SW/W London Independent Schools thread part two

[Chillaxalready]

There. I've done it and started one.
1001 messages and counting!

mertonmama, I know 2 real sweeties at PHS. One will be going into Year 7 in September. It's a really nice year apparently.

And I totally agree with other posters, if it comes to a choice and all other things are equal, go with distance. I can't believe one of my friends is turning down one of her daughter's choices as it's too near

I do think PHS is the one for us but think that IRL people think we would be mad to pay for Putney when we might be able to have Tiffin for free.

We do have the money and I'm almost certain it's worth it for the all round experience and better commute but just have a niggling doubt. First world problem of course.

Emptycoffeepot-thanks for your reply and I agree with everything you wrote.As a rule of thumb the cost of living doubles every 7 years so we could be looking at 10k per term in the final year.Gulp!!!

Dark, I feel your pain! And what oh what will we do if our DDs get off Putney wait List?! I suspect I will choose two and let DD decide which one

Also has everyone read small print on terms and conditions? If we get off wait list later in summer, do we only pay terms fees IF the place is not filled? I believe that is what independent school board advises....

Merton mama - unless rules have changed you won't be able to have a 'look around' TGS should your DD receive an offer. Open Day is the one and only time they ever used to open the school up to visitors. Given how many applicants they receive every year, they simply don't need to go to the trouble of having visitors at any other time of the year and they don't believe they need to sell their school to candidates

If your DD doesn't want a place if offered, there are countless others of equal ability who do

PHS is a great school and if it is your closest one, that is worth its weight in gold for day to day life. And, as you know from our choice, we quite like the GDST!

But you could go to the offer holders day they have in April couldn't you?

Pop ins inflation is currentiy 0.5 so unlikely- why the scare story???? ??

Well. We have made a decision, and have chosen SHS. Although DD would have much preferred St Catherine's (think she has a crush on the head there and I do too) she has taken it really well and has been marking the pages on the co-curricular book to note down all the clubs she wants to try.

I thought she'd have a major melt down but she never ceases to surprise me!!!!

Dark, exciting! Great choice and well done for making it. Phewf, what a process it's been!

Dark - wonderful news! I know of lovely girls already at and going to SHS, your DD will have a ball.

Condemned - school fees inflation has consistently been 3-4% a year - a full fees place at my ds's school was £11000 a year when he started, now they're £18,900

So my 2 step sons are at Harrow - one is doing fine, the other is struggling. I am shown as 19 here, though I am now 21 and they are my step sons from my husband who is a colonel in the military. Not sure why he is struggling - any advice?

That's shocking Basildon, what part of the country are you?

School fees inflation of 3-5% pa has been happening pretty much across the country for at least the last 15 years of so (big hikes in early 00s around time of NI changes, strong growth since)

Yea forget inflation, school fee inflation has definitely been more like 4%!

So taking £18.900 from above and using an increase of 4% a year means that you'll be paying nearly £25,000 in 7 years time!

Yes, school fees have outstripped inflation and average earnings growth for a long time. 4 per cent a year is not unusual in SW London.

Bah. Too depressing to think about. Ice cream.

Same part of London as you condemned!

Shit ??

This thread has taken a nasty turn .... I dare not think....

Hi all
Any one yet heard of waiting lists moving or will we have to wait until tomorrow?!
State school offers at 5pm today where we live. Thank goodness our preferred indie is KGS as we have until Thursday rather than tomorrow lunchtime!
Wishing everyone all the best!

lists have started to move!

G&L emailed to say it is looking less likely they will make much use of the WL. Anybody heard from LEH?