Alleyns, JAGs, St Dunstans, Eltham, somewhere else?

[Holidayinginmymind]

We are looking to move our 12 year old but really don’t know where would be the right fit. She is highly academic, in a highly selective girls school but she hates all the drama and hasn’t found her tribe. She is socially anxious, quite competitive, doesn’t want to get overlooked but isn’t comfortable in the spotlight. She thinks she wants mixed (having found the meanness in her current school hard to deal with). Our main goal is that we find somewhere that focuses on the kids as individuals and puts energy into developing rounded human beings. Academic pressure she could handle, social pressure less so. Any thoughts on south east London schools? I know the ones I have listed are quite different, but we aren’t sure if any would suit (some would be 13+, some potentially in-year transfer), and if there might be good alternatives we have missed. Any experiences/suggestions would be great!

I'd take JAGS off your list - not because there's anything wrong with it but the same issues might arise from being single sex - very clever girls don't find it a hothouse, but some do find it quite pressured.

Add Emanuel - academic standards in the top sets now high (and expected to go higher, as the school has become more selective and has a new head (from KCS) who seems to be driving the upwards trend. That said, it's a very rounded school (siblings and co-curricular scholars need only reach the basic pass mark for a place) so the increase in results is across a more mixed intake.

PS: yes I do realise Emanuel is not in SE London, and journey might rule it out, but it is well connected by public transport

Caterham? It's fabulous. Not sure where you are but good train connections and they have a great school bus system. Pastoral care is fantastic and huge emphasis on the well being of the children and also on inclusion.

From my experience, St Dunstan's sounds perfect for what you're looking for.

@Epwell

Caterham? It's fabulous. Not sure where you are but good train connections and they have a great school bus system. Pastoral care is fantastic and huge emphasis on the well being of the children and also on inclusion.

My DS has just started at Caterham and I totally second this. They have been hugely supportive on pastoral care already. I also loved St Dunstan's when we visited there. Hugely impressive Head and a bid emphasis on inclusion and well-being.

I’d say Alleyns is a good option. It’s likely to be academic enough for your daughter but has a huge emphasis on pastoral care. So much so they are part of a new government trial supporting children in care by admitting them and providing full pastoral care as part of a holistic strategy.

For an academically selective school they aren’t driven by their league table standings and admit students not solely based on their exam results but sporting ability, music ability etc and success on all stages is celebrated equally.

I’m sorry your daughter is struggling so hopefully you can find the right fit.

Thanks so much. She is actually really keen on Caterham, it currently isn’t feasible but we would consider moving (we wouldn’t have to go far, we would just need the right line). Caterham also has the potential of a 50% scholarship.

I will look at Emanuel too. But I am pleased to get positive reports on St Dunstans and Alleyns too.

She is currently really keen to do triple science, is loving history, computer science and DT. She does not want to be obliged to do RPE, because she would rather choose other things.

Sevenoaks? V academic, mixed sex. We've found very little in the way of bitchiness/social pressure. Generally a happy, friendly school. Lots of kids come down from SE London. Not sure how easy a late place would be though.

Definitely not Jags if she's not enjoying a highly selective all girls school currently?

Don't think Alleyns have a 13+ entry any more.

Colfes is another good SE London option?

Alleyns or Sevenoaks, definitely not Eltham.

DD1 started St Dunstan's in September. Could not be happier. Pastoral care great. She had a wobble last week (she's highly anxious) but they dealt with it brilliantly.