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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

SW London Private and Grammar - applying for Year 7 in 2023 (Part VI)

1000 replies

QuiteAJourney · 09/02/2023 21:11

Following from our previous thread (link below)

www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4731973-sw-london-private-and-grammar-applying-for-year-7-in-2023-part-v?page=40&reply=123775541

Looking forward to continuing the journey together!

OP posts:
mandra · 26/02/2023 10:46

11mum89 - on LU v G&L, I have / have had DC at both. This is only a personal perspective, but for what it's worth -

LU is a more dynamic school, yes.

On the other hand, G&L has a much calmer and 'kinder' atmosphere. Less 'behaviour' (inc bullying) goes under the radar and staff seem more intuitive / orientated to the pastoral care side of things. It's a very pro- female environment and, on the whole, girls are confident without being aggressive, focused, mature and supportive of each other.

At LU, my feeling was that they tended to let certain problematic 'personalities' run loose and the social atmosphere was much more fractious and insecure (under the surface). Staff were more focused on all the activities etc etc, rather than day-to-day well-being. The school is more hectic and there is less hand-holding or personal connections between teachers and pupils in the early years.

LU better for trips (activities week, etc).

At G&L they seem to do some physical activity daily as standard (not so at LU).

Teaching is generally excellent in both schools. Homework levels are very similar.

Drama and music more inclusive at G&L.

This could change by the time your DD hits sixth-form, but at LU they do three A-levels, plus EPQ (recommended), alongside what they call a 'carousel' of other term- long courses which lead to a Latymer Diploma at the end. At G&L, they do either the IB, or it's 4 A-levels, plus EPQ (I think?), with the option to drop an A-level at the end of Year 12 if it's too much.

Those are the main differences. LU is more socially-diverse (I think 25% are on some form of bursary compared to only 10% at G&L). If I had to say which is a 'happier' school (based on what I know from DC friends and talking to parents over the years), I would say G&L because on the whole, girls seem more settled and secure. But this is only my personal perspective, of course.

woohooho · 26/02/2023 10:51

11mum89 · 26/02/2023 08:59

Does anyone have any advice on G&L vs Latymer Upper. Our dd is leaning towards LU as she thinks it seems more exciting and also as it has more extra curricular activities/clubs. We are not concerned about the academics as having done research its very comparable. Anyone have any other thoughts or experience with either. Does having boys break up the brewing issues between girls that sometimes appear in all girls schools...

There was a thread comparing these schools a few days ago which may be useful. Don't know how to link I'm afraid but you can search for it.

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 12:53

dolb99 · 26/02/2023 09:59

Hi, we are choosing between FHRP and FHSS. FHRP is 10 minutes walking distance while FHSS is about 30 minutes commute via tube. My DD prefers FHSS. I feel that proximity to school helps to enrol in more clubs and extra curriculars that start early or end late. Also a sense of community and belonging with the possibility of having friends in the neighbourhood. Should I choose FHRP over FHSS based solely on convenience and commute times? I know the league table rankings. Would appreciate input about how commute makes a difference. Thanks !

30 minutes is not a bad commute, but with an option of a 10 minute walk I would vote for fhrp. After school activities and having friends over after school will be so easy. If she is into sport I am imagine going to Battersea will be a haul compared to Regent’s Park (assuming that is where they do morning sport at fhrp). I get the league tables but I think it is fairly likely fhss will be back in its regular position next year, it was likely an anomaly this year because of handful of girls.

SamPoodle123 · 26/02/2023 13:10

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 12:53

30 minutes is not a bad commute, but with an option of a 10 minute walk I would vote for fhrp. After school activities and having friends over after school will be so easy. If she is into sport I am imagine going to Battersea will be a haul compared to Regent’s Park (assuming that is where they do morning sport at fhrp). I get the league tables but I think it is fairly likely fhss will be back in its regular position next year, it was likely an anomaly this year because of handful of girls.

Just curious, what is FHSS normal positions in the league tables?

dolb99 · 26/02/2023 13:13

Thank you! Appreciate the input. Logistically FHRP makes so much more sense. They do sports at Regent’s Park which is again walking distance for us. Battersea will be a trek ! And yes if it weren’t for the rankings we would have gone for FHRP in a heartbeat. I agree with you that it’s possible FHSS ranking could be an anomaly. They will have a new head and I am not sure which direction the school will go. My DD loved FHSS- she thought it was brighter and bigger.

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 13:46

SamPoodle123 · 26/02/2023 13:10

Just curious, what is FHSS normal positions in the league tables?

Their gcse results have always been strong, but even then not in the top 20 -more around 40. The times league table double weighs A-level results and usually fhss is somewhere between 50-80? Someone correct me if I am wrong I can’t find a way to search the previous rankings.

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 13:50

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 13:46

Their gcse results have always been strong, but even then not in the top 20 -more around 40. The times league table double weighs A-level results and usually fhss is somewhere between 50-80? Someone correct me if I am wrong I can’t find a way to search the previous rankings.

Oh actually found it- they were 80th in 2022 and 109 in 2021.
www.fhs-sw1.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Times-Top-400-Independent-Schools.pdf

Workhar · 26/02/2023 14:07

It’s hard for me to trust the rankings of covid years. 2019 may give a better idea. And anyways, in a cohort of around 100 students at A level, the performance of 3-4 students can make a school slip by 20 positions.

eglantine7 · 26/02/2023 15:15

Covid meant exams were cancelled and many private schools gave very inflated predicted grades to their students and there was an outcry about it. So ignore the rankings of some of these schools after 2019.

Hackn3ymum · 26/02/2023 16:09

kittybloom · 26/02/2023 10:42

Is anyone else waiting for school offers date (grammars or non-selective) and then got to make yet another decision?! I'm now feeling as stressed as just before half term...DD wants our indie option but DH keener on state option (which she's likely to get) so having narrowed down to one indie option, we have yet another decision to make.

If any old timers are reading this and ended up either choosing (or not choosing) non-selective state, I'd be really interested to hear feedback on how that went.

Yes we are in this situation. Waiting for state offer day on Weds and also have offer from an independent school. If we get our first choice state then I’m 99% sure we will go with that (it’s much closer, gets great results, we loved it the one time we could visit back on Sept) but if we don’t then we will probably accept Independent. So hard waiting… in the meantime DC has been to offer holders day and really loved it.

Hackn3ymum · 26/02/2023 16:13

@kittybloom I found this thread quite helpful 11plus worth it thread for a good spread of opinions

SamPoodle123 · 26/02/2023 16:29

Ilikelists · 26/02/2023 13:50

Oh actually found it- they were 80th in 2022 and 109 in 2021.
www.fhs-sw1.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Times-Top-400-Independent-Schools.pdf

Thanks for posting this

kittybloom · 26/02/2023 16:53

@Hackn3ymum thanks so much - will take a look at that thread shortly. Good luck with your decision - what's making mine tough is that DD worked hard to get her 11+ offers and really likes one of the indie school choices...

QuiteAJourney · 26/02/2023 23:25

As we enter decision week for most schools (though aware that some GDST have their deadline on the 6th), just wondering how people are feeling and if final decisions have been made. it has been quite a journey and interested in the fellow travellers 😉

After much soul searching, we have now signed all paperwork and paid deposit for WHS. KGS was a very, very close second but we feel that it is the right decision.

OP posts:
Daydreamscometrue · 27/02/2023 06:42

Congratulations on your decision @QuiteAJourney . We're still deciding between LU and DC but making a decision in the next day or so. Other offers released.

QuiteAJourney · 27/02/2023 06:51

@Daydreamscometrue good luck with the decision - amazing schools to choose from (and well done on narrowing it down to those two).

OP posts:
eglantine7 · 27/02/2023 07:46

@kittybloom yes we gave up our independent school offers and went for our non selective state. I can't speak for everyone or pretend all state schools are the same, but for us this was the best decision. Dd is in year 8 and thriving socially and academically and is a happy child again.
Look at what the school offers. For us the sports, extracurricular offerings ( pottery classes, LAMDA, science clubs etc) the languages offered, the trips abroad - we could not see why spending so much money on fees would be worth it. The leavers destination had a good mix of Russell group universities and vocational route college courses, a few Oxbridge and medical school which reflects the mix of abilities at this school. We like the social mix and mix of abilities and talent and rather than focus on academics it's more about what you can bring to the table.
Just do what is right for your family. Private schools are not the only route to an excellent education.

SamPoodle123 · 27/02/2023 08:46

Just wanted to update in regard to the house selection process at G&L. I am told it is random selection process and postcode is not considered.

Ernern · 27/02/2023 09:32

SamPoodle123 · 27/02/2023 08:46

Just wanted to update in regard to the house selection process at G&L. I am told it is random selection process and postcode is not considered.

I was told that postcode is being considered for class allocation instead of house.

Pigeon25 · 27/02/2023 10:04

After a never ending series of family meetings, we’ve decided to accept the Emanuel offer and declined the JAGS offer last night. Feel much better now that we are finally done! All other offers released last week and I get the feel from speaking to friends that waiting lists are starting to move a little….

momomamiko · 27/02/2023 10:18

Pigeon25 · 27/02/2023 10:04

After a never ending series of family meetings, we’ve decided to accept the Emanuel offer and declined the JAGS offer last night. Feel much better now that we are finally done! All other offers released last week and I get the feel from speaking to friends that waiting lists are starting to move a little….

Congratulations on your decision - we really liked Emanuel and how it appealed to the kids (and parents alike).

Re waitlists; do you mean some schools are already reverting re WL? Do you know which schools?

UKMum2021 · 27/02/2023 10:30

Pigeon25 · 27/02/2023 10:04

After a never ending series of family meetings, we’ve decided to accept the Emanuel offer and declined the JAGS offer last night. Feel much better now that we are finally done! All other offers released last week and I get the feel from speaking to friends that waiting lists are starting to move a little….

Congratulations on your decision! It seems more parents prefer coed than single sex nowadays.

SamPoodle123 · 27/02/2023 10:34

UKMum2021 · 27/02/2023 10:30

Congratulations on your decision! It seems more parents prefer coed than single sex nowadays.

We actually prefer single sex for our dd (she is in coed now). I always thought I would prefer coed, but when we did the offer holders event at Emanuel, I could not help but notice all the boys. I felt like there were way more boys there for some reason (even though it is split 50/50). However, for my ds, I do prefer coed (at least I think I do!). Perhaps when I visit the all boys schools I might change my mind and think ah this is a better fit.

HawaiiWake · 27/02/2023 10:53

@SamPoodle123 , holders offer days in coed schools are not invited on 50/50 gender split. All the best with GL!

Sunshineseeking123 · 27/02/2023 10:58

Pigeon25 · 27/02/2023 10:04

After a never ending series of family meetings, we’ve decided to accept the Emanuel offer and declined the JAGS offer last night. Feel much better now that we are finally done! All other offers released last week and I get the feel from speaking to friends that waiting lists are starting to move a little….

Congratulations! We have accepted Emanuel too (and released our others). Wishing luck to those on WL’s and hope there is positive movement for you this week🤞.

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