finding the right private school

[neppy]

So - it's open house days and if you've read my previous threads, you'll know that we're thinking of moving dd.

She is currently at a rural, coed prep with 70% boys. We're thinking about girls schools in the midlands. I know that covers a large area - sorry about that. We can go as far north as Derby and south to Oxford. She is in yr 3.

I would be looking for a somewhat selective, but relaxed school and will let her grow socially and academically. We are casual people - really casual compared to most Brits. I'd like to move her for the start of the summer term or next autumn. Dd's very academic and bookish which I never realised until she started year 1. She's not into traditional sports and has a visual problem that makes these challenging. She likes swimming (is on a team), cycling, wall climbing, reading and cooking. So, she's more outdoorsy and active than involved in conventional sports. She needs friends and has had a hard time the last few years because we've moved around a bit and I've had a serious illness. If I get sick again - I need her to be OK and settled. I am also flexible and can sustain a long commute to work 3 days a week - but because of that, I need to make sure childcare after school is reliable. We'd like to find a good school home for her - and hopefully not move her again!

I have the GSG. I would really like some recommendations. I have 2 open day visits in the next few weeks at different schools that appeal for different reasons. Any place we should add to that list?

Also, should we talk about her problems at the current school and if so - with whom? head? registrar? What is the best way to broach her visual problems and sports? or the bullying that's gone on at school?

Thank you in advance - I have never been so prolific on a forum in my life as I have the last few weeks.

Which 2 schools have you shortlisted already?

I wouldn't necessarily mention any of your issues during the initial visits, except in general terms of asking about bullying, SEN/G&T provision etc.

I thought Edgbaston High might be good - although very few places seem to become available there. I'm also visiting Headington School in Oxford.

Headington prep has after school care and drop off in the morning is earlyish too. I believe there is a new head of the prep school. They use the senior school facilities which is great.

If you like Edgbaston High School have a look also at St Martin's in Solihull. Has been ranked as best small school in the country for last 2 years in the Independent.

Takes wide range of girls with regard to ability but seems to get outstanding results from them all. Mix of British girls but also some expats from US, Europe etc so used to integrating girls who don't join at normal entry points.

Very caring environment where staff know all the girls. Know few girls who had to move for various reasons and none have found a school they liked as much as St Martin's.

Excellent free after school care (girls do prep or reading in library). If your daughter likes swimming they have excellent programme with several girls who are nationally ranked. Also because smaller school, girls have loads of chance to take part in sports teams, drama etc.

You have missed their open day but the head will usually organise a personal tour.

thanks for the info about Headington Slummiemummie

thank you as well Dancingdreamer for the recommendation for St Martins - it wouldn't have been on my radar and I think it's worth some consideration.

Another vote for headington girls. I think it will fit your criteria, but i don't have any knowledge of midlands schools to compare to i'm afraid.

There are a bunch of Oxford girls schools. Mine went to OHS, which has a lovely swimming pool, a great supportive attitude to girls who do non-school sports, and a much more relaxed/basic uniform than Headington. It does have a reputation as an academic hothouse, but tbh I never saw it - DD always had far less homework than the hours of makework that even her friends at the local comp had and they were perfectly happy for her to do "only" 3 Alevels.

No personal experience with the junior school, I'm afraid.

skylark2 I liked OHS from the website - but I was a little put off by the parent's handbook. It seemed a tad pedantic to harp on about jabs and warnings about taking children out of school for holidays. But, if it's a friendly, supportive academic environment - I should take another look.