Sixth forms - London and Peter Symonds

[Hopehelps]

Hello All,

Does anyone have any thoughts on Collingham College (London independent sixth form) or Peter Symonds for state boarding. Son is a hard worker and would really like a change from his London school for sixth form. Science and Maths orientated, very sociable and kind hearted.

Not from the UK (although we live in London) so would be grateful for any thoughts on these two. Or recommendations for other London sixth forms. We are based in West London.
Thank you so much !

Lots from SW London go to Esther College. Presumably looking for next year?

Can you board at PS just because you feel like it? (Genuine question).

Places in boarding are limited and will be allocated according to our assessment of the academic and boarding needs of each individual student.

You should search in the Further Education section of MN, there is a current thread on Collingwood.

How good is his maths? Good enough for a specialist school like Kings (day school near waterloo) or Exeter (state boarding)? Might be worth looking at.

Thank you all so much ! Most appreciated.

We’re not sure on how good is maths is. He loves (!) his maths and works at it late at night but actually is quite an all rounder doing lots of humanities so it’s not as clear cut as just wanting to go to a specialist maths school (I don’t think). Which I think Kings is?

Good point ! I hadn’t seen this so thank you for alerting me to it. I guess we would be applying from London so would have a ‘need’ on that front but as you’ve suggested - it isn’t a given.

Thank you - I’ll have a look.

Apart from the kids from the Falklands, I have always assumed that boarding places at PS are for kids with family needs, or maybe who come from the IOW etc. There are very few boarding places.
But I could be completely wrong.

I'd never heard of Collingham College so I looked them up. The fees are very expensive. Could he not go to a sixth form in an Independent school in London instead of you don't mind paying?

Thanks for your reply examsexamsexams… yes he’s already at an independent school with a six form attached but really wants a change. Hence the dilemma (slightly annoying but he’s determined!)

There's a lot of movement between the state and private schools in London at sixth form so he may just find a change of scene is what he needs.

I checked PS for a boarding option for my DS, who is entering 6th form in September, and was told their boarding facilities are full for the next two years.

So maybe check whether it is a realistic option.

If he wants a change of scene could he go to somewhere like Christs Hospital which has a strong maths department.

Cranbrook in Kent? State boarding grammar.

Hi,
I am possibly looking to change my DD’s school for A levels. Currently in an independent school but I am open to either another independent school or a good state school as well. Somewhere in the region of SW18. Coeducational is preferred. A school that is more nurturing and who give a damn. Not very science or math oriented. Any recommendations?