IB - Marymount International School and Southbank International

[Pancakes18]

Newly relocating to London. Have checked all the IB school rankings etc, but I was hoping someone could please advise me on the more holistic element, if they know either of Marymount or Southbank International and whether the girls attending either of these schools are happy? Pleasant environment? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Hope you don't mind if I comment to follow! As I'm interested too.
Have recently visited Marymount and thought it was a lovely, homely school where girls seemed very happy and well looked after. Also the location is beautiful. Their IB results are good and their university destinations include some of the best, including UK, US and Asia. It also has a very big network world wide with all the other Marymount schools. Downside (if you're British) is that its a fully 'american' school eg they don't play traditional UK sports such as netball and hockey etc
Sorry I don't know anything about Southbank school.

Marymount also has a rather transient population with girls coming and going every year. This can be quite tough on friendship groups.

I think that probably rings true for many international schools. I wasn't overly impressed with the Southbank campus or with their ethos (run by a private equity firm). Marymount seems far more grounded.

Thank you! Grounded is important to us. Would you happen to know if anyone knows which of the 2 schools, either Marymount or Southbank International has teachers who are more serious, decent and enthusiastically take care of the students in their care. Thank you.

Marymount is an all girls Catholic high school whereas Southbank is mixed junior and senior school. So just by that I can imagine the feel must be very different?
What age are your DC?
If they're diploma level than a lot of the independent schools now also offer IB alongside A levels.

I know children who have relocated to London and chose Marymount for its pastoral care. The nuns that own and un the Marymount empire are very knowledgeable. It's worth bearing in mind that the Marymount nuns (like many other orders) have often traveled the world and are far more educated in a holistic and intellectual, as a opposed to a business, sense, than the private equity funds that own Southbank or ICS and are primarily looking for a fast return on investment rather to further the cause of humanity.

Thanks mums. I feel Marymount is better than another school. Does anyone happen to know please the qualifications of the teachers at Southbank, in the sense of whether they are really businesslike or making an earnest effort for their pupils?” Would really appreciate any feedback.

I don’t have any insider knowledge of Southbank. However, a general observation is that teachers working in schools owned by private equity firms often lack support from their senior management and advisory boards who are financiers (with very little understanding of what goes on in the classroom) rather than educators. Individual Teachers can be great anywhere but it is best for all concerned when everyone is united around shared educational objectives and outcomes.