Godolphyn&Latymer or City of London Girls:which offer to accept?

[NL2016]

just learnt that DD got offers to both, very excited, but now need to choose, we live in west London, so G&L - 30 min commute /City - 45-60 min.

Looking for views on both schools and pros/cons.

Much appreciated!

How did you find out? Offers are not out until tomorrow I thought!

Godolphin & Latymer. Much nicer school I think!

Have you made the journey, at the time that would reliably get to the school in time, carrying a backpack, a sports grip and something like a hockey stick or a violin?

Try it. See if you find a preference that way.

Also, how would she get there if there was a bus or tube strike?

I went to g&l yonks ago for 6th form. Lovely happy school, loved every minute.

... And I'd def go with the shorter commute. More friends closer to home and less hassle.

G&L - great school, great commute - absolute no brainer! Well done to your DD.

I know people who live in the Barbican yet won't touch City Girls.

Depends what your priorities are. Academically City is a class above Godolphin. Just look at the A level results, the % A* is incredible. If your daughter has been offered a place she is clearly very academic and can cope with the environment. Godolphin, however is an altogether nicer school - very smart, seems nurturing but does have a wider range of abilities.

easy decision!
G&L

Which does dd prefer? If she has a strong preference that may be a good indicator.

The person who mentioned tube problems does have a good point but in general they can be just about managed if you do prefer a further away school.

Try to avoid anything more than 40 minutes commute. Especially to City as you are going with the rush hour. Two hours a day travelling is a miserable way to spend teenage years.

I am not sure there is that big an academic difference. Bright girls do well at both. City sixth form is quite small so can get claustrophobic. Many of the year group will live in Islington and beyond, so social life will be outside West London. Plus G&L offer IB (which adds a twist when trying to compare A level results, as it is probably not an option chosen by weaker pupils) which is a nice option to have.

In short, a no brainer, unless you are absolutely in love with City.

I would go for G&L in your position due to the commute.

G&L without doubt

Mainlywinginit, why you this G&L is a much nicer school? Thanks all!

Firstly, Congratulations to your DD!
We were in the same position as you last year, with the added complication that we are equidistant to both school and that our DS is very happy and settled at City boys. After much deliberation we decided to go for Godolphin. It just seemed to be a better fit for our DD. Tbh, it came across as more nurturing and happy ( whilst still being very academic). We haven't regretted our decision for a second;our DD couldn't be happier.
On the other hand, no independent school can match City boys/girls in terms of social and ethnic diversity, something we as a family value highly.
Bth schools are fantastic, go with your gut feeling.

My DD goes to City and we couldn't be more pleased. She is flourishing.

That said, if you prefer the environment at G&L and the commute is shorter, I am sure that your DD could do just as well there.

Bobo I am surprised that you know parents who wouldn't touch City. We haven't had any problems and don't know of any. As far as I can see, it is a friendly, earnest place where very capable teachers know how to handle and nurture clever girls both academically and pastorally. But of course, I won't know everything that goes on there.

2 hour commute for tired school children is quite a long way I personally think - considering the demands will be high at both schools. I would be interested in outdoor space/ sport activities/ facilities too. Also if there are occasional tube/transport issues it's a really long commute...

NL - its a bit unfounded but I went to Godolphin School in Wiltshire which had cousin founders and I loved my school and I had a few really nice friends from G&L - So silly reasons I guess. I mainly answered as biased and the commute. I would look into sports facilities though and how inclusive these are at respective schools. I.e. if you are not going to be in the first teams what provisions are there to get your DD to get into and enjoy sport in an inclusive manner.

City is now saying that they have had the target number of girls conforming acceptance and are downgrading firm offers to those who have not yesterday accepted back to waiting list, all before 6 match deadline!!! It is ridiculous and questionable certainly at least on moral grounds... any advice he w to handle this situation is appreciated!

My dd and I would vote for G&L due to

1. short distance
2. better environment, open space, cleaner air
3. easier to make local friends
4. more sports opportunities etc.

For me, that's clear choice.

NL2016 maybe that indicates the type of school it is? Seems Pretty regimented and rigid to me!!! It maybe a snapshot of the culture....

Given that City make their position re withdrawing offers clear in their offer email and in view of the fact that they send numerous follow up emails reiterating this policy, I don't see how what they have done can be deemed "ridiculous" or "questionable" .

No doubt - very questionable and against School Association rules and spirit, plus while setting 6 th Marcy deadline - totally undermining it and making a joke of the open morning which they themselves market as an opportunity to see school before making final decision. It also undermines the whole process and blackmails parents in accepting offer without being able to give proper consideration to offers from other schools, even SPGS would not dream of doing this. All schools over offer but they honourably deal with the consequences by creating an extra class... the families of those with firm offers shouldn't be visctims of schools' mishandling offer process and mismanagement numbers...

G&L it is then.