6th forms SW London

[kramburd26]

I am really scratching my head here on behalf of my DD who has struggled at her current secondary school socially. She's a good student who wants to do A levels ... but where should she apply apart from Esher College (which i don't think will suit her)? Hampton Court is a possibility? Does anyone know it? Is it worth trying any of the state 6th forms in RuT or are there any particular private schools where she will be welcome by both pupils and school? What about college? Thank you for any advice.

Heathside in Weybridge or is that too far? I suspect most are coming up from the main school, but potentially small enough to find a niche? Relatively geeky reputation for sixth form, from what I hear....

Claremont Fan Court takes 6th formers. From what I've heard they lose a few after GCSEs (mainly kids who went from the prep school through to secondary so are looking for a change). Because they lose a few they are welcoming to the new ones.

Maybe an option if you're happy to pay?

And I think Cobham Free is opening a 6th form next year.....

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Check out Kew House School. Small, modern, nurturing and THE most amazing 6th form centre which I could happily move into tomorrow. Looks like a Firmdale boutique hotel! Sixth form has been grown from scratch so some classes are tiny and all the support would be there with such a low pupil: teacher ratio
Also look at Radnor House 6th form in Twickenham. A very kind school. Good luck

Kew House had 12 6th form students last year and the average A level grade was C+, the government tables are listed below. For a girl who has had problems fitting into her existing school that doesn't open up a lot of opportunity to make new friends regardless of the decoration.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools&region=313&la-name=hounslow&geographic=la&for=16to18&orderby=ks5.0.TALLPPE_ALEV_1618&orderdir=asc

Coombe Girls? It's mixed in the 6th form.

Raynes park High?

Richards Lodge!?

I think it’s worth looking at Cobham Free, it’s a small nurturing environment and will all be brand new. Also Reeds as all the girls will be new.

Kew House had 12 in the sixth form year group that took their A levels in 2018. It was small because they didn’t have a cohort who had moved up through the school.

For entry in 2020 it will be a much bigger group - there are 88 in the school year. Its a very happy school. Mixed academic ability but probably an average level that is higher than a C.

That's interesting about subject choices as after her 6th form taster day at her current school she announced a complete change from maths/science to english, history and french. So maybe there is hope at Tiffin ...

So are you relying on pitching up at one or more schools / colleges on August 22nd and asking if there are any vacancies? Around here, sixth form applications for the schools - to be given a definite provisional place to study your desired A level subjects - closed a few months ago. All of them will try to fill places with late entrants after results, but one, at least, dropped a subject altogether last year due to low numbers who wanted to study it qualifying for a sixth form place. We are not in London, though.

There is a huge amount of movement for 6th forms I think you are in for a shock alldone.

Most of the super bright will head off for the expanded 6th forms of the Indy super selectives, Kings, Westminster etc or the expanded Tiffin school 6th forms. As they do in every other SW London Indy.

It is a school with a wide academic intake, those wanting BTECs for vocational subjects etc will head for 6th form colleges.

Many parents in the Richmond area feel forced into private 6th forms because they are unhappy with their senior school choice as there are still a couple of black holes but they struggle with the fees. State places become available at 6th form in more desirable schools or 6th form colleges and the children will move there. This will be an easier option for Kew parents because school like Grey Court and Esher College are getting better A level results at the moment. So a parent tight for the money can't really see what they are getting for their £50k over 2 years.

I am sure that Kew is great for your DC but with its current results Kew will not be attracting new pupils for 6th form. And in her circumstances it would be a very poor choice for OP's DD.

Coombe sixth form?

MarchingFrogs, my DD isn't sitting her GCSEs until next year, so no. Actually for Tiffin, you apply and either get an interview/offer or rejection and then on results day you can still turn up and try again. Know many who have got a 6th form place this way. In fact it's the same for all the 6th forms round here as there is so much movement and choice. So, although I'm not planning to leave it until the last minute, it's certainly not a problem if you do.

I agree with cakeisalwaystheanswer, joining the 6th form at schools like Kew House is not a good option for my DD .

Thanks for all the advice!

Radnor House take quite a few new children join sixth Form and have some good results considering only 3 years of Alevels. In top 5% nationally for value add at A Level in 2018 and 100% passes. A small supportive school - they have a 6th form Open Evening in September I think (you'd need to check that though) - maybe worth a look. - it's coed.

I second the recommendation re Radnor. If its the right choice for you its a very good choice.

Unless she's a confident child I would caution against RUTC. It's very "bustling".

I just thought I would flag Radnor House in Twickenham, its a co-ed and do an external intake in Year 12, they are well known for pastoral support and are a small school. Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth integrate well, my DC attended there and was very happy. All new children seemed to settle well and quickly. Might be worth a look if looking at co-ed and independent if you have not sorted a place yet.

lovekew are you the Admissions manager for Radnor House, perchance?