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Original poster

Positive experiences with all girls schools?

82 replies

Toomanydailydecisions · 12/10/2026 13:18

Anyone have any? I would prefer co-ed but there's a couple of all girls schools i am going to add to my list for my daughter as I was very impressed during the open days and logistically travel is better too, but so many people I am discussing schools with seem so negative about it because it doesn't represent the real world.

Any pros/cons I need to think about?

My view is come A-levels many go co-ed anyhow (Camden, St Marylebone) so it's really only for GCSE years.

OP posts:
OneoftheWeddingPeople · 12/10/2026 13:37

It was really positive for both mine. Though Dd2 went to the boys school for 6th form and said the boys were better behaved!

They have both said (coming out the other side) that they preferred it being all girls. Dd1 in particular is quieter and would have been drowned out by loud boys. I think a mixed 6th is good.

Original poster
Toomanydailydecisions · 12/10/2026 13:36

ShadesOfPemberley · 12/10/2026 13:32

My DD absolutely loves hers.

I was at a co ed and the bitchiness was off the charts. Seemed like girls had the additional pressure of competing for the attention of the boys (this was 35+ years ago, I’d hope the girls are more enlightened by now!!)

my mum has a bizarrely rosy view of co ed (she never knew how badly bullied I was by girls and boys alike at my school) and an incredibly negative view of girls schools so I’m defensive! I don’t disagree yes the real world is co ed! And yes there are times when I wish my 14 yo DD was able to look at boys as human beings rather than as loud, revolting annoyances. I had so many male friends in the final years of my school and think the off setting of girls’ instinctive internal pressure is great.

but I’m a massive convert to single sex ed. DD will one day (hopefully soon) realise that boys are fine. Nice, even! And I’ve got lucky as she genuinely has experienced no bitchiness, we have made it past the worst year groups for it so I’m hopeful it won’t emerge now!!

That's so useful thanks. Yes everyone mentions "bitchyness" but this can be an issue at co-ed schools too... And as we have many friends with sons, she'll still meet plenty socially.

OP posts:
PresentlySleeping · 12/10/2026 13:35

DD’s absolutely loved theirs. The teachers were amazing in championing strong independent girls

JustMarriedBecca · 12/10/2026 13:34

Hated it (sorry).

I don't think it made an academic difference (we were co-ed at sixth form so I can speak to both types).

Think it depends on your personality type. I found it absolutely destroyed my self confidence. In hindsight I think I struggle to understand / accept the manipulative and / or subtle behaviour you get from women. I much prefer being direct and struggled socially as a consequence.

I actively chose to avoid single sex schools for my DC as a consequence of my own experience.

I also found that they were rife with other kind of toxic behaviour - eating disorder tips were shared etc.

StasisMom · 12/10/2026 13:33

VeryQuaintIrene · 12/10/2026 13:19

I loved mine (admittedly some time ago). It gave me confidence, an excellent academic background and friends whom I still see decades later.

Same.

ShadesOfPemberley · 12/10/2026 13:32

My DD absolutely loves hers.

I was at a co ed and the bitchiness was off the charts. Seemed like girls had the additional pressure of competing for the attention of the boys (this was 35+ years ago, I’d hope the girls are more enlightened by now!!)

my mum has a bizarrely rosy view of co ed (she never knew how badly bullied I was by girls and boys alike at my school) and an incredibly negative view of girls schools so I’m defensive! I don’t disagree yes the real world is co ed! And yes there are times when I wish my 14 yo DD was able to look at boys as human beings rather than as loud, revolting annoyances. I had so many male friends in the final years of my school and think the off setting of girls’ instinctive internal pressure is great.

but I’m a massive convert to single sex ed. DD will one day (hopefully soon) realise that boys are fine. Nice, even! And I’ve got lucky as she genuinely has experienced no bitchiness, we have made it past the worst year groups for it so I’m hopeful it won’t emerge now!!

VeryQuaintIrene · 12/10/2026 13:19

I loved mine (admittedly some time ago). It gave me confidence, an excellent academic background and friends whom I still see decades later.