queens college, francis holland, emmaunuel school, other schools west london

[enthusiast]

does anybody have any views on these schools

I went to see Emmanuel a couple of years ago for ds1 and was distinctly underwhelmed ... definitely second division compared to the other places we saw (Whitgift, Trinity, KCS, Alleyn's)

i only know of Emmanuel (is it the one on west end lane?), very small intake each year, you need to attend the local church AND live within spitting distance AND have a sibling already there... but it's got a fantastic reputation.

I meant the Emanuel the secondary school in Battersea Rise. SillI know but nor sure what ds1 means. Any way thanks re comment re Emmanuel. What struck me was the great sports facilities ocmpared to some London schools but minmum detected failings elsewwhere I presume. I wonder whther it is any better tahn a good state comprehensive

I meant the Emanuel the secondary school in Battersea Rise. SillI know but nor sure what ds1 means. Any way thanks re comment re Emmanuel. What struck me was the great sports facilities ocmpared to some London schools but minmum detected failings elsewwhere I presume. I wonder whther it is any better tahn a good state comprehensive

My brother went to Emanuel - it is second division academically in that not all the students will be the most fantastically bright. BUT if your DS is academic he will do fine (bro got 4 As at A level all in science subjects) - but if he isn't he won't be made to feel a failure.

Its great for the sporty, and also for those who might kick against rules and regs at more 'uptight' schools. In fact its where my bro went, and was very happy at, after getting expelled from such a school!

As to whether its better than a good state comp...probably not, but are there many of those near Battersea Rise? if so, i'd def go for that option!

Thanks Charity Girl - makes these wesites worth using - I am comparing Emanuel with Queens College Harley Street; Godolphin and Latymer; Francis Holland and Queensgate for a averagley clever, sporty and artistic 11 yeare old. We live in Central London

hey - i went to G&L! I loved it - I was above averagely academic (IMHO!), but below average on sport and artisticness....I made lovely friends, had great teachers, definitely not a 'hot house', but i got into Oxford etc.

Of course, I did leave 12 years ago, but I hope its not changed too much. The facilities these days look amazing.

ds1 short for dear son number 1 i.e. my eldest!
I presume as you're looking at G&L you have a girl (or dd )

the sports facilities are ok - fantastic compared to most state schools, but not brilliant compared to some of the other private schools around

It's definitely not a patch on Godolphin (I went there too - a while before charitygirl - was also clever but non-sporty)

I wasn't at all impressed by the head at Emanuel and to be honest I don't think it offers anything that you couldn't get for free at a good state comprehensive

If money is an issue, Emmanuel give out lots of scholarships, even to the not particulary bright.

anyone know anythng about Queens Gate?

Thanks mimsum - you are quite right a dd. My summary from postings to date is G&L great; Emanuel OKish; but no news on Queens or Francis Holland. Anybody any info?

I went to Francis Holland at top of Baker street about 30 years ago! I ahve a few friends with daughter there and I believe it is not as academic as it was. In fact the FH near Sloane Squ. is now aupposed to be better.
My niece went to Queens college. She was very artistic, sporty, musical and into drama and this school was ideal - I don't think its for the academically brilliant.

Thanks lazymum - That puts Queens in context - nice friendly small school for rounded kids who are clever but not brilliant. I felt the same during my visit but was a bit surprised at the small outside space so am surprised you say it suited your sporty niece. The new Head is clearly an academic high flyer - ex Westminster Director of Studies. So far I would rank Queens then F Holland then Emanuel for rounded but not genius daughter -not sure where Queensgate or Godolpin would fit in. Any more contributions?