Non selective independent secondary schools anywhere in London?

[chiaralev]

I'd love to send my DD (currently in Y1) to a good independet school, however the 11+ may prove to difficult even with tutoring, you never know, so it's good to have a few options lined up. Do you know any good non slective or "not-so-slective" independent schools in London?

There are none that are non-selective.

All are over-subscribed to a greater or lesser extent, and I cannot think of any that do not have an exam as part of the selection procedure. That said, the academic standard sought, the relative weight of head's reference, of interview and of co-curricular activities can all vary wildly.

Which bits of London can you reach? And how far out?

whereabouts are you? Around here Streatham and Clapham High School(girls), The Hall School Wimbledon (co-ed but only goes up to 16), St Dunstan's, Emanuel and Royal Russell (all co-ed) have been the frequent choice for the not-so-academic child, however Emanuel certainly is becoming harder to get into as it is very over-subscribed and SCHS has also been turning some children away

Are you in N London? Try St. Margaret's in Kidderpore Gardens. She'll have to do an exam but it is a very small, very pastorally focused school and they look beyond the exam results too. Head is a really lovely man - Mark Webster - and I'm sure he'd meet you to have a chat if you wanted to.

Only downside is it goes to 16 not 18 but they have a good track record of getting girls into their sixth form of choice.

Thanks for your tips. We live in NW but sooner or later will have to relocate. So anywhere goes. My daughter can't fo to a faifth -based school as she's not baptised and have no intention to. I think she's bright and is good at what she does at school. Sitting an exam, though, it's a completely different thing.

She's currently in Yr1. 11+ exams take place in Yr 6. I understand how it's difficult to imagine her coping with an exam, but if as you have already noticed she is bright and doing well at school, she will probably manage fine!

thanks!