7+, need help to choose schools to apply to (SW London/Surrey)

[Justatiredmum]

Aaargh, I feel like my head is bursting. I have now visited nearly all the schools my daughter could potentially apply for and need to narrow down the list of those she'll need to sit the exam for next year (she is currently in Year 1).

My daughter is outgoing, creative, very very good at reading, which she enjoys, good but slow at writing and fairly dreadful at maths. She absolutely LOVES drama and art and doesn't care either way about sport and music (as in, she'll do it and enjoy it, but she'll also be fine if it's an afterthought). She looks very confident (will raise her hand, speak out etc) but her self-esteem can be knocked incredibly easily.

I have been advised by her school to choose 3 options (aspirational, achievable, backup). Unfortunately, I had no 'aha, this is the one!' moment about any school I saw.

I have drawn up a shortlist but have some misgivings/questions about each school on it:

1. Rowan Prep in Claygate (probably my favourite but the farthest away from us--school commute could prove a nightmare. Also, only goes to 11)

1. Ibstock Place (rather unexpectedly, my second favourite, but am concerned that it is not academically v. strong? Or is it just rumour?)

1. Putney High (closest to us, felt a bit too 'urban' and facilities looked a bit tired compared to the others)

1. Newland House (looked like a solid school but I wasn't keen on the head and some of the teachers I met. Plus this too only goes to 11)

I haven't yet visited Wimbledon High, of which I have heard great things, and haven't altogether ruled out Bute, although it may be a long shot as entry is soooo competitive.

I'd love love love to hear from any of you who have children at these schools but would also appreciate some wise words about school distance and academic performance.

Would you consider a school you love even though it's very far away--technically, Rowan is 'only' 30 minutes' drive from our house but in practice, with traffic, it could be an hour each way!

How crucial is academic track record/league table results at this age? If, say, I send her to Ibstock, would she be adequately prepared for future schools/university?

Apologies for the long message and thanks in advance for any insights!

Travelling an hour each way each day seems mad tbh. I stock is reportedly getting more and more academic. People rave about New land but I know some who are miffed about the class sizes

Once you are on the A3 the journey to Rowan is not so bad in the morning, although it's not great getting back home. But there is more to a 'long distance' commute to school than time spent in the car, your child is also going to be a long way from her friends which means you need to "click" (or should that be clique?) with other parents to make sure she is not left out of parties etc. The other thing to consider is where you are aiming for next - LEH and SHS are the big destinations in your direction from Rowan, and there are probably schools nearer you that also feed there. If SHS is your target you should look closely at SHS Juniors.

Or when you say "only goes to 11" do you mean that 13+ co-ed boarding is a possibility? None of these schools will suit if that is the case (Newland House is good for boys to 13 but I don't think they have any girls that stay on past 11?)

Putney High and Wimbledon High both good, academic schools that could be your "aspirational" one - even if they get an offer, that doesn't mean you have to choose it over a more "achieveable" one if you think it is a better fit when the time comes.

It sounds like Ibstock is the closest to you, and if you have seen nothing to put you off is probably a good choice. The senior school has an historical reputation as a laid-back school where children go when they struggle elsewhere, but this has now changed - so much so that I'm not sure how competitive it is to get in at 7+? If you like the idea of an all-through co-ed it doesn't have much competition.

Thanks. Mary21 and Reddidi. You have encouraged me a lot about Ibstock. And, Reddidi, good point about the parties/socializing. I only thought of the day to day commute but that's a huge factor too. As for 'only goes to 11', it's just because I have a preference for an all through school if possible to avoid the massive stress of 11+ testing (I am aware both Ibstock and Putney require girls to sit the senior school exam anyway, but I understand that usually most pupils make it through?). Re SHS Juniors I looked at it and liked it, but it doesn't strike me as much better/very different from Putney High, which is closer to us, and they have virtually no places available for Year 3 entry, which is why I didn't include them in my list. I still like the senior school though!