Stuck between two secondary school choices for my daughter — need advice!
My daughter is currently choosing between two secondary schools and I’m really torn. A little about her: she’s more of a tomboy, not very “girly”, but gets on well with both boys and girls. We've been to both open days and we're impressed by both schools.
Option 1 – Sacred Heart, Hammersmith (all girls)
Pros:
- Outstanding Ofsted ratings
- Excellent academic results
- Close to home (17 mins by tube)
- Near her martial arts school, so she can walk straight there after school
- Safe area, I’d feel comfortable with her travelling independently
- Everyone I know who went here is doing well for themselves
Cons:
- All girls (she’d prefer mixed)
- She won’t know anyone there
Option 2 – All Saints, Ladbroke Grove (mixed)
Pros:
- Ofsted rating Outstanding (2022)
- Most of her friends are going there
- Mixed school, which she’d prefer
- Close-ish to home (24 mins by tube)
Cons:
- Historically (back when it was Sion Manning), the outcomes weren’t great — people I know who went here are not doing well for themselves
- I don’t like the area, would worry about her safety travelling to/from school
- Further from her martial arts school
Where we stand:
My daughter wants All Saints (because of friends + mixed school). Her mum also prefers All Saints. I prefer Sacred Heart for the academics, safety, and proximity to her martial arts school.
I don’t want to take her away from her friends, but I also want to make the best long-term choice for her future.
Has anyone had experience with either of these schools, or faced a similar decision between academics/safety vs friends/social comfort?