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Centralish London Secondary Independents - advice needed.

7 replies

Madnesslieshere · 23/10/2024 20:58

Down to the wire for final Independent School applications and having a crisis of confidence about how achievable any of the schools are.

DD is bright with a CAT score of 131 but dyslexic so her VR is 120 which drags it down. She is extremely strong in maths but English is bang on average.

Our prep school have not been great tbh in advising and have suggested super academic schools and then non-selectives but the reality is we can’t commit to a million entrance exams and it’s really hard to get a feel as to what school suits even with visiting them. On paper with her CAT score, and maths attainment, in theory she could have a shot to get into City girls but in practice with her English it won’t suit her at all.

We are looking for a semi academic school which has good pastoral care and currently looking at Queen’s College and Blackheath (both ok commute wise), but also want to consider a co-Ed but there doesn’t seem to be any good options?

Anyone who has a similarly spiky profile child or knows of one and could suggest anywhere else? Most of central London / SE and E London would be doable.

(and yes, before people chip in, we are going for our local secondary which is our first choice tbh but it is doubtful that she will get in despite being the closest and the more certain ones we don’t feel are the best options so are considering indies. And posted here not Private School chat for traffic).

OP posts:
xmasdealhunter · 23/10/2024 21:39

Canonbury might suit? It's co-ed
Senior School, Canonbury - Private Senior School
Highgate is another co-ed to look at, if it's not too far out
Senior School | Highgate School

Madnesslieshere · 23/10/2024 22:04

xmasdealhunter · 23/10/2024 21:39

Canonbury might suit? It's co-ed
Senior School, Canonbury - Private Senior School
Highgate is another co-ed to look at, if it's not too far out
Senior School | Highgate School

Thanks, we have looked at NBH as one of the only co-Ed options but our concern is it’s too small (30-50 in a year group) and they don’t seem to have a very academic focus.

Highgate is not one we have considered as have always assumed it was a north London super academic type school. Will investigate - thanks!

OP posts:
Reigateinformationforyou · 24/10/2024 05:22

Is Reigate Grammar too far out? It has a really flexible gcse programme which I like for my slightly spiky child. GCSE starts in year 9 so she can drop the things she didn’t like quickly (probably humanities and languages). They also provide additional support lessons for maths and English in the early years for those that have a particular weakness (called HPL English/Maths). It is a big school and there is a focus on kids doing what they love and are passionate about.

Compared to say Caterham/Epsom type where there is more of an all around focus which wouldn’t have suited my child at all.

Jackal313 · 24/10/2024 09:21

Not co-ed but have you looked at Francis Holland Regent’s Park? I’ve heard very good things about Queens College (which you’ve mentioned), might be a good fit.

As you've said, there are not a lot of co-ed indies in central London. Highgate (which is pretty far north) is highly competitive and might not suit if you’re concerned about City Girls. Forest is a popular co-ed school but probably too far away, though Colfe’s (as previously suggested) might be a good option.

Perhaps look at the leavers destinations on the websites of other prep schools near you to see where children in your area go. Might give you some more ideas.

Himawarigirl · 30/10/2024 18:58

Colfes and St Dunstans are both co-ed SE London independents

CaptainOhMyCaptain · 30/10/2024 23:56

Emanuel? SW rather than SE I know but Clapham Junction easy to get to

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