Babington house school vs Bromley high secondary

[Abby12345]

My DD has received an offer from Babington House for secondary education, and we are also considering Bromley High. We are currently unsure about which one to choose, as my daughter is open to either option. If anyone has experience with either of these two schools, your insights would greatly assist us in making an informed decision.

We haven't looked into Babington House but did sit the Bromley exam. I would suggest it depends what you're looking for, as note Babington only had 18 students sit for GSCE in 2023. It is also co-ed so sounds very different to a girls only school with +100 in the year group. Have you looked into the long term viability of a school with such small numbers? That would be a potential concern for me and I'd also want to ensure enough friendship, extra curricular options as possible which I think would be tough at such a small school. Might be worth atttending the offer holder mornings and see if it helps with the decision. Good luck in your decision.

Thank you @Journey123 for your input. Having only 18 students seems quite low for a school that typically accommodates up to 40 students per year group. I am aware that many students tend to transfer to other schools for sixth form. Your observation about the importance of friendships is valid, especially considering that my daughter is currently in a smaller school. It's challenging to make a decision.
There's a belief that smaller groups may lead to more individual attention from teachers compared to larger groups, though I'm unsure if this holds true. At the moment, we are leaning towards Bromley High School, but we are still waiting for an offer from them. Keeping our fingers crossed that everything works out positively.

@Abby12345 if you look at subsequent years (past last year’s GCSE cohort which was the first year coed in seniors) , the forms are completely full at Babington with 36 students in each year ; there is a waiting list. The sixth form is also growing but I hope it’s doesn’t get too big as it is such a lovely nurturing school and the sixth formers do incredibly well with oxbridge interviews and offers etc. Babington will give you all the facts and figures, but current school roll is around 500 and it is full (with waiting lists as referred to above).

i have experience with both schools and it sounds trite but it really does depend on the child. Children who thrive on small classes and a nurturing environment will fly at Babington, those who need a much bigger cohort and all the bells and whistles will do well at Bromley.

my dd3 moved from a large private school to a smaller one and it was the best thing we ever did for her.