Returning from overseas - any clues re SW London schools for Yr 9 to be DD ?

[sayatidaknama]

We've been abroad for 4 years and there is now a chance we will come back this summer. Does anyone know of any schools which might have occasional places for DD(13) or might be worth contacting? She's an all rounder, hard worker but definitely not in the LEH/SPGS/Latymer Upper league, at this stage.

I've heard good things about Emanuel, which is in Clapham.
There's Surbiton High in Surbiton - girls only.
Claremont in Esher is a happy school - not too academic but more so than it used to be.
Some lovely girls' and mixed schools out in Surrey but very popular and also maybe too far away if you're in London.

Thanks geordiedench. Surrey not too far away at all so would love hear about any schools there. Happiness more important than academics currently.

Epsom college?

All of them.

Families are endlessly moving in and out of London and I am surprised how many come and go each year. There is also some movement back to state schools sometimes because parents overstretched themselves or fiunancial circumstances changed or because a place has finally become available at the desired state school and they have taken it. There are also a small number of girls who use a straight through school as a prep and move to boarding at 13+, and I do say 13+ because some of them are quite ambitious about their choice of boarding school and take up places very late for Y9 when someone else drops out. I also know of 8 girls who have moved from SW London schools in Y7/8 to schools that offer more drama, that is 8 girls DD knows from various schools that I can actually name which I find incredible!

Pick the school you want and start there. Do not sell yourself short, you may be surprised at the options you get.

Thank you cakeisalwaystheanswer. That is very encouraging. I am castlesintheair btw, or used to be. Here we are again. Coincidentally, DD is very into drama so I am interested to know which schools are "good" for it.

Hi again castles, I still envy your life in France.

The most popular move to has been to ArtsEd, I know nothing about it but maybe they have a deferred entry and accept so many each year? A couple went to Italia Conti, and also ACS Cobham as although its not a specialised drama school it apparently does do a lot of drama?

If I remember correctly you had a favourite school that I won't mention but definitely give them a call as they always have Y9 places and although being co-ed they will have applicants from 13+ preps they will be short of girl applicants. You will be swamped with offers from girls schools.

And I would second Epsom, friends have DCs there all extremely happy and the only downside is that the weekly boarders don't want to come home at weekends.

Happy hunting, but I think you may find that you are the prey!

Is St Johns Leatherhead too far out?

Ha ha don't envy my life here. It's not great at all and my poor DC have really suffered for being forriners.

I actually know one child (of actors in fact) who was moved from The Arts Ed back to a state school but I've always wondered about it for my DD, so that is interesting.

Thanks for advice. It is very cheering news on a grim Monday. Looks like I need to make some phone calls!

Thanks LIZS. Will be living Richmond-ish. Is St John's doable from there?

Do you think PHS is worth a shot? My DD has a "thing" about it.

Geographically not far but may be tricky in rush hour. Do check the train route (might go through Surbiton) and school bus routes. They do weekly boarding though, if that is an option although your options might increase anyway if so.

KGS is great for drama, my DD is drama mad and loves it! V easy from Richmond too.

Ibstock Place has a new performing arts centre though I have no experience of the drama there.

I'm sure most of the schools have a good drama provision tbh

If you DC has failed 11+ somewhere is there any chance they'll get a look in for year 9 ?

I have also heard Ibstock good for drama, plus Emanuel and I think Surbiton.

PHS worth a go.

Yes because 11+ is a one off and anything can happen on the day, over/underperform etc. Also because you are returning from overseas and are not caught up in the 11+ frenzy entry point they will be looking at an individual and where they are and why, not just one child's results from a long list of 11+ results.

Defo give Putney a call. The more central the school the more movement.

from richmond the world is your oyster
the SW London schools are easily accessible
the W London schools are easy on the train

i've been amazed how much movement there's been since DD started. Same at other independents I hear.

Yr9 also a good entry point as many schools have a 13+ entry. I'm sure the coeds like KGS will be keen to have girls too to maintain the ratios and not be too boy heavy.

Schools which have a designated 13+ entry point (like Emanuel, whose lists close because full about a year before exam) are less likely to have places in September. And offers/acceptance deadlines have just been and gone, and some will have waiting lists for those set entry points.

But there will other schools who are interested in filling ad hoc places and who are much more flexible. So yes, I think the girls schools such as PHS would be more realistic.

I think you're just going to have to hit the phones/emails and ask every school you even half-way like to look of what their situation is. And stress you'd be interested in taking up a place at short notice if someone drops out.

Do you know where you will be living. Because don't overlook schools further out in Surrey if you are near a railway station (eg Woldingham)

PHSG is an easy train trip from Richmond

Ibstock in Roehampton not easy to get to unless you drive her through Richmond Park every day.

sunshinesupermum, she can always cycle through the park to IPS. She'd love that!

AnotherNewt, living in Richmond probably.

Thanks everyone, this is so positive. I am making a list.

From Richmond, it's probably worth enquiring at Kew House.

I don't know anyone at the school, and it's newish (so not much track record), but I've read positive things about it.

Hi Castles! I was 'wheresthebeach' when you were last around.

Try St Catherines Twickenham. DD is there and loves it. Pop over the road and look at Radnor House as well while you're there.

Kew House is increasingly popular as well.

Tidak nama sound more bahasa than French.

Email all of them! Avoid the very academic ones if you don't think they would be right for your child. Explain your situation and ask whether it would be possible to register for an occasional place. You really don't know where that place might turn up. If they are not interested they will tell you.

A few years ago I ended up in a PM conversation with someone in a similar position. Their DC got places at Ibstock (who were encouraging from the start) but quite late in the day heard from KGS.

Are you not interested in the Lycee? Its really hard to get places initially but movement then seems to be mainly outwards.

Ibstock is actually very easy from Richmond- train to Barnes, free school shuttle bus from Barnes station - just to contradict the previous poster.

Peanutbutterrules, thanks St Catherine's is on my list. Glad your DD is happy there.

Needmoresleep, I've lived in Indonesia! Interesting re KGS.

Thanks everyone.