Queenswood

[Zodlebud]

Just looking at GCSE results for the girls state, grammar and independent schools in my rough locale and Queenswood is stomping away in the lead if you exclude the known academic schools (Habs, St Albans, Northwood and St Helens).

My understanding was that Queenswood had an entrance exam but it doesn't have a reputation for being super academic. If that's the case then are the results being bolstered by a lot of tuition outside school or are they just doing an awesome job?

I went there. Left 10 years ago so I'm sure others can give you more up to date advice. It wasn't selective - we sat an exam but I can't imagine they turned many away! It's very expensive - but you're paying for the facilities not the academic reputation. They did a lot to help naturally B/C grade students overperform, and like any private school there was a "top end" of academic high achievers.

Also, if I remember correctly they generally do better in the A level tables than GCSE (often other way round for girls Indys other than the super selectives) because they take lots of overseas borders in the sixth form who boost their results.

Thank you. I have (rather geekily) pulled together a spreadsheet of all my local girls schools and in English Lang, Lit and Maths they significantly outperform the other non selective schools. Not as good as the grammars or hot house independents, but it backs up what you are saying about getting the B/C students to over perform.

My daughter is bright (top sets in all subjects at her prep) but does need a bit of a push at times. Adamant we don't want a super academic school - I want my girls to look back fondly on their childhood years - but do want a place that will help her reach her potential.

Heading to Open Day.....

I always look at GCSE results rather than A levels as this is the cohort a school has nurtured since age 11.

On that measure, Queenswood is doing very well indeed - 88% A*-B which puts it right up there with some very fine schools.

My girls both went there as boarders. One is bright and achieved very highly and the other was less bright but still got several A* grades. Rest were A and B grades but no Cs. Art there was not so hot then so she went elsewhere for 6th form. DD 1 went all the way through.

There are quite a few overseas girls in the 6th form and you would need to look at proportions lower down the school. The Chinese girls always did very well academically.

In the last 7-8 years they have woken up to the fact that girls can get to Oxbridge. When my DDs were there, the vast majority of GCSEs were high grades and very few C grades. My girls also did proper academic subjects with a good spread so no concentration in what you like. It is excellent for MFL. Sport means a lot and music is good. Drama is the best. The girls play hard and work hard. It's expensive and days are long. You put in what you get out. Girls make friends for life and new Head is settling in I hear. There are loads of house events for parents to attend and it is sociable.

What's not to like? (Some parents are now uber rich with no manners but I guess you get that in Herts!)

Exactly. Plus remember that GCSEs are compulsory but A-levels (or whatever path they choose) not. You can also always move for 16+ education.

It's a fabulous school. Dd did brilliantly there all As & A* at gcse & all As at a level. The girls did well although, some got their insurance places.

Drama is top notch. As is sport.

Very nurturing school also. It was friendly, supportive to both parents & girls.

It's expensive though so there are some very well heeled parents but we are not in that league. It never mattered.

It's a lovely school. I had the opportunity to spend a few days there (as a member of staff) a couple of years ago and it struck me as a really lovely place to go to school. Bright girls clearly do very well there and it is nurturing to those at the other end of the spectrum.

My friend taught there and loved it.

All sounding very positive - thank you ladies!!

my friend works at Queenswood and it is a great school.

Loved it at open day. Now need to work out how / if we can afford it!!!

Bursary application!

Zodlebud, we went today too and I was really impressed with the pastoral care and holistic approach. Are you trying for 2018 or 2019?

We wouldn't qualify for a bursary unfortunately and DD would need to flexi board a couple of nights a week as whilst we live a sensible commute away, it won't be sensible during rush hour as it involves the M25. It's expensive even before adding this in!

Got a couple more schools to see over the next week or so.

PPLs - we are looking for 2020. We are considering a house move, including potentially into the catchment of a Bucks Grammar, so need to start thinking about schools now so we are not trying to sell a house and move before admissions deadlines!

I personally think we will end up in the independent sector. Even the best grammar in the world won't be immune to funding cuts and it will be the arts that go first. Things my daughter is passionate about.