NW London - semi-selective state schools to consider?

[FunkeyChicken]

I live in NW6 and am not too thrilled about our local comprehensives, though obviously my opinion could change as I continue to visit them. As back-up, I’m considering having my DD sit the exams for Grey Coat, Mary Mags, and Henrietta Barnett. Are there any others that I should consider that wouldn’t be a terrible hike? DD is in Year 5 and is a good all-rounder academically, loves art/creative things, not sporty, and has some minor SEN needs.

For Henrietta Barnett being a good all-rounder won't be enough.

It's probably the most selective school I can think of in London - you'd need to be top of the top sets and have been prepping on the tests like crazy for years to get in there.

Have you looked at St Marylebones (Music/Dance/Drama), Holland Park (Art), Camden School for Girls (Music)...

Henrietta Barnet is extremely selective. She would need to be in about the top 2-3% to get a place there. Grey coat isn’t selective at all and you would be very unlikely to get a place unless you have attended church for the past 5 years and have a priest to attest to that.

I understand about HB and I would be prepping her for the test, not just having her sit it randomly. We’re within the 3 mile catchment, which makes it slightly easier. Obviously I have no expectations on that one, but figure it wouldn’t hurt. Plus my DH is really set on having her sit that one.

Grey Coat has a Language exam which I’m planning to have her sit. Definitely wouldn’t get in otherwise.

I don’t think she’d have a chance at the St Marylebone or CSG spaces, but I will have a look at Holland Park, as she is quite good at art — thank you for that suggestion, though it does seem like a pretty significant commute.

As long as you / your DH understand that - if you are serious about it - preparation for this test means her doing 2 - 4 hours of work a day. Which unless one of you is at home full time won't happen.

But plenty of girls sit HB without any real expectation of getting in, but as a practice to get them used to sitting 11+ exams. It is the first exam, early in Sept.

2 a 4 hours of work a day during the summer holidays, I mean.

Just sit as many exams as you want, some of these exams are just like a lottery even you practice a lot, including HBS.

It is only when you actually choose which schools to put into CAF form in what order
that matters.

Early days but were absolutely loving Queens Park Community School. Real emphasis on the creative subjects and also academic subjects, great teachers. Our DC has quickly made friends. We couldn’t be more delighted.

I'm also in NW6 - they aren't really an selective state schools. Have you looked at Parliament Hill girls school? Their results are quite good. Their catchment area is 1 mile.

Secondary - Parliament Hill School - Find school and college performance data in England - GOV.UK (find-school-performance-data.service.gov.uk)