Waldegrave/ Coombe girls review

[Sram03]

Hi all , my DC is in Y5 and while we are preparing her for 11+ , I am simply not sure if she is cut out for that level of rigour . She is extremely bright and a well rounded child so we’d like to ensure we build a plan which takes the pressure off her (and us) . I have heard excellent reviews about both Waldegrave and Coombe girls . Is there one better than the other in terms of any aspect such as extra curriculars - music , sports etc ? We are looking to move close to either of them but confused on how best to compare two strong schools to ensure it’s the right school for our child . I’d welcome feedback from parents of either of the two schools please . Thank you

Bringing the post to the top !

I think the price of houses in the catchments drives these decisions. To be able to buy a house in the Waldegrave catchment often means you could live somewhere a bit cheaper and afford private school fees.

Also don't forget in the Twickenham / Kingston area there are enough places for dd at the whole range of private schools. As long as you choose wisely your dd will end up with a place, there is a lot of choice.

Is Waldegrave a girls’ school? There is no mention of ‘girls’ anywhere in the prospective despite all the photos showing girls. Bit odd.

Yes it's a very gender neutral website.
They admit boys to 6th form.

Thanks @sunshineclouds24 fair point re house prices , however keeping that aspect aside keen to hear of reviews regarding both these schools and if there is anything that uniquely stands out re either of these schools while we narrow down options . I have heard great things but simply don’t know how best to compare . I am a lot about parents reviews and first hand feedback vs just the scores !

Watching with interest. Also considered Coombe, and am planning to move to Waldegrave catchment. Both get impressive results but it's hard to find real insider feedback.

Lots of my DD's friends went to Waldegrave (my DD is now in Y10) while DD opted for co-ed secondary. Most are happy, a few are disappointed with the sports provision which really seems to have fallen away in last few years, and a couple of girls struggled with the sheer size of the school. There's 240 girls per year - my DD's school is same year size but of course that means half as many girls going for sports teams, drama etc. My sense from friends is that it is easy to get lost at Waldegrave

@sunshineclouds24

I think the price of houses in the catchments drives these decisions. To be able to buy a house in the Waldegrave catchment often means you could live somewhere a bit cheaper and afford private school fees.

This is absolute nonsense. All the surrounding areas are just as expensive. Even the cheaper parts in, say, Hounslow (not in Waldegrave catchment) aren't so cheap you could free up £20,000 a year or more. I don't think you have any idea what private schools actually cost!

I have lots of friends with girls at Waldegrave and they are all very happy with it. The girls seem happy too.

DD did the 11+ process along with a few friends and you are right, it is tough. She did ultimately enjoy the whole thing and found the challenge quite good fun.

If you think your daughter might enjoy a more challenging and selective environment, you should contact the schools you are interested in and ask what might be available. I know for a fact DD's school could fund 17% of pupils but is only funding 12% because not enough people are applying for bursaries.

Hi I have 3 daughters and 2 at waldegrave . We moved into the catchment two years ago and love the area. Waldegrave is fantastic. It has a hard working ethos & high expectations from its pupils. One daughter is very sporty & she has lots of provision and support. My daughters came from a prep school & passed the 11 plus but we chose waldegrave which we intend to supplement with tutoring and had no transition issues. We are really pleased with our decision.

My dd went to Coombe and for her, it was a positive experience. Check the catchment area carefully.

@Clairesm interstate post and I am in similar situation with 2 DDs, about to move into catchment from another borough. How do you find the 2.30pm finish time? And are you finding you do need the tutors after all? What's the setting like - is it challenging enough for brightest girls? TIA

@Clairesm Interesting post, I meant to write!!

Hiya - I was worried about the 2.35 finish time but it’s only 3 days per week (wed - fri) and she’s never home before 4pm on those days as she does clubs and 5pm on mon / tues generally. If she is home earlier she does homework & then does external clubs too as she’s v sporty. I do the tutoring as it was a decision we made when sending them to a state school that we would supplement in this way & save the £ for them later In life. My eldest daughter gets confidence from the tutor, my middle is brighter & probably doesn’t need it. You can’t beat the smaller class size of independents but so far I like the waldegrave ethos and likeminded parents / kids. It’s also a lovely area vs Wandsworth which is where we were previously!

@Clairesm would you plz comment on my thread for waldegrave vs orleans. Its a battle in my head

@Clairesm my DD has been offered an in year place in Year 9. She’d be moving from overseas and I’m worried about her being able to make friends. Are the girls generally inclusive at W and is it easy to find a tribe?

Hi welcome to the area. I would speak to Waldegrave to see how they will plan to settle her in. It’s never easy moving schools, especially at secondary age, but my daughter has lots of lovely friends there. It’s a good school and the communication is getting better thankfully.

@Clairesm thanks for replying to me. I will do as you suggest.