NLCS vs Habs Girls for 11+

[decisions101]

Pls help -i need to decide by Wednesday for my DS. My concerns is that NLCS is too pressurised and girls lack confidence as they are surrounded by such superstars. is this true? Any thoughts pls ASAP.

Hi
Congrats on those choices!
I have 2 DDs at NLCS. Neither feels pressured and neither lacks confidence (far from it!). Your DD wouldn't have been offered a place if the school didn't see her as a 'superstar' in the making.
Year 7 is very relaxed as all the girls settle in and then work increases gradually. DD2 had about 1/2 hr of hw last year and now does about 45mins. If it takes longer than that, they need to stop and speak to the teacher or rethink their organisation. Help is gladly given to establish good habits. It's these habits that enable them to cope easily with the increasing complexity as they move up the school. DD1 finds plenty of time for clubs, societies in school and outside activities and lots of social life.
All the girls are clever. Some with seemingly little effort but most because they do work hard. DD1 is the former, DD2 is the latter. Both love the school. It's very non-competitive and the pastoral care is amazing!

Thank you for your reply. Are the girls very 'sporty'.Also what sort of personality works well at NLCS -my daughter is quite serious and quiet but likes to have friends around her. Are the girls made to an an extra subject at A levels?

Neither of my DDs are at all sporty. DD1 avoids it if at all possible. DD2 is happy to have a go but has only ever caught a lacrosse ball by accident once- everyone cheered like she'd won an olympic gold medal. It's like heaven for girls who are sporty because their is so much on offer but plenty of girls aren't and it doesn't matter. They can play in 'clubs' (as opposed to squads) if they just fancy playing for fun.
There are all types of personality at NLCS. DD2 is quite quiet but enjoys participating in lessons. They do make an effort to draw out the more reserved girls. Some of DD1's friends who were quiet in yr 7 are very outgoing now. They all change so much.
In 6th form, they can do IB or A Level/PreU. Uni offers are made based on IB points (6 subjects) or the 3 highest A Level/PreU. Almost all schools start with 4 subjects with the option to drop to 3 in upper 6th. No one is forced to do 'extra'. I have known girls who have done as many as 5 A Levels (their own choice- super self-motivated) and they can take subjects like art as unexamined. Such girls are advised against this but allowed if, and only if, it looks like they are enjoying it. The ones who I've known to have done this had stellar results. Many do an EPQ (this might be compulsory from next year) but this is really worthwhile as it allows girls to do independent research on a topic of their choice and excersize intellectual curiosity.It's the stuff that goes on around the curriculum that make NLCS so interesting. The societies, speakers, trips and incredible teachers make it exciting. Example- there is a lecture series where staff present their areas of special interest. If you search the website for Nicholson lectures you'll see the past topics. They are standing room only.