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.

Castles (much easier to remember!):

I think your timing is excellent, not just because spaces appear in many schools by year 9 (as other posters pointed out), but also because schools typically have a 1 term notice period, and summer is a popular time to move. This means notice will be given by families at some (many?) schools over the next week or two. You therefore might want to contact the registrars immediately, and perhaps again just after the Easter holiday (mid April) in case they just received some surprise notices. So even if they tell you "no spaces for year 9" now, that answer might change after Easter!

Kew House showed a slide at an open morning a few weeks ago where they had a space for a girl (but not boy) in a couple of year groups, but I can't recall which ones. They take a broader range of ability.

You need to think about when you will be able to commit to a place, if offered, as the schools are unlikely to give you a long time to respond if offered. (April? May? June?). The less uncertainty (about the whole UK move, not just school choice!) the better.

Thank you NWgirls. That is really helpful. I'm going to make a list this week and start calling next.

What do people think about Waldegrave these days? How about the new state school next to Tiffin girls? Anyone got any insights?

Waldegrave is getting amazing results, BUT I hear for the new year 7 intake the class size is going up to 28 (from 25) and they are no longer streaming, at all, even in maths.

Interesting amidawsh. I would why they aren't streaming anymore?

It's worth checking out to be sure but what I have heard from parents weighing it up vs private school offers for yr7.

Apparently "it doesn't make any difference to the results". Maybe so but it must be pretty unpleasant for those at the top and bottom of those classes imo.

The head is also now overseeing other schools - Teddington & Hampton High and/or Twickenham Academy. Again not sure what impact if any that will have, I am sure the senior leadership team is pretty strong at Waldegrave. Sixth form results also very impressive last year.

Selamat sore! I'm going to throw Notre Dame in Cobham into the mix. Just recently had an excellent ISI Report and has a wonderful theatre plus lots of drama opportunities. New sports facilities too. A wide range of girls and very nurturing.

Yes, Notre Dame is a very happy school. St Theresa's is also supposed to be brilliant for the arts, but maybe too difficult to get to.

I was about to say St Catherines, Radnor, Claremont Fan in Esher. You say Richmond-ish... are you likely to be in catchment for top girls state school, Waldegrave? I know a family who moved into the area and got their dd into year 9 a few years back.

pamplemoussed, yes Waldegrave is very near the top of my list. It's just a gamble if DD will get in there. Not so worried for Yr 9 but can see it being a major stress trying to get her in there for Yr 10 and her DD2 into Yr 7 if we don't come back until 2018. Arrrrrgh!

Thanks for all the other tips. DH and I are going to make a decision over the next couple of weeks.

Just to throw one more into the mix op - Sir William Perkins school in Chertsey. Has a good reputation locally (not in the LEH type league but gets good results) and is right next to the train station so would potentially be accessible depending on the trains from Richmond.

Friends have been offered surbiton high and St. George's weybridge for year 10. I have also known quite a lot of girls getting occasional places at Waldegrave in year 9 and 10.
From richmond you could also get up to Ealing schools such as St Benedicts or into London to More House.
Quite a few schools are starting some of their GCSE courses in year 9 rather than year 10. Just something to be aware of

Yes Mary21, that is my main concern. That and my DC being out of UK curriculum for 4 years now. Helpful re Waldegrave in particular, thanks.