Wimbledon High School admissions

My DD was similar in that she was targeting grammars and hadn't had much exposure to VR/NVR. She also came from a state primary. It didn't seem to make much difference though and she happily got into WHS, we chose it over her Tiffin offer. The school were great with her neurodiversities and she has just started university. If your daughter is happy to do so, I would just sign her up for Atom and get her practicing the reasoning for the next few weeks. She'll be fine.

Someone previously told m they do set them, but a friend with a daughter in year 7 at St Phils said they are in tutor groups for all subjects at the moment, so maybe they set them later?

Yes, I think 11 plus preparation can actually be quite fun in its own way. Having my DD at an all-through school, I do wonder how those girls whose parents decide to keep away from the 11+ feel when they see some of their classmates busy preparing and skip classes for exams while they just carry on as normal like nothing is happening. Does it feel a bit boring or left out for them?

You sound like very sensible and level headed parents. I am sure your daughter will do very well and I really wouldn't worry about the Wimbledon high tests. She is clearly bright, if they are a challenge - great, it is good for bright kids to be stretched and as you say failure is also a good learning experience. If she copes well (which I suspect she will) you will have one more option to choose from. Different children react differently to testing, I have one who enjoyed sitting the exams, looking round the schools etc and wouldn't have minded doing another one at all and another child who needs as little pressure as possible. Good luck to your dd, I hope she is very happy wherever she ends up.

we are in a very similar position - DD took 2nd stage for Nonsuch and Wally Girls and we are considering which other 4 options to put in the form and in what order. Currently have Glenthorne High, Graveney School (in Tooting but fairly easy commute by 127 bus) and St Philomena on the list not sure what others to consider - definitely not Carshalton Girls (really disliked it on the open day and heard lots of bad reviews as well), so probably will include Greenshaw as a back up (although did not like it on the open day either, and don't like the fact that they don't have sets for maths and other subjects).
Still considering if we should try independent schools - I can only just afford the fees, and am a single mum with no help from anyone, so it would be a constant stress for me what would happen if I lose my job...

I think 'test after test' is not a bad thing and parents should encourage kids to try rather than not try if the child has academic calibre. If she "didn't pass any of them," then I guess she would land at a local state comprehensive, just like many of her classmates. Based on the fact that OP would not let her DD skip a club session to visit Sutton High (which practically serves as a backup), I reckon she is not deadly serious about the private route. Still, having more options is always better.

That's reassuring. King's for Sixth Form sounds very appealing to us, actually.

@Breeze67 - it wasn’t a serious comment! I have no idea who they are or where they will be going. I only know about the tricky year group as DDs friend had a sister in that year and she mentioned it.

Kings? So these tricky girls happen to be top academic performers as well? I wonder if this connects into the school's focus on 'resilience' as you mentioned; perhaps making staff more tolerant of challenging behaviour. The headteacher strikes me as a warm, highly intellectual idealist who advocates for feminism and playful learning, which might explain her softer approach to discipline. Don't get me wrong, I admire the school's ethos. I'm just concerned how their ideals actually play out in reality.

I hope there is a non-selective on your list OP? It sounds like DD will be put through test after test and I can’t imagine how she’d feel if she didn’t pass any of them…

I was going to add similar about SH. The girls I know there are very happy and doing really well.

The tricky ones will probably leave for other schools at sixth form! Off to cause havoc at Kings no doubt!

Sutton high is a great school. Yes less selective than WHS but gets the best out of the girls there. My DDs have thrived. One got A A A at a level and other is on track for AAA. Don’t write off due to being less selective. I’d choose it over WH any day.

Oh hang on maybe not as the year I know of isn’t a year group that would be gone by next year!
but yes of course, any school can have a difficult year group for whatever reason. It only takes a few tricky characters and all schools have them.

I think we are almost certainly talking about the same year group itwasallwrong…!!

I suspect this applies to a particular year group which has a few nightmare girls. They should all be gone by the time OPs DD would start. Putney High had a similar tricky year group a couple of years ago.
not to say there won’t be pains in every year but one current year group is particularly bad.

as you’re seeking general opinions on WHS.

I know ppl who are happy with it. And others (fewer but vocal) who are extremely unhappy with it. Behaviour issues including bullying and teachers unable to control handful of rowdy dominant girls are the complaints I hear.

plenty are happy from what I can gather.

depends what you’re looking for really and how much of a sacrifice you’d have to make to pay the fees.

good luck with the whole process!

People I know in Wimbledon are considering the options you have in OP as well as a few privates a bit further but accessible by rail, such as Woldingham.
Main thing is to look at them with her and make sure she feels listened to IME as forcing at this age can set kids up to rebel and be miserable. She sounds bright so I am sure you will all make a good choice.

‘Clueless’ is a fact from my observation, not just my opinion. I am still applying because I am not looking for a perfect school; having a few aspects fall below expectations is acceptable, and my daughter really likes it.