 11. She can be a pillion … gawd …. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I meant she was a wizz in terms she goes on a Vespa with her dad and is very responsible/able if need to go on. You can be on a Vespa as pillion from a certain hight etc

Edited
Show quote history

In central London 😱
Are you mad?
(Seriously....that does not sound safe. Is that even legal for an 11 year old??)
Edit: - I Googled. It's legal....but I really wouldn't want to do it.

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 20:49

mathanxiety · 22/10/2025 20:36

A friend sent her DDs to SH. They thrived and friend loved it. They're an RC family, parents both STEM degrees and careers, liberal views, very strong advocates for women in STEM. All three DDs are now engineers of various stripes.

It's funny how "RC attitudes to science" comes up on threads like these.

I'd like to state for the record thst the RC church is a million light years away from the Bible thumping fundamentalists who think science is satan worship.

The suggestion that there might be a problem wrt science in an RC school comes from a place of ignorance.

The science block at SH is very impressive!!! Three floors of labs !

OP posts:
Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 20:45

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 20:23

I just think sometimes London children lose a lot of their spare time with long commutes (including hanging around waiting for buses etc).
If the journey for both is pretty straightforward (ie one bus that's reliable 95% of the time) then you might have to flip a coin to choose.
But to me the one with the easiest commute would be my personal preference.
(also she can't use a vespa until she's 16🤔)

Edited
Show quote history

Oh course she can’t drive - she’s 11. She can be a pillion … gawd …. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I meant she was a wizz in terms she goes on a Vespa with her dad and is very responsible/able if need to go on. You can be on a Vespa as pillion from a certain hight etc

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 22/10/2025 20:36

A friend sent her DDs to SH. They thrived and friend loved it. They're an RC family, parents both STEM degrees and careers, liberal views, very strong advocates for women in STEM. All three DDs are now engineers of various stripes.

It's funny how "RC attitudes to science" comes up on threads like these.

I'd like to state for the record thst the RC church is a million light years away from the Bible thumping fundamentalists who think science is satan worship.

The suggestion that there might be a problem wrt science in an RC school comes from a place of ignorance.

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 20:23

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 20:06

We did the trip on the tour and was OK. She wouldn’t need to go to Victoria .

yes for the first year I think it’s tricky but then they find a group to travel with. There a few girls we know going there from our area, si they would prob travel together… failing that… she’s already a wizz on her dads Vespa and i imagine him being over protective would take her time to time!🫠🤣

Show quote history

I just think sometimes London children lose a lot of their spare time with long commutes (including hanging around waiting for buses etc).
If the journey for both is pretty straightforward (ie one bus that's reliable 95% of the time) then you might have to flip a coin to choose.
But to me the one with the easiest commute would be my personal preference.
(also she can't use a vespa until she's 16🤔)

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 20:06

Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 19:40

What transport would she need to use?
I sometimes see Grey Coat girls around Victoria Station which gets VERY busy (as it's trains, tube and buses) and there's frequent cancellations/delays etc. Sometimes evacuations from the station.
Would she be ok with all that at just 11 years old?

Show quote history

We did the trip on the tour and was OK. She wouldn’t need to go to Victoria .

yes for the first year I think it’s tricky but then they find a group to travel with. There a few girls we know going there from our area, si they would prob travel together… failing that… she’s already a wizz on her dads Vespa and i imagine him being over protective would take her time to time!🫠🤣

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 22/10/2025 19:40

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:37

Catholic school I would say 30 mins max door to door. COE is prob 45/55 mins door to door.

Show quote history

What transport would she need to use?
I sometimes see Grey Coat girls around Victoria Station which gets VERY busy (as it's trains, tube and buses) and there's frequent cancellations/delays etc. Sometimes evacuations from the station.
Would she be ok with all that at just 11 years old?

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:37

freedo · 22/10/2025 19:30

What is the difference in journeys?

Catholic school I would say 30 mins max door to door. COE is prob 45/55 mins door to door.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:36

BreakingBroken · 22/10/2025 19:25

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5429777-good-school-but-child-is-a-minority

some schools have very skewed demographics.

I think with church schools , it tends to be very mixed - quite evenly mixed which reflects London… but I agree that depending on the religion determines different demographic. I’ve actually found , with the Catholic school (from the tour, from the people who go there), it’s quite a west London vibe now . GC is COE and very mixed with a big intake from south London - also takes non COE. SH only takes catholics .

it’s something to consider I agree…

OP posts:
freedo · 22/10/2025 19:30

What is the difference in journeys?

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:22

TheNightingalesStarling · 22/10/2025 19:17

Logically with thousands if the schools in the country, its highly likely that the vast majority of schools will never have been heard of let alone have personal experience of.

But... I think you just want validation that you nearest making the right choice with the Catholic school. If you like it, your DD likes it and all the numbers and reports support it being a good school, it sounds a solid choice.

Show quote history

Yes but also part of me thinking I should try for the best I can , that I have a pretty good chance of getting something like GC which may open up more possibilities as the school as good links outside . The legacy school with more opportunities OR a more wholesome school, closer to home , nearly as good results… the weigh up! Ultimately, I just want her happy!

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 22/10/2025 19:17

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 18:07

We are Catholic . I’m not sure how intense the school and I imagine it’s like a primary which is fairly Catholic would say - pray a lot , celebrate feast days etc etc

I liked the Catholic school - but I’ve only found 1 person on mumsnet that rates it! Haha and 100s who rate GC…

Show quote history

Logically with thousands if the schools in the country, its highly likely that the vast majority of schools will never have been heard of let alone have personal experience of.

But... I think you just want validation that you nearest making the right choice with the Catholic school. If you like it, your DD likes it and all the numbers and reports support it being a good school, it sounds a solid choice.

Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:15

Gruffporcupine · 22/10/2025 18:42

Advice would be go and stand near the school and look at the students going in or out. You'll get an idea of whether your DC will fit in. In London in particular, this can be crucial

What do you mean by this?

OP posts:
Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:15

BreakingBroken · 22/10/2025 18:50

when you go to the government web site
and click on additional information (pupil characteristics for example)
you see that GC scores slightly better on all fronts than SH.
but both schools have impressive numbers.
not sure about daily rules and regulations, i'm not in favor of overly strict atmospheres.

Yes ! That’s exactly what I’ve noted- over all it academically better but I’m also after other things. I think both schools are very strict ….

OP posts:
Original poster
Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:14

Nkmama15 · 22/10/2025 19:13

Yes indeed! as mentioned , we meet full criteria for Catholic schools and particularly SH. Indeed you need baptism, preferably when the child is under 3 months , holy communion, weekly attendance. We cover all.
with regards to GC we also meet the criteria on another point in their admissions policy- so this post isn’t about the IF we meet, it’s more the difference between Catholic and COE schools and the vibe between these particular schools.

Show quote history

Forgot to add - we also go to one of SH feeder schools.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread