Ideas for bright girl secondary in London

[MarriedDadOneSonOneDaughter]

Having sorted out the lad, my attention turns to the lass. Currently at state primary year 3. Rated year 5/6 for Maths and year 7(!) for English. Somewhat of a perfectionist and sensitive to mistakes/failure. Very social and into performing arts and quite sporty.

I

BeattieBow, do you mind disclosing your own choice, for the benefit of those of us with a stronger stomach? ;)

BeattieBow

"Girls do better at all girls' schools and boys apparently in mixed ones - Now disproved - when properly analysed."

There do seem to be two distinct schools (!) of thought on this, not just amongst parents but also schools. Unsurprisingly, single sex schools make convincing arguments in favour as do co-ed schools (when they can be bothered to).

It's clear that there is a historical legacy for single sex schools that make the league tables appear to support them - but that is most likely more to do with existence of single sex schools and some parents continued support of them that it is to do with actual differential performance.

I'm interest in real impartial evidence either way.

Any links to such evidence would be appreciated.

I'm sorry to jump in here, and I appreciate that it is a little late, but I must dispel the utter rubbish I am reading about state schools, in particular HBS.
I have a daughter currently in Y10 at the school and I can honestly say that sending her there was the best decision I have ever made for her. It is a fabulous school - beautiful environment, helpful and dedicated teachers, and a lovely atmosphere. Certainly not an exam hot house, as some people claim.
As for the idea that even the top state schools aren't on par with the top private schools - nonsense. Henrietta B is currently among the top 5 schools in the country, with GCSE and A-Level results rising every year.
The hideous claims that LauraBridges is making about parents at the school are simply untrue. Girls come from a wide variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, which is one of the things which makes the school so amazing. My daughter now has friends she would not have if she had gone to some of the more snobby private schools we looked at, where girls were defined by their wealth only.
MarriedDadOneSonOneDaughter - I recommend state schools to you. All the schools on your list are great in their own ways, but HBS is definitely worth a shot, as your daughter sounds very intelligent and well-rounded.
Don't discount schools based on people with prejudices - visit them when the time comes and make your choice on whichever schools 'feel right'.

@marrieddadonesononedaughter NHEH is Notting Hill and Ealing High School. It is though not a top top academic school - but it is a very good school and worth looking at. If you want a genuinely happy school with good pastoral care - this is it.

basildonbond I think you are correct!

You can scratch Tiffin Girls off your list too, if you're in North London you won't be in catchment

As an ex-Tiffin Girls' parent, I welcome the changes to the school admissions criteria. They are now proposing six form entry (from 4 when DD went) and giving some priority to local girls from low income families.

I think it would fare better as a "local" non super-selective grammar school. DD found Sixth form was unbearable with loads of pressure. It might slide down the league tables but it will be a much nicer place.

Choose a school of similar quality to your son's school with an easy commute and strict uniform. I went to and prefer single sex schools, but am also a childless lesbian. I had a long commute by car each day which made friendships hard. Strict uniform makes for a smaller clothing budget and fewer arguments about same.