Claires Court Senior - Girls

[Lynxlynx14]

Can anyone give any feedback?
We have it as an option for Yr7 in Sept 22. My daughter is a good all-rounder; her weakness is maths.
She’s also trying for 11+ at Pipers & St Mary’s GX, but as CC is non-selective, I’m just wondering if she’ll be pushed or challenged enough. We’re not after an academic hot house, just somewhere that will encourage & inspire her to do her best.
Any thoughts would be most welcomed!

Well I guess you haven’t applied for any academic hot houses. My feeling is that CC is exactly for people who don’t want a hot house but want a gentler atmosphere. However you want her encouraged and I’m sure they will do that. Pipers has become more and more selective these days. Of the 3, I would prefer Pipers.

Did your DD take the Bucks 11 plus? Usually results from this inform which senior school might be best.

My daughter went to Pipers after starting at Wycombe High which was an exam sweat shop. Pipers is a lovely school. Its not an easy ride though - she does get a lot of homework. Her twin went to Borlase and he feels less under pressure. If your daughter passes her 11 plus I would recommend Borlase if she can get in. If not - I get a sense Pipers is more academic than CC which is why we chose it. But travel is a factor for us I think and we are considering CC for six form.

Don't know any girls who have been to CC, but know half-a-dozen or so boys who have, and both the boys and their parents have been very pleased with it. They have all gone on to 'good' universities.

Piper's is lovely but does tend to have an extremely wealthy clientele if that is a factor.

I don’t know anyone wealthy who sent their girls to Pipers (well except one who left). Around me they were just working people with enough spare for private education. And I know plenty who went. You will be fine there. Definitely wealthier at Wycombe Abbey! It’s mostly boarding for a start!

I have just been to speak to the head of Senior Girls. I was impressed with Claire's Court, the ethos, and the small class sizes. My daughter is quite academic, but I believe the small school structure and emphasis on the pastoral would suit her personality. The impression I get is that they stretch all students in order so that they can reach their potential.