CLFS v KGS - Input needed!

[AMR2357]

Hi all
I have a 13+ girl who has offers to CLFS and KGS for Year 9 and she's undecided. Any input welcome. She is a math kid, highly academic and studies hard, a little quiet, but likes her sports -- football and golf. She also enjoys playing piano and loves art. She's keen on the potential for Art scholarship at KGS but we haven't heard yet. We happen to be from the US but she is comfortable here in England having been here before, and she prefers coed/mixed. I would love input on for example how each school deals with accelerated math students and what is the lifestyle. I have no warm and fuzzy on either one. KGS was much harder to get into statistically but does that make the school better? I don't know.... Thanks in advance!!!!

Every sport is available to girls at KGS. The head of sport is female.
There is often a girl in the top cricket team in each year for example as well as girls teams.
They are streamed for maths from Christmas in yr7 and there are many very able mathematicians, both male and female.
But i can't comment on CLFS - they seem very nice on the hockey pitch!

Nocamping- can I ask a KGS question? Do they do any gymnastics at all? I think I remember some equipment in the gym when we looked around! I know it's not a major sport but just wondered if they did any at all?

re gymnastics - they do a bit in PE from time to time in the school gym, I guess it's one of the PE topics as DD did it for a few weeks before Christmas but really not much.

Thanks! Trying to figure some things out in case we get an offer on Friday!

Good luck!

Thanks for the comments - very helpful positive things. It seems like people genuinely like the school. The admissions process has been quite formal with little feedback, e.g. what I am getting from the school itself is not as warm. CLFS has been much more laid back, although their tour/open day seemed disorganised.

I have a dd in Y10 - it is a really lovely school, it feels very 'normal' which is a huge bonus
Plenty of extension stuff for the v bright
Very good for all rounders - they have an accelerated set for top Maths students
Outstanding pastoral care, I have been so impressed with this aspect
No specific gymnastics that I am aware of, just in PE sometimes
DD reports excellent teaching
It isn't too draconian and the homework load is not too onerous.

I don't know about CLFS - hopefully someone from there will come along soon to advise you

My daughter is at CLFS in yr 8. She loves it. She is quite quiet, into art, very academic and used to lean more towards maths but is currently excelling at english! I am interested that you say KGS is harder to get into. CLFS only offer appx 20 places to girls and boys at 13, and many of those are offered at pre test at 11 - I think that is tough! I think the children in the year are very able in maths and the difference between groups is marginal. But the top group moves at a faster pace, and has an option of further maths GCSE in yr 10-11. Girls football and golf are offered as extra curricular lunchtime clubs in the juniors but next year will be the seniors, so you would need to check.Where do you live?

KGS only have 10 places at 13+ trojanhorse!
The odds at 13+ are not good at any school that has a mainly 11+ intake I think

That makes sense the journey in KGS is too tricky from Surrey, so never looked into it.
CLFS announced today that that they are introducing cricket for the girls, if that makes any difference!
I find the school very nuturing, and celebrates success. The junior head is exceptional but I have no experience of the senior school head. The head himself is very inspiring. My daughter is extremely happy and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Trying to float this on top as DD has offers from both. Any insights from existing parents please?

Hi
I was looking for some feedback on both CLFS and KGS and bumped on this thread. My DD has been offered a place at CLFS and we are highly considering it. I assume by now your daughter must have completed her A levels. How’s your overall experience been at CLFS?
many thanks

Hi - this popped into my email so am happy to respond. We're 4 years into both schools. The older daughter didn't love KGS and went over to CLFS for A levels, but younger daughter loves KGS and fits in very well. If yours is considering CLFS, I would highly recommend the school - I have absolutely no negatives to say. Which is unusual for me : ) That said, I have only 2 years experience because my older one actually was at KGS for GCSE years. But I think CLFS has a great ethos and my daughter loves it there. If you need more info let me know.

Thank you so much for your response, and I am pleased to know that your daughter enjoys at CLFS. That is very reassuring.

Good luck!

@AMR2357 thanks for the update! Could you tell us more about what your older DD did not like/enjoy about KGS.

My children chose CLFS and joined this year. The cohorts are so supportive, new joiners and old children have built up very solid friendship. Parents are down to the earth and always helping each other. Teachers are responsive and they understand the children very well quickly. We are very happy with CLFS. I only have experience with junior school though I don't know which year you're looking at.

Thank you for your feedback, I am glad that you and your children are happy at the school. My daughter will be joining Y6 in September so will be in junior school. Its good to know that the parents are down to earth (always a tricky thing when you think of indie schools)
I have read so many negative threads on the school, however we personally really liked the school. Its a competitive environment for sure but then that's why these only choose the children they think can take the pressure and learn and evolve.

I have read all those negative comments here and be honest those did make us hesitate! I'm glad that our choice works out well for our children. I don't think a school can please all parents and so happen the parents who had bad experiences are very outspoken here.
Welcome to the school! Oh one thing to add, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved too

Thank you :) and it's great to know there are opportunities for the parents to get involved too. I would def make the most of that. Thanks again!