Francis Holland Sloane Square

Dodgeitornot · 16/03/2023 15:45

The last couple of years they've had really incredible results. This would be the effect of the years pre COVID, not recent. The challenge will be for the new head to keep that going but I don't think it'll be that difficult. Their intake has changed to really academic girls and it's not easy to get a space anymore.

Original poster

Heidi245 · 18/03/2023 18:22

Interesting @Dodgeitornot

Do you know anyone there? Thinking of applying for DD and wasn’t sure how much of it was hype.

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Daydreamscometrue · 18/03/2023 19:06

It's becoming increasingly popular and therefore more selective. Lots of bright girls I know wait listed this year and only two offers.

Ilikelists · 19/03/2023 09:29

Heidi245 · 16/03/2023 15:27

Does anyone have any recent experience of Francis Holland Sloane Square?

It won Sunday Times Independent School of the year in 2022 and I can see it has sky rocketed in the League Tables. I’m wondering if this is a flash in the pan or a longer-term change? Are these just covid-inflated results or because of a real cultural shift spearheaded by Lucy Elphinstone?

I think it is a lovely school with a great vibe but I think it is highly unlikely to rank in the top 20 again this year.

PrettyUpMyPorch · 19/03/2023 18:16

Is Ms Elphinstone leaving - is it confirmed?

SamPoodle123 · 19/03/2023 18:26

PrettyUpMyPorch · 19/03/2023 18:16

Is Ms Elphinstone leaving - is it confirmed?

Yes, emails were sent out to parents. I assume they were sent to all that were applying to FHSS.

Original poster

Heidi245 · 20/03/2023 11:07

@Ilikelists

I’m really interested in you why you think this might be the case. Is it because you think recent results were covid-inflated?

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Ilikelists · 20/03/2023 12:14

Heidi245 · 20/03/2023 11:07

@Ilikelists

I’m really interested in you why you think this might be the case. Is it because you think recent results were covid-inflated?

I think the school has always done really well with a much broader intake of girls but 80th to 13th just sounds like an unusual cohort. Maybe fewer girls went to other 6th forms because of covid or maybe some girls transferred in and shifted the balance this year. I still think it is a great school if it is 13th or 80th, but I suspect a lot of these incoming year 7 parents will be disappointed when they see the ranking next year.

Original poster

Heidi245 · 20/03/2023 14:28

Ranking is based on a combination of GCSE as well as A Level results so pre-6th form results included, but agree it will be very interesting to see where the school nets out over the next few years, especially with a new head.

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Ilikelists · 20/03/2023 14:36

Heidi245 · 20/03/2023 14:28

Ranking is based on a combination of GCSE as well as A Level results so pre-6th form results included, but agree it will be very interesting to see where the school nets out over the next few years, especially with a new head.

Gcse levels have always been a lot stronger than their a levels- I think mostly because of more academic girls leaving for coeds like Westminster and kings, maybe now they stay? But also I have heard they encourage the weaker girls to take 6/7 GCSEs Vs 10

HawaiiWake · 20/03/2023 22:23

Ilikelists · 20/03/2023 14:36

Gcse levels have always been a lot stronger than their a levels- I think mostly because of more academic girls leaving for coeds like Westminster and kings, maybe now they stay? But also I have heard they encourage the weaker girls to take 6/7 GCSEs Vs 10

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I heard instead of 10 or 11 GCSEs they take 9, like Wimbledon High.

Ilikelists · 20/03/2023 22:42

HawaiiWake · 20/03/2023 22:23

I heard instead of 10 or 11 GCSEs they take 9, like Wimbledon High.

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I have a friend with a dyslexic daughter at fhss and they recommended she take 6 GCSE’s and she says a lot of her friends are only taking 6 or 7.

bashstreetkids · 20/03/2023 22:45

My daughter is at FHSS and we are very happy with the school, especially the quality of teaching. It feels like they achieve really good results but without hothouse pressure (it’s why we chose the school and I’m happy to see it work in practice)

They all do 9 GCSES (unless they are doing further maths or are a native speaker of a second language). I haven’t heard of anyone doing fewer than 9 (I might be wrong)

My instinct on the improved A level results is that the new Sixth form centre has meant they have retained more high achieving girls in sixth form (they used to lose some to the co-ed schools Westminster, Kings etc) It is a beautiful space, which allows the sixth formers a bit of independence and space from the main school and makes a massive difference. It may also be that after covid, there has been less movement than normal.

Mrs Elphinstone is a big loss, but I think she’s hired some exceptional and inspirational teachers, so my hope is that they stay and that her successor shares a similar vision and values.

Original poster

Heidi245 · 22/03/2023 10:13

@bashstreetkids

That is really interesting regarding why more girls might be staying on in the 6th form than before.

Has the school said anything at all about the replacement for Mrs Elphinstone?

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bashstreetkids · 23/03/2023 00:02

The school have said that they have some excellent candidates shortlisted and (according to my daughter), they have involved some of the girls at the school in the interview process, which I think is a brilliant idea. We should know who is taking over very soon.

pinkgaia · 29/12/2023 17:10

Hello everyone,
My daughter will have the 11+ interview soon at francis holland sloane Square.
They say there will be a "creative task" before the actual interview.
Do you know what the task is about and what the questions are during the interview?
Anyone that did it last year and can share recent experience?
Many thanks 😊