Secondary schools in West/ Central London

[RedCarBlueCar123]

The time has come to start thinking about secondary school options for our daughter. Our daughter is strong academically - but her passion is art/ creative subjects.

All of this is new to us and we really don't know where to start. We have been looking at CLSG, however, we are concerned it might be quite a pressurised environment and so we're not sure if this would be the right place for her.

Ideally what we are looking for is somewhere strong academically, but also somewhere that has a focus on creative subjects. Somewhere not too pressurised with a holistic approach with great pastoral care.

Would love to hear from other parents in the Central/ West London area. Open to other areas within the capital as well!

Where do you live? Are you considering only independent? Do you prefer co-ed/ single sex?

We’re in Maida Vale. Open to state but would prefer independent. Open to either single sex or co-Ed. We’re wanting somewhere academic, but not too pressurised. Somewhere nurturing with a decent amount of ethnic and social diversity. Ideally somewhere with good extra curricular activities.

You’ve just described St Marylebone school for girls, albeit state not private.

Really? I’ve read a lot about the ‘bitchiness’ at St M (I don’t know if this is just a girls school issue). I also know of someone personally who withdrew their child due to bullying, both things I’m very wary of.

My daughter is not an alpha female and so ideally I’d want somewhere she would be able to fit in.

DD1 loves it and DD2 hoping to join her next year and describes it as her dream school. I think there is bitchiness in all schools, co-ed or single sex. I certainly don’t think an entire year group can be alpha females, DD1 definitely isn’t and seems to have found her own tribe. Of course this may change over time as it could at any school, it just depends on to cohort they end up in.

Your obvious alternative choice would be South Hampstead. Very academic, possibly quite pressurised? Ex pupils I know are all successful adults in creative roles though not a huge sample size! It would probably be a shorter commute and friends would be more local than CLSG which is an advantage you can't underestimate.

I would also look at SW London indies, lots of kids come from all around London. Many Central/North London kids in SW senior schools. Have a look at Putney High, Emanuel, Latymer, Godolphin & Latymer...etc.

Thank you all for the suggestions. If anyone has personal experience with their child at a school (state or independent) which fits our criteria I would be very grateful to hear from you.

Our daughter is very creative and loves art, so ideally somewhere with a strong art department.

Thanks very much

I know this is an old thread, but just in case you’re still looking…
Both Camden and Marylebone are vastly over-subscribed. I don’t think you have any chance of getting into Camden from Maida Vale, unless it’s for one of the music places and even then isn’t there a distance criterium? St Marylebone offers performing arts places in dance, drama, music and choral. Otherwise you would need to have been attending the church regularly for three years I think.
Queen’s College is worth checking to see if it suits your DD.

edited to correct spelling.