Newlands Girls' School, Maidenhead - is Marlow too far out of catchment?

[Ihavepixies]

We have no choice but to relocate due to work. We are planning on moving to the Marlow/Cookham/North Maidenhead/High Wycombe area.

The problem is we aren't sure where to be based out of because of schools. Youngest dd is currently in prep where we are and doing very well academically. We liked Godstowe and plan to put her on a waiting list. However eldest Dd is in year 7 in a state school and has some SEN so grammar/independant school is not likely to be an option for her. We are very keen on Newlands girls' school, as she is currently in all girls and is making good progress which I suspect is down to the fact that even lower sets are much better behaved than in mixed sex schools (we tried co-ed initially).

We thought living in the middle, i.e Marlow, would be the most practical, but how difficult is it to get into Newlands Girls? Do you have to live in maidenhead itself? Or do they take out of catchment for in year applications?

It's possible I may be entirely overlooking excellent schools for dd2 in High Wycombe but DD1 is not grammar material and I don't want her in a school with low aspirations.

Not a chance from Marlow I’m afraid unless she meets any of the higher admissions criteria.

Have you looked at Pipers Corner? All through girls school. Lovely nurturing environment. Getting more academic but they take a very wide range of abilities. Several direct school buses leave from Marlow.

Great Marlow school is actually pretty good (although co-Ed). I have friends with children there who are very happy with it. Of course, there is also the William Borlase Grammar which is brill for your older daughter.

Sorry, younger daughter for the grammar.

St Mary’s in Gerrards Cross could also be a good match for the older daughter.

With the exception of Wycombe Abbey and Godstowe, the independent schools in the area tend to pick up the children who don’t pass the 11+. Not exclusively though and Pipers has improved considerably in the last few years. But they are absolutely not hot houses or crammed with very bright girls. Don’t discount independent as a result.

Newlands doesn't have a good reputation at all for children with sen.
Many are let down down and told they won't achieve but then a mange to elsewhere..
I wouldn't go near Newlands op.
They have also been a total let down over covid, and seem to be one of these... Shutters down, we don't listen type places. The schools mentioned up thread sound much better. I have dc with sen and it's not a school I would go near.

I think you need to decide where you are aiming for with dd2. If SWBGS then you need to move to Marlow - for the last 5 years they have only offered to 3 miles within catchment. Marlow would also give you catchment for WHS and GMS. Plus independent wise you have Pipers Wycombe Abbey, Queen Anne’s and The Abbey v close.

I know nothing about Newlands except you won’t get in from Marlow. GMS has a great reputation and is very good with students needing extra support. Pipers also has a fantastic reputation.

Have you thought of Claires Court?

www.clairescourt.com/page/?title=Junior+Girls&pid=7

Newlands High School Overview

Pros:

• Excellent choice for girls: Strong option with a consistently 'Outstanding' rating in Berkshire in 2024 and 2018 Inspection.
• Supportive culture: Provides a caring environment where students feel well looked after.
• Amazing teachers: Particularly in the science department, with Mr. Clark receiving high praise for dedication.
• Academic focus: Strong emphasis on academic success, especially for years 7-11.
• Passionate students: Active involvement in extracurricular activities, such as well-received school productions.
• Good overall school: Positive experiences reported by some parents and students, recommending the school for its academic strengths.

Cons:

• Casual racism: Some teachers accused of racist behavior towards non-white students and favoring popular kids.
• Lack of support for bullying and SEN: Complaints about inadequate responses to bullying, harassment, and support for students with special educational needs.
• Poor teaching and management: Criticism of disorganized teachers, with some relying heavily on home tutors.
• Discrimination and unprofessionalism: Reports of Islamophobia and racial discrimination, with a focus on maintaining the school’s reputation.
• Unhygienic conditions and poor facilities: Criticism regarding cleanliness and food quality, raising hygiene concerns.
• Focus on grades over well-being: Perceived prioritization of academic success at the expense of students' mental health and overall well-being.