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Secondary education

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How diverse is G&L

13 replies

Sdan · 08/03/2022 11:27

Hi all, as of yesterday 07/03 my DD has been offered a position at G&L, we were on the waitlist earlier. Ethnically, we come from an Indian background and also my DD is a slightly quiet kid and seems to (initially atleast) be more comfortable around Asian kids. Based on the open day and interactions, G&L does not seem to have a lot of diversity and esp. Asian kids. I might be wrong here, but could I please ask any parents how diverse is G&L. I just dont want my DD to stand out / feel like the odd one out as that would not go well with her personality.
I'm really worried being a big decision and all, hence would be immensely grateful for any views/thoughts. Thanks!

OP posts:
pkim123 · 08/03/2022 11:59

@Sdan

Hi all, as of yesterday 07/03 my DD has been offered a position at G&L, we were on the waitlist earlier. Ethnically, we come from an Indian background and also my DD is a slightly quiet kid and seems to (initially atleast) be more comfortable around Asian kids. Based on the open day and interactions, G&L does not seem to have a lot of diversity and esp. Asian kids. I might be wrong here, but could I please ask any parents how diverse is G&L. I just dont want my DD to stand out / feel like the odd one out as that would not go well with her personality. I'm really worried being a big decision and all, hence would be immensely grateful for any views/thoughts. Thanks!
That's a great question. I'm not sure really what the answer is, but I'm sure others can help you. If you do not take up the G&L offer, then what's the alternative?

How long has G&L given you to decide? Congrats too!

puffyisgood · 08/03/2022 12:29

I daresay you could get a good idea by calling the registrar, but off the top of head - modestly/not very diverse?

Judging by the number of kids in the photo, this is almost an entire year group and out of 60+ girls there are maybe a dozen or so obviously BAME kids?

www.facebook.com/GandLSchool/photos/a.711646445876497/1416281652079636/

Oldpalace123 · 08/03/2022 13:15

G&L , like SPGS feeds from central London preps which on the whole are non-diverse- wealthy white families from SW London , W London, the Nappy Valley across the river. Its odd, as its a top school, but doesn't get that London wide attendance like say CLGS , which has a much more diverse school population. I guess because its still a local school rather than a central London one.

You have to balance this - do you mind your DD being very much in a minority but at an excellent academic school- I'm positive the school and the girls there will ensure she fits in , but I understand your concerns.

We chose Old Palace as we wanted our non-white DD to see lots of girls like her, but despite sending 70% of its leavers to Russell Group Uni's its not stellar academic like G&L.

City of London Girls as I mentioned is more diverse due to its ease of location from all directions of London, and JAGS has more diversity as its placed in South London, albeit a very white affluent part of it.

I'm sure your daughter will thrive at G&L, our decision was easy as our DD was at OP since pre-school.

In your shoes, I'd send her and see how she got on, I'm sure she'll see a few girls that look like her, which should be enough for her not too feel completely alienated, and I'm sure she'll make lots of friends who look nothing like her.

Chiswickmama · 08/03/2022 13:24

Knowing lots and lots of girls at G&L and a daughter (and one to follow) at SPGS of mixed race, I have to disagree. We literally were about to accept GL on Friday but offered a WL place at SPGS.

SPGS pulls in from ALL over London. If anything, there are a majority of girls there (at least in my daughter’s year) from ethnically diverse backgrounds. We have had offers from G&L for the last 2 years for both daughters and therefore attended 2 sets of offer holders’ days. Both times v diverse children. My only comment would be that GL seems to pull more in from West London preps than SPGS, it’s a more “local” West London school than SPGS.

Either way please don’t fret, you will be v surprised to see how well your daughter settles in and loves her time there. She in no way will stick out. Happy for you to DM me if helpful.

Ender2 · 08/03/2022 13:45

Happy to contribute here. We are happy with G&L. We are non-whites. I think the school has done well in fostering a kind, open, diverse and inclusive community. I also am sure your daughter will thrive in the school. It is normal to be apprehensive about the big jump from Y6 to Y7! I will send you a DM.

Congratulations!

Pkompel · 08/03/2022 15:06

I am a Indian mum of Y7 girl at G&L. We chose it for the diversity and ethos. The intake is improving in terms on other races as well. My daughter is a quiet & sensitive child . She has settled in well, made a group of friends. Atleast 20% girls travel from non West London boroughs. Happy for you to DM me if helpful.

Sdan · 09/03/2022 08:04

Thanks very much everyone for the very helpful insight. The school has given us end of this week to confirm, still in 2 minds as we have a grammar choice as well but clearly seems academically and pastorally G&L is better school. Will let you know on this forum where we end up!

OP posts:
Sdan · 13/03/2022 14:46

Just to let everyone know, we finally accepted the offer from G&L! Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts, the feedback we got from here as well as other sources about the school was quite good and positive which really helped! We have an offer holders tour coming up soon, and DD is quite excited

OP posts:
sammyvine · 13/03/2022 21:40

[quote puffyisgood]I daresay you could get a good idea by calling the registrar, but off the top of head - modestly/not very diverse?

Judging by the number of kids in the photo, this is almost an entire year group and out of 60+ girls there are maybe a dozen or so obviously BAME kids?

www.facebook.com/GandLSchool/photos/a.711646445876497/1416281652079636/[/quote]
Wow only Black girl in the whole year and nearly all the girls are White
That must be very awkward.

gumballbarry · 30/03/2022 00:50

Not awkward - maybe the girl in the photo is not weird enough to think she has to find people of the same skin colour to be friends with? Honestly, imagine thinking this.

LuckyLuchi · 09/04/2022 14:40

@Oldpalace123

G&L , like SPGS feeds from central London preps which on the whole are non-diverse- wealthy white families from SW London , W London, the Nappy Valley across the river. Its odd, as its a top school, but doesn't get that London wide attendance like say CLGS , which has a much more diverse school population. I guess because its still a local school rather than a central London one.

You have to balance this - do you mind your DD being very much in a minority but at an excellent academic school- I'm positive the school and the girls there will ensure she fits in , but I understand your concerns.

We chose Old Palace as we wanted our non-white DD to see lots of girls like her, but despite sending 70% of its leavers to Russell Group Uni's its not stellar academic like G&L.

City of London Girls as I mentioned is more diverse due to its ease of location from all directions of London, and JAGS has more diversity as its placed in South London, albeit a very white affluent part of it.

I'm sure your daughter will thrive at G&L, our decision was easy as our DD was at OP since pre-school.

In your shoes, I'd send her and see how she got on, I'm sure she'll see a few girls that look like her, which should be enough for her not too feel completely alienated, and I'm sure she'll make lots of friends who look nothing like her.

I have a daughter at SPGS and it’s very diverse. White girls are minority.
strawberryband · 09/04/2022 17:45

@LuckyLuchi

White girls are a minority, yet the school still apologies for not making black students and minority ethnic students welcome? That's odd ?

inews.co.uk/news/education/black-lives-matter-st-pauls-girls-school-apologises-black-students-450668

LuckyLuchi · 10/04/2022 07:33

[quote strawberryband]@LuckyLuchi

White girls are a minority, yet the school still apologies for not making black students and minority ethnic students welcome? That's odd ?

inews.co.uk/news/education/black-lives-matter-st-pauls-girls-school-apologises-black-students-450668[/quote]
Unlike the student body, their staff is very non-diverse, so they can and should def work on that - that’s for sure. I can’t speak on discrimination as my daughter is white. However we are immigrants from Eastern Europe and in her previous (very white) prep we felt very unwelcome with people asking “when are you going back”
Environment in spgs is a lot more inclusive - it is hard to find 100% white British family, many are mixed and come from many diferente countries and backgrounds. In my daughter’s 10-people friend group about 7-8 are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Trust me I have plenty of beef w SPGs on other issues (academic and careers - my DD is in a higher year) but it’s a liberal school that is very accommodating and understanding with things like race and (especially) gender identity.

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