JAGS vs Wallington Higj vs Sydenham High

[SteveBuscemisRheumyEye]

Hello! Just wondering what peoples opinions are of these three schools. Do you think the academic standard for entry is similar?

Very different schools, different locations. How have you arrived at these three? If Wallington why not Nonsuch? If Jags why none of the other schools near there - G&L etc?

Sydenham High is easier to get into than JAGs. Alleyns is near JAGs and broadly the same in terms of getting in.
G&L is nowhere near JAGs!

Because we live in Crystal Palace and they're all doable from where we are and we an all girls school.

Wallington is just about doable - Nonsuch is too far.

JAGs is in Dulwich, almost the opposite end of London from G&L?

Agree with above.

Geographically, both should be straightforward with direct trains taking only a few mins.

If you/your DD are interested in all girls independent that is relatively local then it would be worth applying to both.
Others to consider are Blackheath and

Bromley High, both GDSTs like Sydenham, but more of a pain to travel to.

Newstead Wood might be another one to add to your list.

Newstead Wood is probably a bit too far!

We tried out the routes from Crystal Palace and both Newstead and Wallington were quite similar - they’re both long journeys!

That's interesting, @wowsaidtheowl! Can I ask where your DD ended up going?

I should say, DD is doing the Newstead exam! Not limiting options at this point

She’s at Sydenham girls (the state one). It’s early days but we’re very happy with her education and experience so far. She joined after being at an independent school, had covered the year 7 curriculum but they’re still giving her challenge.

@wowsaidtheowl ah! We're out of catchment, unfortunately else that would definitely be an option!

Did she end up sitting the Wallington or Newstead exams?

She sat both - didn’t get Wallington and we weren’t very excited about Newstead so it didn’t seem worth the commute!

Hiya, I went to Sydenham high until year 11. I came out with really good GCSE results and I cannot complain about the teaching etc. It’s definitely less centred on grades which is something I liked, whereas jags is very much focused on exam results (which works for some!). If your daughter likes a smaller school and enjoys learning, I think Sydenham would be a great place for her. Sporting success at Sydenham varies, but the netball team is good and there were tons of opportunities to play sports, which I really enjoyed. Art and drama are also big and very strong at Sydenham. If your daughter is motivated and has a positive mindset to learning, she will thrive at Sydenham. Best of luck with your decisions and let me know if you have any more questions.