St Swithun vs Headington School

[wloi]

I am an overseas parent and my DD will study in UK for Y10 this september.
She has been offered a place by Headington and St Swithun.

I will need to pay deposit early next week, so I am having a big headache to choose between the 2 schools.

My husband wants DD to go to St Swithun as it is academically strong. My preference would be Headington as girls seems to have a better balance between study and play.

Any comments about these 2 schools are welcome.

I have no direct knowledge of either but have friends with daughters at both schools. Both families are very happy with their choice of schools and they sound quite similar as both are strong academically and have quite a large number of foreign pupils as boarders. I should think Headington probably has the advantage based on its location very close to Heathrow Airport.

Jeanne, thanks for your information.

I would go for Headington as it is more convenient for airport travel but also has a reputation for providing what is needed for the more academic (who do extremely well) as well as providing a broader and inclusive education.

Thanks, summerends. I also prefer Headington. However, when I reviewed the league table, I have a second thought as St Swithun ranked higher. I will let DH and DD know about your comment. I have arranged a school visit to Headington next week and hope that DD will love the school after the visit.

Headington is academically strong too considering that they have quite a broad ability intake. It's a great school (DD goes there) and has a good balance of work/sport. Also does the IB in sixth form.

DEFINITELY ST SWITHUNS