Kingsdale vs Prendergast WWYD

[DecisionOClock]

DD is in the unexpected and very fortunate position of having this choice to make, but is feeling overwhelmed by it. (My judgement is clouded for some personal reasons.) A long shot, but does anyone who isn’t me have thoughts on the two schools that might help her reach a decision?

Have you just moved up the waiting list?

I would go for Kingsdale myself but perhaps you can provide more information as to what you are looking for?

Yes, that’s right. Thanks for your reply

DD is academically able so a broad and balanced curriculum would suit her; a larger school probably has the advantage there (and the same with the extracurricular activities). She hasn’t really pushed on in primary which isn’t the end of the world, but my feeling is that coasting hasn’t been great for her. That said, nobody wants too high pressure an environment where a school’s reputation rests so much on results.

I don’t know if, day to day, the size of the schools matters. I guess there’s a better chance of finding like-minded peers in a bigger cohort, but maybe less of a community feeling overall? Is pastoral care as good where there are so many more students?

The way Kingsdale markets itself and its unusual admissions arrangements, a slight sense of sour grapes from those who didn’t get a place, and disappointment from those who did when expectations weren’t met etc. make it difficult to get a clear picture - especially over the pandemic period - of what it’s like on the ground.

It’s hard to make a call when weighing the hard data that only captures what it captures, and personal experiences of others from previous years.

Congratulations, either way you know your daughter is going to a good school.

In a similar situation my dd opted for Prendergast simply because "the people were nicer". I am happy with that decision though as school is slightly closer and her friends will be around the same area as opposed to Kingsdale's far flung catchment. After the "everyone's invited" unveiled the scale of sexism/abuse in schools I'm also happy that it's single sex although there are benefits to mixed and I think now that the issues are being discussed more openly that's a good thing.

It's a bulge year this year so 150 girls joining, I'm hopeful dd will find her cohort among that number.

I'm not sure how different the curriculum is, Kingsdale appear to offer Latin & Economics extra though not sure if they do Sociology. Probably worth checking that out and if the difference is meaningful to your daughter. Agree the plethora of extra curriculars offered looks great at Kingsdale, though Prendergast looks pretty solid there too (there's only so many days in the week).

I prefer the Prendergast Head. I don't like the Kingsdale Marketing/Sales pitch, selling so hard knowing that only a small fraction will get in doesn't sit well with me ( although I would still want a place at the school if I didn't have another offer.....)

I've only ever heard positive comments re Prendergast.

Sorry no solid experience to help your decision but as our situation was similar, thought I would share. Good Luck, I am sure she will be happy with either school.