Page 24 | SW London Grammar and private senior school entry 2026

firsttrax · 2025-02-15T06:31:14+00:00

Setting up this thread for those of us with DC joining year 7 SW London schools in 2026. We’re planning to apply to KCS, Hampton, Epsom and Reed’s. Have been living in Dubai for three years, returning in August for year 6 at DS’ old prep school. DS has an online tutor focussing on exam technique and any gaps in the curriculum, plus Atom. Current school is great but definitely not preparing him for 11+!

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 13:52

Now I need to ask my own question!

Having got our son through this 3 years ago we are now in the fortunate position (!) of tearing our hair out about our choice for our DD. I posted previously in the Private Education forum but the forum is less busy than this thread.

She came through the same state primary as our DS (as above, who went to DC), and, to be perfectly honest, did better than we expected and got offers from 2 GDST schools and JAGs (which was the academic stretch goal). One of the 2 GDST offers also came with a dual scholarship (academic + additional). They are all within easy distance of us so there is no obvious bias there. For those who know the area and the school choices it might be obvious which the GDSTs are but I'm hesitant to name them.

Academically JAGs is a step above the two GDSTs and the GDST that has offered the scholarships is possibly seen as the weakest of our 3 choices academically (certainly at GCSE), but is also seen as a kind, small-ish, pastorally focused school.

The normal advice is likely that our DD would do well at any of the 3 schools, but would perhaps be more middle of the pack at JAGs, but surrounded by more academic peers to inspire her (or perhaps destroy her confidence!). So, ultiamtely, would she be served better by being top of the class or by being inspired. Additionally the fact that the GDST that offered the scholarships has moved to a standard of 9 GCSEs rather than 10 (and results have not wildly improved) bothers us, as I have always felt that one of the benefits of private education is the broadness of the offereing.

The choice is complicated further as an aquaintance at her primary is also likely to move on to the same GDST, and that has turned our DDs head a little so she naturally favours the one that comes with the accolades and the chance of not going alone. We both can't however shake the feeling that turning down what JAGs has to offer (which is considerable in comparison especially facilities-wise, irrespective of academic results) would be a big mistake when looked at over the course of 5-7 years!

Anyone out there having to make similar decisions, or perhaps have picked a less academic school for a bright girl and felt it was the best choice?

Elembeeee · 24/02/2026 13:56

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 13:21

We have a DS at DC who is now in Y9. He came from a local state primary and we applied to Trinity as well as Whitgift. He was not offered a place at Trinity after interview but was at Whitgift. I had to admit at the time I was thoroughly taken by Trinity and was sad that he never got a place, even though Dulwich is almost on our doorstep.

However, we were still delighted with Dulwich and so far have remained so. We really liked Dr. Spence, who has since handed over (with a minor blip in the middle) to Mr Milne (who I had previously met at Emanuel interviews for my DS) who I had very much liked at the time, so am equally pleased he moved to Dulwich.

My son knew no one at arrival, was not particularly sporty and pretty 'nerdy' on the whole, but has never felt as if he didn't belong. He's played hockey, been in school and house plays and has carved out a good group of friends who are fanatic about the things he is and seemingly coped pretty well academically without much prompting from us as regards homework and the like, which is exactly what I'd hoped from going private at secondary.

I'm not sure that I could really say that DC is 'down to earth', but that's more because I feel that no upper tier academically selective private school really truely is, there is always that air of expectation (academically and pastorally) from parents who are paying for education. But that is not the same thing as saying that our experience hasn't been incredibly friendly and welcoming across the board, from staff to parents, for which we are very grateful. Our DS now looks across at the DC buildings when we pass out of term term with a sense of pride that that's his school! I do sometimes catch myself worrying if that has a sign of arrogance or priveledge attached to to it, but, knowing him, more feel that he is happy and proud of the place he goes to school which is heartwarming and am glad that there is no fear or trepidation attached to the sight of it!

On a final note about distance, our other real option was Whitgift, which is a similar distance from us as it would have been to Trinity. The decision over Whitgift for our DS was likely made with more than a little influence regarding distance to the school. I can't stress now how glad we are we picked a school 10 minutes drive, 35 minutes walk away, rather than 30-40 minutes drive away! It makes his and our life just that little bit easier, and those little bits all add up in the end!

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Thank you for sharing.

My son is coming to Dulwich from a local state primary and you’ve described your son the way I’d describe mine. DC will be very different from his primary experience. Luckily I’ve found the school very homely and staff warm in all interactions so far. It was one of the reasons I pursued an application for my son. But admit feeling a bit less warmth from some other families during tours. Thankfully I’ve not seen that aloofness from the boys whilst walking around. And your review has reinforced my positive feelings.

MunchkinJ · 24/02/2026 14:00

ThisOlives · 24/02/2026 13:22

Emanuel parent here - year 9. Overall, very happy. It is friendly and inclusive but not as diverse and leans towards wealthy families. That being said, there is no showing off we witnessed as we are ethnically diverse and not wealthy.

Clubs are included and a lot of variety. Ethos hasn't changed with new headmaster - continuing on the successful transformation path that the previous head set out and tinkering around the edges. Still kind, caring, supportive environment.

Streaming in maths from year 8 if I recall correctly and then expect more will be streamed from year 10 for other subjects. It is not a cut throat, competitive environment academically and homework is very sensible.

There is the odd subject that teaching could be better but that's a small price to pay for such a happy, positive environment, and we expect that will get better in the GCSE years.

Hope this is helpful.

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Super helpful - thank you so much!

lg1040 · 24/02/2026 14:41

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 13:52

Now I need to ask my own question!

Having got our son through this 3 years ago we are now in the fortunate position (!) of tearing our hair out about our choice for our DD. I posted previously in the Private Education forum but the forum is less busy than this thread.

She came through the same state primary as our DS (as above, who went to DC), and, to be perfectly honest, did better than we expected and got offers from 2 GDST schools and JAGs (which was the academic stretch goal). One of the 2 GDST offers also came with a dual scholarship (academic + additional). They are all within easy distance of us so there is no obvious bias there. For those who know the area and the school choices it might be obvious which the GDSTs are but I'm hesitant to name them.

Academically JAGs is a step above the two GDSTs and the GDST that has offered the scholarships is possibly seen as the weakest of our 3 choices academically (certainly at GCSE), but is also seen as a kind, small-ish, pastorally focused school.

The normal advice is likely that our DD would do well at any of the 3 schools, but would perhaps be more middle of the pack at JAGs, but surrounded by more academic peers to inspire her (or perhaps destroy her confidence!). So, ultiamtely, would she be served better by being top of the class or by being inspired. Additionally the fact that the GDST that offered the scholarships has moved to a standard of 9 GCSEs rather than 10 (and results have not wildly improved) bothers us, as I have always felt that one of the benefits of private education is the broadness of the offereing.

The choice is complicated further as an aquaintance at her primary is also likely to move on to the same GDST, and that has turned our DDs head a little so she naturally favours the one that comes with the accolades and the chance of not going alone. We both can't however shake the feeling that turning down what JAGs has to offer (which is considerable in comparison especially facilities-wise, irrespective of academic results) would be a big mistake when looked at over the course of 5-7 years!

Anyone out there having to make similar decisions, or perhaps have picked a less academic school for a bright girl and felt it was the best choice?

Edited

so we have a slightly similar decision - we have offers from SCHS, Jags and Putney (I think though that's not your other GDST school). I have the same dilemma about JAGS and incidentally one of my daughter's friends has moved to SCHS a couple of years ago so my daughter would love to go there. Also has a small academic and sports scholarship. Personally I would rather that my DD is challenged and the middle of the pack than top of the class in a less demanding school. So I'm not even considering SCHS. I also found my daughter somehow is attracted to the "cool" (but potentially less bright) kids in her year at state primary as opposed to the more able kids. This makes it even more important for me that the bottom of the pack at JAGS and Putney is probably better than the middle or even top tier at these other schools. But equally I'm not bothered about pastoral care and really only focused on outcomes. Good luck with your choices! We have friends at both schools that I think you are referring to and the kids seem very happy so it depends what you value. For example SCHS have similar outcomes to Greycoats Hospital School so if I can get a state education with the same outcomes not sure what I'm paying for? :)

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 15:07

lg1040 · 24/02/2026 14:41

so we have a slightly similar decision - we have offers from SCHS, Jags and Putney (I think though that's not your other GDST school). I have the same dilemma about JAGS and incidentally one of my daughter's friends has moved to SCHS a couple of years ago so my daughter would love to go there. Also has a small academic and sports scholarship. Personally I would rather that my DD is challenged and the middle of the pack than top of the class in a less demanding school. So I'm not even considering SCHS. I also found my daughter somehow is attracted to the "cool" (but potentially less bright) kids in her year at state primary as opposed to the more able kids. This makes it even more important for me that the bottom of the pack at JAGS and Putney is probably better than the middle or even top tier at these other schools. But equally I'm not bothered about pastoral care and really only focused on outcomes. Good luck with your choices! We have friends at both schools that I think you are referring to and the kids seem very happy so it depends what you value. For example SCHS have similar outcomes to Greycoats Hospital School so if I can get a state education with the same outcomes not sure what I'm paying for? :)

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Thank you for your response. I should probably be less coy about the schools

Yes Putney isn't the GDST we have scholarship options for, it's Sydenham. Sydenham performs weaker than nearly all the GDSTs in SE/SW London at GCSE despite doing only 9, but then pulls above for A Level, but not by much and still a long way off JAGs

It does feel slightly that if you reduce it down to a 'smart child will do well wherever they go' justification, and have no absolute, unshakeable requirement to go private then the decision to pick any private school with a weaker academic record over state, let alone a strong academic private is lessened, and that's the hard part of the decision.

But taking any 11+ achievement away from them as you have put your DC through the stress of the whole process seems cruel. It's possibly easier in the counties with State Grammar as both private and state academic choices require a competitive process. I think the one main thing is that my DD sees all the schools as the same, only differentiated by size and 'vibes', the comparitive outcomes of them mean less to them aged 10 than to us as parent, especially if their experience of state school has not been as outcome focussed as perhaps private prep schools.

I guess my focus on outcomes over pastoral is less strong than your's, but is certainly a major part of the equation.

lg1040 · 24/02/2026 15:18

My DD is exactly the same. Luckily she has her heart set on PHS (unreasonably) whose outcomes are not dissimilar to JAGS so less of a difficult decision for me (although this weekend will take quite some reckoning). If you have a strong feeling about this- I'd go with your decision over a 10 year old's. You're paying for it and ultimately you know best and they are 10/11 year olds. Good luck with your choice! We might unknowingly see you at the offer holders day on Friday :)

carbonelthecat · 24/02/2026 15:54

@WNLastX We had a similar choice and chose JAGS - DD is state primary (also same area as you if your username is to go by!) - she's bright and curious, but not top flight academically. I have wondered whether the smaller, less academic GDST would be better for her (not Sydenham but the other local one!) and DD did actually like it more, but what it came down for us is that JAGS is the better opportunity with a broader curriculum and DD is the sort of child that likes to go with the easy option and we are hoping that a higher average ability will raise her up and inspire her.

We do have an older DD at JAGS already but that wasn't really a factor in the decision, other than she is happy and is doing well there, as they are very different children.

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 16:08

carbonelthecat · 24/02/2026 15:54

@WNLastX We had a similar choice and chose JAGS - DD is state primary (also same area as you if your username is to go by!) - she's bright and curious, but not top flight academically. I have wondered whether the smaller, less academic GDST would be better for her (not Sydenham but the other local one!) and DD did actually like it more, but what it came down for us is that JAGS is the better opportunity with a broader curriculum and DD is the sort of child that likes to go with the easy option and we are hoping that a higher average ability will raise her up and inspire her.

We do have an older DD at JAGS already but that wasn't really a factor in the decision, other than she is happy and is doing well there, as they are very different children.

Thanks for this. Yes my username does reflect our area!

May I ask was your choice for this year (i.e. starting Sept 26) or for a previous year? I think my daughter seems much like yours academically, thats why the scholarships seem so attractive to her as she feels it is something that she has achieved, that rarely gets recognised at her current school.

I guess also my concern re: pastoral care is that I've heard from other friends (who are not known to each other) 2 seperate issues of mental health concerns at JAGs, that were of a concern to us. I'd imagine these things go hand in hand with teenagers, especially girls, so not necessarily unique, but concerning nonetheless. It's good to hear that your eldest is happy!

carbonelthecat · 24/02/2026 18:15

@WNLastX this year - Sep 2026. We've been happy with the pastoral care, but haven't had much need to use it as DD has a small group of close friends and has had no real issues fortunately and we've found the school responsive when necessary. Yes, we've heard of girls with mental health issues, but tbh I have at all the local secondary schools (state and private) so I don't think it is necessarily a JAGS thing.

I have a close friend who is very happy with Sydenham for her girls and has chosen to keep them there at various transition points.

user1471467144 · 25/02/2026 13:02

WNLastX · 24/02/2026 13:21

We have a DS at DC who is now in Y9. He came from a local state primary and we applied to Trinity as well as Whitgift. He was not offered a place at Trinity after interview but was at Whitgift. I had to admit at the time I was thoroughly taken by Trinity and was sad that he never got a place, even though Dulwich is almost on our doorstep.

However, we were still delighted with Dulwich and so far have remained so. We really liked Dr. Spence, who has since handed over (with a minor blip in the middle) to Mr Milne (who I had previously met at Emanuel interviews for my DS) who I had very much liked at the time, so am equally pleased he moved to Dulwich.

My son knew no one at arrival, was not particularly sporty and pretty 'nerdy' on the whole, but has never felt as if he didn't belong. He's played hockey, been in school and house plays and has carved out a good group of friends who are fanatic about the things he is and seemingly coped pretty well academically without much prompting from us as regards homework and the like, which is exactly what I'd hoped from going private at secondary.

I'm not sure that I could really say that DC is 'down to earth', but that's more because I feel that no upper tier academically selective private school really truely is, there is always that air of expectation (academically and pastorally) from parents who are paying for education. But that is not the same thing as saying that our experience hasn't been incredibly friendly and welcoming across the board, from staff to parents, for which we are very grateful. Our DS now looks across at the DC buildings when we pass out of term term with a sense of pride that that's his school! I do sometimes catch myself worrying if that has a sign of arrogance or priveledge attached to to it, but, knowing him, more feel that he is happy and proud of the place he goes to school which is heartwarming and am glad that there is no fear or trepidation attached to the sight of it!

On a final note about distance, our other real option was Whitgift, which is a similar distance from us as it would have been to Trinity. The decision over Whitgift for our DS was likely made with more than a little influence regarding distance to the school. I can't stress now how glad we are we picked a school 10 minutes drive, 35 minutes walk away, rather than 30-40 minutes drive away! It makes his and our life just that little bit easier, and those little bits all add up in the end!

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Thanks so much this is really helpful, and good to hear a positive experience, especially coming from a state primary as that is our situation too. We have decider tours today at both so hopefully that will help too. Re Dulwich, I know there is no formal sibling policy but anecdotally do you know whether siblings have a reasonable chance of admission if they do ok in the exams? We also have a younger ds to think about.. Thanks again.

WNLastX · 25/02/2026 14:24

user1471467144 · 25/02/2026 13:02

Thanks so much this is really helpful, and good to hear a positive experience, especially coming from a state primary as that is our situation too. We have decider tours today at both so hopefully that will help too. Re Dulwich, I know there is no formal sibling policy but anecdotally do you know whether siblings have a reasonable chance of admission if they do ok in the exams? We also have a younger ds to think about.. Thanks again.

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You're more than welcome, having been through it I know this process is hard (as well as my current dilemma for our DD now!).

I really am not sure about an 'informal' sibling policy. I do know that my DS is with boys who have elder brothers at the school, but I'm not sure that really counts for much, they could have all be there since the Junior school. However, I can't see how an elder sibiling would not at least be a slight factor into the decisions that DC make over subsequent kids.

It's not a guarantee I suppose, and that's what not having a formal policy allows for, but it certainly might be a deciding factor at the sharp end of their decisions. I'd imagine if they really felt that a sibling had underperformed then they might feel it could be too 'risky' to admit them, but having you as, essentially, a current customer of the school they would have to risk the chance of upsetting an existing relationship. And (no extra pressure on your eldest here!) the current performance/relationship of the elder sibling might influence their decision also.

But these are only my best guesses, probably along the lines of thoughts you've already had. There may be someone who has a more definitive answer and/or at least experience of having 2 boys at DC.

All the best with your choice.

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 14:36

Hi all! I hope everyone is getting ever closer to making their big decision on schools! From previous years, does anyone know if the G&L waitlist moves at all? We had an update from them today that there has been no movement yet but I wonder if it’s worth holding out at all for early next week/get hopes up as our DD is getting more anxious about why we haven’t made the final decision yet (friends have been accepting their offers now).

I heard stories about waitlist positions coming up later in the term/summer but we aren’t prepared to wait that long. Just wondering if state school results has an impact and perhaps we might hear back by Tuesday of next week (before deadline for other schools) ? Thank you!

Blinkofaneye2 · 27/02/2026 14:56

When is the acceptance deadline for your top 2?
I believe state schools are emailing parents in London at 5pm on Monday so there may be some movement on Tuesday. But those people with state / grammar school options as well as indies may want to maximum their time to consider their options ie not accept / decline their indie place until the last minute (by which time those on the WL will have had to accept / pay a deposit elsewhere). Often WL places don't come up until after the indie acceptance day. Sorry, I know that's probably not what you want to hear!

Springtoday · 27/02/2026 14:59

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 14:36

Hi all! I hope everyone is getting ever closer to making their big decision on schools! From previous years, does anyone know if the G&L waitlist moves at all? We had an update from them today that there has been no movement yet but I wonder if it’s worth holding out at all for early next week/get hopes up as our DD is getting more anxious about why we haven’t made the final decision yet (friends have been accepting their offers now).

I heard stories about waitlist positions coming up later in the term/summer but we aren’t prepared to wait that long. Just wondering if state school results has an impact and perhaps we might hear back by Tuesday of next week (before deadline for other schools) ? Thank you!

I would wait until the very last minute to make your choice and let G&L know they are your first choice, and you would accept immediately if offered. Sometimes there are movements on WLs in schools when state school offers come out. I can't say I know about G&L. I have a dd there. I do not know anyone that got in via the WL personally. But my dd said she has one friend there that got in that way.

chilled31 · 27/02/2026 15:06

there is an overlap for sure, esp among Richmond/Chiswick parents who might be waiting for Tiffin Girls etc.. You can't tell if WL move bc they usually adjust from one year to the next, hence if one year the WL doesn't move at all, they will offer more conservatively the following, so just bc it moved or didn't move last year, it doesn't tell you a lot. I would wait till the day after state school offers are out, that is when movement usually occurs.

minipie · 27/02/2026 15:23

Re WL movement I can’t speak for G&L specifically but I would expect that a lot of parents will be sitting down to make their final decision this weekend after the offer holder days this week. Hopefully parents will get on with turning down the ones they are not taking as well as accepting the ones they are!

Given this plus state school offers on Monday I suspect Monday/Tuesday will be a busy day for admissions lists and there may be some WL offers on Tuesday or early Wednesday right up to the wire. Then more movement straight after the Weds deadline has passed.

I do know some people in previous years who had to accept a second choice and pay deposit because the deadline was about to expire and no WL place yet, but their WL offer came good very soon after - I think within 24/36 hours of having accepted the second choice - and they were able to retract the second choice acceptance and get deposit back. No guarantees of getting a deposit back of course but if it’s very quick I would hope schools will be reasonable .

Somewhereinlondon81 · 27/02/2026 15:26

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 14:36

Hi all! I hope everyone is getting ever closer to making their big decision on schools! From previous years, does anyone know if the G&L waitlist moves at all? We had an update from them today that there has been no movement yet but I wonder if it’s worth holding out at all for early next week/get hopes up as our DD is getting more anxious about why we haven’t made the final decision yet (friends have been accepting their offers now).

I heard stories about waitlist positions coming up later in the term/summer but we aren’t prepared to wait that long. Just wondering if state school results has an impact and perhaps we might hear back by Tuesday of next week (before deadline for other schools) ? Thank you!

Still wish we could swap! Will you go for LU if the G&L waitlist doesn't move? DD went to the G&L offer day and was rather disheartened that several of the girls in her scavenger hunt group had offers from both and were trying to decide...

Springtoday · 27/02/2026 15:38

Somewhereinlondon81 · 27/02/2026 15:26

Still wish we could swap! Will you go for LU if the G&L waitlist doesn't move? DD went to the G&L offer day and was rather disheartened that several of the girls in her scavenger hunt group had offers from both and were trying to decide...

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Sometimes things happen for a reason. I have a dd at G&L and she is very happy there. I also have a ds at LU and he is happy. Sometimes kids will get into one school and not the other. We know someone who got LU but not G&L and someone St Paul's but not LU. DS did not get St Paul's but got LU and his friend got St Paul's and not LU. DS did not mind too much, but I did tell him focus on his offers and that things happen for a reason.

Somewhereinlondon81 · 27/02/2026 15:44

Springtoday · 27/02/2026 15:38

Sometimes things happen for a reason. I have a dd at G&L and she is very happy there. I also have a ds at LU and he is happy. Sometimes kids will get into one school and not the other. We know someone who got LU but not G&L and someone St Paul's but not LU. DS did not get St Paul's but got LU and his friend got St Paul's and not LU. DS did not mind too much, but I did tell him focus on his offers and that things happen for a reason.

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Thank you! G&L does seem like a brilliant school. I just have reservations about single sex education (admittedly based on my own long-ago boarding school experiences). We only have daughters so no brothers around for any kind of gender balance, and the only question the G&L didn't answer well is what joint activities they do with boys. The answer seemed to be nothing!

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 17:09

Somewhereinlondon81 · 27/02/2026 15:26

Still wish we could swap! Will you go for LU if the G&L waitlist doesn't move? DD went to the G&L offer day and was rather disheartened that several of the girls in her scavenger hunt group had offers from both and were trying to decide...

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Yes we will accept LU before the deadline on Wednesday - have declined all others now. LU have had us in two times this week already with an open evening and a heads tour and then sports ground visit tomorrow. I think our DD is getting more and more excited as each even happens and will probably want to go for LU even if G&L does come through at the last minute. It doesn’t help that waitlists don’t get to come back to the school again to for a last look around (probably rightfully so) and in the mean time minds can be changed

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 17:13

Springtoday · 27/02/2026 15:38

Sometimes things happen for a reason. I have a dd at G&L and she is very happy there. I also have a ds at LU and he is happy. Sometimes kids will get into one school and not the other. We know someone who got LU but not G&L and someone St Paul's but not LU. DS did not get St Paul's but got LU and his friend got St Paul's and not LU. DS did not mind too much, but I did tell him focus on his offers and that things happen for a reason.

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I think you’re very right that sometimes things happen for a reason and schools are potentially quite good at selecting who would settle / thrive better there and that’s why you can have a mix of offers and some children getting one and not the other

W4mamabear · 27/02/2026 17:16

Thank you all for your replies - I really appreciate it! Will trust the process and at the end of the day our DD has a top offer in hand so we probably give ourselves a deadline of Tuesday night and if no movement then draw a line under it

Springtoday · 27/02/2026 19:34

Somewhereinlondon81 · 27/02/2026 15:44

Thank you! G&L does seem like a brilliant school. I just have reservations about single sex education (admittedly based on my own long-ago boarding school experiences). We only have daughters so no brothers around for any kind of gender balance, and the only question the G&L didn't answer well is what joint activities they do with boys. The answer seemed to be nothing!

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Yea, tbh I don't think they do much. I think once I saw for the older years a netball match against St Paul's boys school. But my dd is in year 9 and dont think they have ever done one joint activity. I do think single sex schools should make an effort to do something once in a while. But I am not too bothered because dd has a brother, went to coed all of primary and she does sport out of school that includes boys. Her friends seem to know boys out of school so she has met some via friends.

Surbimum · 03/03/2026 11:21

Wondering if there's been any movement on the KGS reserve list?

TheWorthyCoralDuck · 04/03/2026 10:49

Surbimum · 03/03/2026 11:21

Wondering if there's been any movement on the KGS reserve list?

Seems like nothing yet. I read online other schools have already reached out to the ones on reserve lists, but didn't hear anything on KGS yet.