West London independent & state secondary schools?

[NewEnglandMum3]

We've only lived in Chiswick for 1 year so struggling to focus our search for a good, not super-academic, setting for our daughter - who would probably prefer a mixed school next year. We don't have the Catholic requirements for the faith schools, so looking for a school that isn't huge, but well rounded for sport, academic, and pastoral life. Ideally, don't want a massive school commute. Any suggestions?

Nearby, Kew House worth exploring among the independent schools, good feedback about it and it doesn’t only select on academics. St Benedicts, Ealing - another good, solid independent that’s not too academic. Harrodian, just over the river, and Ibstock in Putney. All these are mixed. Some all-girls worth considering too: Francis Holland schools, St James.

Chiswick Schools (state) seems to have a great new head so worth a visit. West London Free School v good but only a chance if you live v close.

My dd has just left St Benedicts. It is a mixed, Catholic school but accepts pupils from all faiths and none. She really enjoyed her years there. It has a reputation for being sporty, but there is an equal focus on the arts, as well as on service within the community. There are quite a few families who voted from the Chiswick area. As well as public transport options, the school runs its own bus service. I would absolutely recommend that you book one of their open mornings.

West London Free School!
My eldest went there and is now at the West London Free School Sixth Form and LOVES it! The teachers are excellent, especially the Sixth Form teachers- exemplary teaching!
It’s state not private.
It’s by Ravenscourt Park (secondary site).
I’m a Chiswick resident as well, OP.
Solidarity fist-bump.

Thanks for these! Quite a lot to look into and think about. Will take a closer look at West London Free School, I honestly thought catchment/proximity would make it impossible. Any other decent state schools in Kew, Richmond, Barnes area? I don't know if we'd be too far to get into schools in those places, either.

As far as I am aware, you need to live extremely close to WLFS to get a place, especially now the primary school will be feeding in their pupils as a priority. My kids are catholic so, apologies, I’m not very up on non-faith state schools in the area. Hopefully someone else can help.

Any other decent state schools in Kew, Richmond, Barnes area? I don't know if we'd be too far to get into schools in those places, either.

There are good schools out that way, but I think Chiswick is a bit of a stretch. Most are oversubscribed. If you want a state school for your daughter, you need to look at likely catchment distances and probably move house.

My DD is in year 10 at St Benedicts. Lots of children from Chiswick go there. We're delighted with it so far - lots of enrichment, clubs, plenty of sport, plus she's being pushed academically. Their recent GCSE and A level results have been very good.

We're C of E atheists and are fine with the religious aspects. I'd recommend it to parentswith sparky girls who like participating and joining in.

In terms of non-faith, non-selective state schools, you generally need to live less than a mile away from the desirable ones to get in.

The only one I can think of that you could have a chance from far away is Waldegrave. It's girls only, though. It has square-shaped areas A and B for admissions and I think you're likely to be in B but they only take about 20 girls from this area B which is large.

I wouldn't say that any non-selective state schools are particularly academic. The best of them will have two academic top sets per year group and all abilities.

All really useful, thanks. We'll have to take a close look at Chiswick School, and Kew House and St Benedicts. Does anyone have any experience with St. James, St. Catherines, Harrodian or Radnor House?

As far as listing our top schools for the state process, would you recommend listing our local school last, as we're very likely to get it and listing the most desirable, long-shot, schools first?

With state schools, just list your genuine preference. You'll be assigned the highest number school on your list that you're eligible for.

St Catherine's is Catholic so maybe not the best choice if that isn't your thing.

I would add Notting Hill and Ealing School to your list, if you are focusing on local schools, this is a great school and as far away on distance from Chiswick as the others you are considering.
Hear good things about Radnor too.