Queens College, Francis Holland NW1 and City of London School for Girls

[Dustylaw]

Does anybody have any views on the above? Looking for a school where an academic but arty and quite sporty girl can do well but also have some fun ie positively don't want a school which is too pressured but do want a school where everyone does as well as they can but has some fun along the way and possibly even learns things. So far we've only seen Queen's College where the new head was very impressive. Also, any other ideas? Thanks.

We looked at all of these for our DD. Queens definitely the least academic, City extremely academic and very pressured, FH somewhere in between. of the three, City has the best sports facilities, followed by FH. Also of the three, we liked the vibe at FH best but I know girls who are really happy at City.

I would say that if your DD is a Queens girl (not hugely academic, quite arty, into urban chic, socially confident and independent , not in need of a lot of sport) she will not be a City girl (very academic, very energetic and confident though in a different way to Queens, lots of extra-curricular activities) and vice versa. Either one of these schools might be right for your DD but not both IYSWIM.

From what you have written, I would say go and look at FH but also at South Hampstead High and Channing unless these are too far north for you.

If not too south for you, also look at JAGS.

I went to FH 12 years or so ago and went back recently when was considering whether to become a teacher. I loved it as a pupil, I wasn't too sporty but they do have good facilities with their own pool and regents park over the road. I agree with poster above that it's averagely academic.
When I went back to visit, I felt the same friendly atmosphere, the girls were polite and helpful.

my cousin left francis holland where she had been since primary to do A levels at city of london girls ie for sixth form

she wasn't very happy there, wished she had stayed at francis holland. didn't find it very friendly and thought the teaching was about the same

she got good a levels though

I have a daughter in year 6 and so have spent the last year looking at these schools. I agree that Queens College very different from City. City has a fantastic feel to it but very academic and pressured. I like the atmosphere at both Francis Hollands - Clarence Gate and Graham Terrace. I agree that South Hampstead (we will find out in 3 weeks if DD got in!) has a lovely feel to it- quite academic but also great sports and energy - thought the Head there fantastic!
There is also G & L.. maybe that is too far West? Great facilities, academic, sporty, but a bit too glossy for us!

I have 4 girls and can't sing the praises of CLSG high enough. It is an academic school and the girls are expected to work hard. However they also have a lot of fun, there are lots of extracurricular activities and the girls genuinely gain a solid understanding and appreciation of different religions and social backgrounds.

There is no doubt that if dd can cope at CLSG she will be confident enough to plan a successful future and at the same time will be trying to save the world.

Hi,

I am thinking about applying to CLSG for the 7+ (only 17mths to go) and I would like to know a bit more about it. Does anybody have a DD in year 1 or 2, to shed some light on what it is like and what type of girls are chosen? I have visited the school and I love it but I am really nervous/stressed that the entrance exam may be too much for her. My DD is very bright and a late summer baby, so always worried that maturity won't be there when she takes the exams. Look forward to hearing from someone.

Hmmm.
My DD is just finishing year 4 at CLSG and is really happy. The entrance exam is nothing to worry about. Plenty of summer kids in DD's class. I'm sure it is all adjusted to take age into account. It suits DD very well.
Go look at all of them and talk to the girls. Ask your current head for advice. Then, sit for them all and choose from where she gets in. Simples.

Thanks Horsemadmom. I think we will go for it. It's the only school which I think will really suit her, we have Alleyn's and JAPS on our doorstep but ....
By the way... from you 'nickname' can I rightly assume you like horse riding?

I'm a horse addict! Too much school fee expenditure to have my own at the moment.
Good luck at CLSG. It is a lovely school. Ignore anyone who uses the word 'hothouse'. If a fast pace suits your DC they will love the schools that expect a lot of them. Whether or not it is the only school that will suit DD is something that you won't know until after the exams. Don't invest too much in any one school before you post that deposit cheque. All your DD needs to know is that she'll get a big smartie biscuit at the end.

Don't know much about the prep but have one DD at senior school and cannot recommend it highly enough. Teachers are fantastic as are the facilities. It is quite academic but my DD seems so happy there and is currently not struggling with the workload. The emphasis is very much on making them strong, independent and responsible. Fantastic school but competition for places is always high, Also being in the prep does not give automatic entry to the senior school. I did not have my DD tutored before but a lot of people do. Would give this school a five star plus rating

Thanks Endall.