Urgent Information needed: La sainte Union School, Bishop Douglass, St Andrew The Apostle School, St Mary Magdelene Academy

[Pfouguette]

Hi Everyone,

My daughter will be in year 8 in September 2017 and I am really confused about which school she should go. We have just moved from France and I don't know much about british schools. I have been offered a place in La Sainte Union School and Bishop Douglass. We had an interview at LSU and the school seems nice, but I am worried as I have read some reviews here about fights with girls with from other schools and police coming to the school ( old threads). As my daughter has never been to a single sex school, I asked the Headteacher how it was to be in that kind of school and she said that young girls could be really mean and that my daughter should chooses her friends carefully. My daughter is a nice and peaceful girl and I am afraid that she won't cope in a "girls only" school. I feel that she will not be happy there. Can anyone tell me a bit more about LSU please? I can't find any accurate informations. Also I have been offered a place in Bishop Douglass in East Finchley but I only read bad reviews about it. Does anyone know that school? I have heard about St Andrews Apostle school in Barnet and St Mary Magdelene Academy in Islington. I called but I think they've closed for summer as no one answers. Can you give me some informations about these schools as well please? Thank you very much and excuse my English.

La Sainte Union is a good school with a good reputation. But it is a comprehensive school and as such takes the full range of ability and attitude - like any comparable school there will be pupils whose behaviour falls short of the school's expectations. As far as I've heard the school has is pretty strict on behaviour and deals with incidents thoroughly. There are lots of well-behaved, studious girls there who work hard and get good results, if your daughter is that kind of child she should be able to find like-minded friends.

If you're worried about LSU being too rough, then Bishop Douglass is going to be far, far less appealing to you. Really, don't.

If you're still uncertain about LSU, have you considered Parliament Hill as an alternative? Very different intake from LSU as it's not catholic, but very good pastoral care and support for students. I have heard occasional stories about there being a 'mean girls' culture at LSU, but Parli really doesn't seem to have that at all - they are very hot on friendships and social skills. My slightly quirky and earnestly studious dd is very happy there.

Thank you very much. That helps a lot. I will definitely call Parliament Hill as well.