oh I know, notapushy1, i just saw the school name in the title and had to post.
back in the day...there was a nvr paper, a maths paper, an english paper, 2 interviews, involving further nvr, parents interviewed by the head (this may also have involved some nvr ). there were around 1200 applicants for 90 places, as I recall. Most people were tutored, and continued to be throughout their years there. I wasn't though.
Oh and catchment area...there were certainly girls there from all over north london. I lived in camden. but yes, I don't remember anyone being from brighton. thats excessive.
its a very academic school (I do still have contacts in london-don't think its hugely changed!). Tbh, if your dd is artistic, its unlikely to be a good school for her, IMO. When I was there the following departments were utterly, unreservadly rubbish: drama, all art, and music. And sports were pretty rubbish also. It was a very very narrowly academic school.
And certainly when I was there, despite being pretty competative to get in and so on, the teaching was not fantastic. those great gcse results (they aren't that great, considering the intake) are the result largely of lots of kids having tutors (I know this cos I have friends in london who tutor for HBS)
anyway.
I take it your daughter didn't get in? please don't be upset. Its really not the greatest school in the world. If she goes to the local comprehensive (I assume you are in barnet? I don't know their comprehensives that well) but has supportive, interested parents, I'm sure she will do much better.