Godstowe - school uniform

[MiniMy8]

Hi - I’m looking to move my DD from Y4 in a state school to Godstowe (high wycombe) for Y5. Many reasons - two being as COVID has really impacted her education and we are hoping she will pass her 11+ as well as broaden her experiences with the range of activities she has exposure to. We are not rich, both parents work hard. Just been send the forms including foe uniform (and name labels!) which seems crazy expensive. Fees will be challenging already and knowing how fast they grow - was shocked how much kitting her her out will be on top of this. They seem to have e a second hand uniform shop which will look into.

But in the meantime can I check if anyone has had their DDs at the school and can share insights into how strict the school are on uniforms or have any tips to share. Some of the items seem quite generic (socks, cycling shorts, grey skirts, red jumper) that I can source (or she has already) has at a fraction of the price from retailers.

Any steer appreciated - thanks in advance

Pretty strict in general. Things like socks and cycling shorts you can get away with buying from another retailer, but the skirt and jumper really need to be from the uniform shop. Part of the issue with buying different is that literally everyone else will be wearing those from the school shop, which might be a bit uncomfortable for your DD. But in general private schools take the uniformity aspect of uniform much more seriously and insist on everyone wearing the same thing from one supplier. Second hand uniform sales are normally pretty decent though particularly for cloaks, boaters and blazers which are extortionate.

Yep, uniform can easily add almost a grand to your costs when first setting them up. The skirts and jumpers are a very specific style and colour and don’t match the supermarket ones. It’s very obvious if you don’t have the official ones and they are strict.

Second hand uniform shops are a god send. My DDs are at a decent different prep and I have never had to buy blazers or summer dresses new which saves a fortune.

Have you also factored on the extra cost of trips, music lessons, other extra curricular stuff? All adds up

My DD2 went to Godstowe and the secondhand uniform shop is very good. However you really cannot buy the skirt and pullover from just anywhere. You will need the cloak and blazer too plus the boater. It will add up! It’s a premier division school and nothing there is cheap. You will have to bite the billet I’m afraid. They used to stipulate shoes too!

I would say though that their uniform was top quality and it lasted. Buy well and you won’t need to replace much. My DD loved it there. I would say though that it you want the 11 plus there are other, cheaper, options. You are paying for the best though and you need to factor in quite a lot of extra expense as you go along. Contributions to all sorts of things!

Godstowe don’t prep for 11+ as they go through to 13.
You have to buy the uniform.
You need a school that only goes to 11.
Where are you in Bucks?

Godstowe always did prep for 11 plus. They have a few who go there for this. Not every girl stays to 13 by any means. They used to discuss destinations with parents.

Thanks for confirming - we specifically discussed the 11+ with them and they said they do prep and some girls do leave after this.

Thank you for sharing - much appreciated. I think I am showing my naivety here 😳 as not something I could ever relate to.

It’s not a long term plan to keep her down this route but we figured if we can, we should for the next 2 yrs to give her the best start we can. Especially as all reviews of the experience seem positive. Aside from the education, the range of extra activities seem great to expand her experiences and horizons and the school location logistically works well for us as working parents.

Just looking at the acceptance forms to complete so just hit home the other aspects to factor in - best start saving!

I would recommend Godstowe over any other school. I just suggested alternatives if money was tight! We certainly appreciated the breadth of the curriculum and extra curricular available. We found the school friendly and inclusive.

Don't sign! I completely agree that Godstowe is an amazing school but it doesn't sound like the best school for you. It goes up to 13 and so will have no real interest in helping you go elsewhere at 11. Yes girls do but you will likely also need a private 11+ tutor outside of school so factor this cost in too.

Unfortunately all independents tend to tell you what you want to hear when they are trying to recruit you.

Mostly though you sound as though this is a 2 year dally into the independent sector. What if DD doesn't pass the 11+? Can she stay with her Godstowe friends for 2 more years? Move to another independent? Local state?

Be aware that Godstowe does have a monied clientele and that your general lifestyle is compatible.

@zippydoodade
What a load of rubbish!

Please do not think you wouldn’t be welcome. I’m sure some parents didn’t have loads of money when dd was there. It was if no consequence at all. The girls were all included. You cannot judge people by wealth.

They do prep for 11 plus if you want it. Their main group of girls leave at 11 but Bucks 11 plus is the norm too. You can ask about their destinations at 11 and you will see 11 plus leavers.

Yes, of course not all DDs get 121 and above. Like any school. However the school discusses likely success with you. No private school in Bucks can afford to ignore the 11 plus.

The majority Leave at 13.

Godstowe is a fabulous school but just wondering why you haven’t considered somewhere like Maltmans Green as well (or maybe you have?). Over £2k per year cheaper, all girls leave at 11, facilities and extra curricular just as extensive and an impressive list of leaver destinations including huge numbers to grammars. It may be a better fit financially and for what you are looking for at 11.

Their uniform is just as pricey though (but does include the most fabulous winter coat.....)