The Laurels vs Sydenham High?

[SuperEkstra]

We are looking for a smallish, nurturing all girls school for DD for secondary. We've visited both and really like both. There seems to be less information RE the Laurels and of course I am aware that it is a very small, relatively new school.

Does any one have a daughter at either? Can you advise on how oversubscribed (or not) either school is? DD is exceptionally bright though very shy.

Not sure Sydenham High is all that selective, but friend's DD is v bright and rather eccentric, and didn't get an offer. We know of girls who got places who, um, to put it kindly, aren't exactly going to set the world on fire... so hard to know what they're looking for. I remember reading on here somewhere about girls who got offers from JAGS but not SH.

The Laurels is an Opus Dei school, which you might want to factor in.

@QuiteAJourney, I don't know much about Opus Dei; I thought they were just quite strict Catholics? What's controversial about them?

Nothing controversial about Opus Dei, unless you believe Dan Brown writes fact rather than fiction! As you say, they're just 'strictly' Catholic - tho you're not required to be any kind of Christian to go to The Laurels, they also have Muslim pupils (and those of no faith at all).

I've had 3 girls go through the school, been there since it opened in fact, so am happy to answer any questions (tho about to leave for school run now).

Short answer, it's a small, friendly, very nurturing school that pays great attention to each girl's individual needs/strengths/weaknesses.

I have (very purposefully) not provided any comments. It may become apparent from other threads here (and may be even later on in this thread) that there are quite strong views. As said, something to be aware of, research and consider.

Thank you. Can you tell me a bit about the admissions process? Is it very competitive? DD is a smart cookie, but hugely shy and anxious

It's not over-subscribed, if that's what you mean by 'competitive'? And it's not like a grammar-school super-academically-competitive environment either. Whilst there is an entrance test in English and Maths, the intake is reasonably comprehensive in terms of a variety of abilities.

Because it's a small (though slowly and steadily growing) school, they pride themselves on the individualised care and support they're able to provide each girl, depending on their own personal requirements/strengths/weaknesses.

Not what you asked but have you looked at Sutton High? It’s a bit far from us but seemed like a lovely school and well suited to a quieter personality.

I’ve heard a talk from the Laurels deputy head and it was clear religion is a very strong theme there.