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Original poster

LEH v PHS

20 replies

PuzzledmumES · 17/04/2023 20:34

Hello all
I know there have been a few threads on this in the past. We are in the very lucky position of being offered a place with academic & music scholarship to PHS, v music scholarship to LEH. With fees having considerably increased, that's a significant difference. We know that PHS didn't do as well in the school tables last year, but assume that that probably doesn't mean that much (as not that much between schools). Be interested to know what people's current take is on both these schools and their differences? Is there much in it? Thanks for any thoughts you want to share.

OP posts:
redrobin75 · 17/04/2023 21:02

Are you talking about year 7, year 9 or 6th form entry? As term starts for them both tomorrow you are committed to the Autumn term fees unless you give notice tonight.

Original poster
PuzzledmumES · 17/04/2023 21:49

Year 7 entry. We know we need to decide tonight. Thanks for flagging

OP posts:
redrobin75 · 17/04/2023 21:54

Wow, it's such short notice, you are looking at a massive bill if they don't accept your notice by email, such a risk. If there is 1 factor all private schools set in stone it's 1 term's notice to leave.

Go with the smaller fees bill or easier journey. Your dd will achieve the same gcse results at either school.

redrobin75 · 17/04/2023 22:18

Just to add by giving notice tonight and not last week it means that if another parent get a call from the admissions team tomorrow with the offer of a place they may not be able to accept because as of the 18th April they have also committed to 1 terms fees at the school they have paid a deposit for.

Ilovechoc12 · 17/04/2023 22:32

Pay both - decide the day before term starts - get billed for both school

Why did you leave it sooooo late!

Sad for the people on the waitlist - very naughty!

No I didn't want a girls school this year but it's not very nice to be on the other side.

You should know by now ....

If you are worried about fees - you shouldn't go into the independent school system - it's only going to get worse ....

Original poster
PuzzledmumES · 17/04/2023 22:37

We only received the LEH offer today, that’s why it’s so late - we were on the waiting list. Couldn’t agree more about people deciding earlier!

OP posts:
redrobin75 · 17/04/2023 22:42

@PuzzledmumES , apologies then, and good to know the waiting lists are still moving. PHS will be very annoyed to lose a double scholar, you will have to make sure your notice is totally tight. Probably best to reject LEH.

lililililililili · 17/04/2023 22:52

I live equidistance to the schools where I would be lucky to have that dilemma. I prefer my DD to go to a more centrally located school.

sunshinesupermum · 17/04/2023 22:52

Which school does your daughter prefer?

MomFromSE · 17/04/2023 22:54

If you can’t decide on the merits of the school I agree go with the easier journey or the bigger scholarship in that order.

redrobin75 · 17/04/2023 23:03

@PuzzledmumES , at least with your timeline and the fact you haven't paid LEH any money you could check that PHS will accept your notice tomorrow morning before making a final decision. They will almost certainly try and talk you out of it because obviously your dd is musically gifted and bright and they will also have to turn to the WL etc.

Ilikelists · 18/04/2023 13:04

PuzzledmumES · 17/04/2023 20:34

Hello all
I know there have been a few threads on this in the past. We are in the very lucky position of being offered a place with academic & music scholarship to PHS, v music scholarship to LEH. With fees having considerably increased, that's a significant difference. We know that PHS didn't do as well in the school tables last year, but assume that that probably doesn't mean that much (as not that much between schools). Be interested to know what people's current take is on both these schools and their differences? Is there much in it? Thanks for any thoughts you want to share.

Just curious about how much you have kept n contact at leh. My dd is on a waitlist and not sure if we should keep emailing and calling or if they will just ring if something comes up.

Original poster
PuzzledmumES · 18/04/2023 14:13

Thanks for all the advice @redrobin75 and others. We have eventually decided to stick with PHS, difficult though! We live closer to PHS, though do want to move out. @Ilikelists we spoke to LEH right at the start (when they put on WL), and then did email to express our disappointment, say we wanted to remain on), then once more on the date of the state school news. What was helpful was to find out where we were on the WL - this would be worth you asking, particularly as seems like there was some movement yesterday?

OP posts:
farfallarocks · 19/04/2023 11:46

They offered you a scholarship from the waiting list?

SamPoodle123 · 19/04/2023 11:52

farfallarocks · 19/04/2023 11:46

They offered you a scholarship from the waiting list?

I think schools do this when a scholarship dc decides not to attend the school after all, so they probably have a WL as well for scholarship dc to replace if a dc decides not to take the spot in the end.

redrobin75 · 19/04/2023 12:22

Yes OP's dd reached the level for a music scholarship but not the academic level for an outright place. Her music scholarship ability will have pushed her to the top of the WL. It's not necessary that the dd who dropped out last week had a music scholarship too.

What is interesting is the different type of entrance exams have resulted in an academic scholarship at PHS and a WL place at LEH and I'm sure in reality the dd would have done equally well academically at both schools.

lililililililili · 19/04/2023 12:35

I know a child who had an outright place in LEH and a WL place in PHS, it is so random! Same thing happened with WHS in different combinations

poppiesandpansies · 19/04/2023 12:50

Sounds like you may have made your decision but if you are still thinking, I would just add that the music department at LEH is outstanding. Depth and breadth and not just classical. A range of choirs and not just for truly talented which I like! Their music concerts are the best I've seen - and I have seen a lot!! Lots of productions right from the start rather than leaving for older years. Really really good.
We are towards the upper end of the school and it has been an excellent experience in every regard so far. I know head is retiring - she has been fabulous- but am sure they will have selected new head with great care.

SamPoodle123 · 19/04/2023 14:21

lililililililili · 19/04/2023 12:35

I know a child who had an outright place in LEH and a WL place in PHS, it is so random! Same thing happened with WHS in different combinations

I have heard of a few that got places at WHS and not PHS. Also, someone that got a spot at G&L and not WHS. I think it depends on the day and your strengths, as some are stronger in verbal/non verbal and that is what WHS uses for entrance exam.

farfallarocks · 19/04/2023 14:39

Thanks for clarifying, I have these joys to come next year!

Some pretty random results at our prep school this year too - scholarships to Brighton and Jags, waiting list at Ibstock place etc

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