Secondary school maze - help!

[Goldcoaster]

My D1 goes to Yr 7 in Sept 18. We're navigating the secondary school system for the first time and would value some honest thoughts. Does anyone have first hand experience of Carshalton Girls High School? How good is it both academically and socially? We live in the SM6 area and are also considering - Woodcote High and Riddlesdown. Is there a realistic chance of getting into either school and which is a better option.
Thanks!

Riddlesdown as well as catchment and feeder schools have 48 ability places that are decided by exam and not distance related.

Thank you Iacebell10. That's an encouraging starting point.

lacebell10 - Please can you tell me more about Riddlesdown?

Is Riddlesdown a private school ? I checked on the website, couldn't find fees etc info anywhere.

The exam - is that for everyone or just for 48 places (out of catchment)?

Riddlesdown is a comprehensive secondary school

Riddlesdown is a state school (it's an academy I believe).

I think anyone can sit the exam for one of the ability places - as has been said, 48 go to those who pass the exam (offered in result order I think) and the rest go by feeder primary, catchment and siblings.

48 of the 328 total places available are offered in the basis of the exam.