London Y7: St Marylebone or Camden School for Girls?

[clevud]

My daughter got a music aptitude place at St Marylebone. We are agnostic/atheist. The school's religious side is extremely light touch. On her first school day, CSG called to offer her a place based on banding and distance. It's very unusual because we live far from the school, 30 min by overground. I'd have loved to send her there, but she says she wants to be with her best friend from primary and that she's happy. Who knows. Uniform police at StM has already irritated me, but not her. We just had a laugh and agreed that not all things that schools state make sense. I'm more interested in a very good academic environment where she can develop independent and critical thinking.
I think she'll be happy in both. Of course sibling policy applies to CSG but not StM which woudl have been useful for my Y11 daughter.
Any views? Need to make a final decision by 9am on 9.09!

Also interested to know what the exam is like?

There are a maximum of 16 performing arts places. I believe they are usually split between 4 each for choral, music, dance and drama. However the wording on the admissions gives them scope to rearrange if say they were to get 3 dance entries and 100 choral entries they could give out more choral. I think it's usually 4,4,4,4.

As a former student myself, I can explain the dance lessons! It is such an amazing school and they put a real emphasis on preparing everyone for their futures in regard to confidence, team work and problem solving. One of the ways they do this is by having music, dance and drama as compulsory for the first 3 years. You don’t need any sort of training and you learn a range of styles! It’s not at all a ballet class at the barre type thing, it’s more about learning about historical productions and creating your own in that style, for example, or learning about a new culture and the traditions they may have in the arts. It taught me how to present myself confidently in an interview, to know my value and not be afraid to take up space in a room, and made me push the barrier of self judgement! It doesn’t matter if it’s your thing or not, it’s just a good thing to have in the curriculum to use your brain in a different way.

Which school are you referring to?

St Marylebone

My DD has done well and has been invited for round 2 of the music (choral) aptitude test. There is little information in the invitation letter so I wonder if anyone could shed more light on what will be assessed?

• There is a set song - do the girls sing this with accompaniment or a cappella?
• Aural test - anyone know what this would involve?

My DD really enjoys singing but hasn't had much formal training, therefore I wonder how we can help her prepare for this.

@GummyNut same here! My DD ended up getting a place for music. We are really happy and trying to find some direct feedback of the school!

Hey
I'm curious you said you are 6km away. I'm currently 5.6 and really want my eldest to go to CSG. Did you do a standard application?

Hey
I'm curious you said you are 6km away. I'm currently 5.6 and really want my eldest to go to CSG. Did you do a standard application?
I don't quite get the banding thing.

My DD got a place for September 2025. Wondering how did you find it in your experience? Any feedback welcome :)