Downe House vs CLC

[jokebook]

Am looking at these 2 schools for DD. She's a bright but not genius-type, loves all the extra curricular stuff (sport, music, drama) and is not a girly girl. Anyone with thoughts about these 2 schools, or any other suggestions? How's the new head at CLC doing?

Thanks for your thoughts

Was at clc many moons ago and have also been back to careers things. New head was at school during my time- seems well respected and has a handle on what is going on. Downe house by rumour only is less academic.

Guardian to a few expat girls at CLC, last just left. All thrived. Very impressed, down to earth, the school feels like a solid academic girls' school, open, the boarding/school separation and being across town makes it feel more normal. They are very good at making the most of the mix of overseas and Brits, whereas some schools allow it to get tribal. It is the first choice of expat teachers, whereas Downe for whatever reason seems to leave a lot of people cold on visiting. I recommend you visit though, getting the feel for places, and whether they feel right for your DD is the most important part of the process IME.

Thank you both for your replies. I am planning to visit both. Anyone else have any opinions they would share?

I always feel the Downe girls all conform to a 'type' when I see them. Me personally would worry what if my daughter didn't fit the 'type'.

I have two nieces-in-law who went to Downe House and left in last couple of years. They had some reasonably happy times, but neither were well supported through tough times (parents divorcing) and both ended up with eating disorders, and struggling with fitting in/cliques. Purely anecdotal, but fwiw.

Thank you Lonecat and Elibean. That is interesting feedback. I shall be looking out for the "type" when I go round and shall dig into the pastoral care.

I should say that I went to CLC so have a bias towards it, but just because I had fun and did well doesn't mean it's necessarily the right school for DD.