City of London Girls or JAGS! Which school?

[Animalover]

My daughter received offers from City and JAGS, and we can’t decide between the schools. She is a very bright and self-motivated girl.

City:
She loved it- it has a different, unique vibe, and the headteacher was amazing. At the open day the girls were very confident and friendly. However, my daughter would need to take the overground (about 27 minutes) and then walk 10 minutes. She could take the train around 8:00am, and registration at City starts at 8:40am.

JAGS:
There is a school bus available, but she would need to leave home around 7:10am. During the scholarship assessment she noticed that many girls from JAGS Juniors and Alleyn’s already knew each other very well and spent time together. Because of this, she felt she might struggle a little socially at first.

There will also be some girls coming from City Juniors, but only around 15–20 students, and since they had different teachers, building, and city junior is coed she feel like they are starting fresh-which makes my daughter feel more positive about City. She even made friends during Stage 2 and the interview process. We were also welcomed very warmly. Our only concern is that City doesn’t have a school bus - could this become a problem in the future?

Which school? WWYD?

8am train sounds much better than 7.10 bus.

Add that to loving City, why would you consider JAGS?

Sounds like CLSG is the winner; its her preference, and a shorter commute.

CLSG. Easier commute, and schedule won’t be bound by a school bus making it easier for any before or after school activities.

No, the lack of school bus isn't necessarily a negative. Lots of kids in London take the train (I did!) and it will give her more flexibility to go home after clubs etc. It sounds like you both prefer City from your description. The only thing I would say is that a 27 min train leaving at 8, followed by a 10 min walk sounds v tight for 8.40am registration. I would put her on an earlier train.

Thank you all🌸 Which school is more popular, nurturing? We are not from UK- don't know much about the schools.

Clsg - my girls are v happy there and enjoy the commute with friends

@parietal may I learn how long they travel for CLGS? Great to hear that they are happy

@Animalover - I wouldn’t worry about the girls at JAGS knowing each other from beforehand. The majority (approx. 2/3) of the girls joining Y7 will be external and settle in quickly.
The commute times seem wildly different, which can make a big difference to your daughter. Whereabouts do you live?

We are in similar situation - I think we will go for City of London Girls!

45 mins ish, depending on trains.

@parietal hi, is 45 mins door to door?

I went to City albeit many years ago when it was near Fleet Street. I had a one hour commute as did most pupils. Nobody lived close enough to City to walk to school and the same applies now it’s at Barbican.

@AppleDumplingWithCustard Good to hear that. Was it tiring?

Not at all. Short bus ride to underground station then on to the tube to Blackfriars. Five minute walk from station to school. Usually met friends on the way coming from the same direction.

Leaving the house just after 7am will be so tiring and very dark in the Winter. Everyone commutes to CLSG and she will get used to the journey very quickly. It's a plus that most of the cohort will be starting together.

City. That length of commute is very doable, even short, for London schools, state schools included.

yes, door to door