School advice please

[Kimush]

Hi - we are moving to Beaconsfield next year and are torn between Pipers Corner and Maltmans and godstowe. I would really appreciate any comments you have on these schools as I am in a tis. Thank you

My DD went to Godstowe so a bit biased. They are all a bit different. Godstowe has an amazing track record for getting girls into the best independent senior schools, eg Wycombe Abbey, Cheltenham Ladies etc. A few leave for local grammar schools at 11 but hardly any go to "lesser" independent secondary schools, eg Pipers, and very many go on to boarding schools having boarded at Godstowe. It is non selective and it is the best school of the three you mention judged by educational achievement. It has great traditions, and lots of great art, music, drama and sport good too. There is a fantastic array of extra activities so plenty to do.

Pipers Corner mostly feeds into its own senior school and a parent I know was unhappy school does not see itself as preparing girls to go to other schools as they expect to keep the best ones. Therefore it really depends if you want Pipers senior school or not. If you do, go there now as getting a senior place there is now pretty competitive. They do not guarantee to offer a place even if your child is in their prep dept. They have raised their standards markedly in the last 10 years so are pretty selective now. Did not used to be selective at all! Far fewer really clever girls though!

Maltmans is a bit between the two. Godstowe have many staying to 13 and parents will be looking to the top senior schools. I think Maltmans goes to 11, but I could be wrong. Have a look at the destinations of leavers and see if it meets your needs. Likewise Godstowe. This is really how people choose between the schools.